These tacos are a tasty twist with juicy beef coated in a sweet and sticky garlic butter honey BBQ sauce. Wrapped in soft tortillas, they’re a hit with everyone!
You know it’s a good day when tacos are on the menu! I love topping mine with fresh veggies for a crunchy kick. Trust me, you can’t eat just one! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: I like using flank steak for its tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try chicken breast or turkey breast, marinated the same way. Ground beef or plant-based crumbles work well if you’re going for a meatless dish!
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning better. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or vegan butter. Coconut oil works too, but it may add some coconut flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a rush, garlic powder can substitute in a pinch, but it won’t have quite the same kick. Some folks also like to add more garlic for a stronger flavor!
BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce you love! If you’re looking for less sugar, there are many low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce recipes out there. I prefer a smoky flavor, but tangy sauces can make it interesting too!
Tortillas: I usually go for flour tortillas for their softness, but corn tortillas have a lovely taste, too! If you’re gluten-free, corn tortillas are a great alternative.
How Do You Get the Beef Just Right?
Perfectly cooked beef is key for tasty tacos! Here’s how to get it right:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain; this helps it stay tender when cooking.
- Preheat the skillet well. This helps to sear the beef quickly, giving it a nice crust!
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed, so every piece gets that delightful brown color.
Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, as it can go from juicy to dry quickly! Aim for a nice sear, about 3-4 minutes should do it.
Easy Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembling:
- 8 small flour tortillas or corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional toppings: shredded purple cabbage, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or chipotle sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes to cook. In total, you will need about 25 minutes to whip up these delicious tacos. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a bowl, take your thinly sliced beef and sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the beef is well-coated with the seasonings. This will make your beef extra flavorful!
2. Sear the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef to the skillet. Sear the beef for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Let them cook together until fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden, about 1 minute. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing at this point!
4. Add Honey and BBQ Sauce:
Next, stir in the honey and your favorite BBQ sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes shiny. You want that sticky goodness for your tacos!
5. Combine Beef with Sauce:
Now, return the seared beef to the skillet and toss them together with the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce until the beef is fully coated. Heat it through for another minute.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas in a clean dry skillet or in the microwave until they are soft and pliable. This makes them easier to fold and so much tastier!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
It’s taco time! Take a warm tortilla and spoon some of the sauced beef onto it. Top it off with some chopped fresh cilantro and add any optional toppings like shredded cabbage or sliced green onions. If you like a little heat, don’t forget to drizzle on some spicy mayo or chipotle sauce!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tacos right away while they’re warm and delicious. Gather your loved ones, dig in, and enjoy the burst of flavors from these garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos!
FAQ: Easy Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Substitute the Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Chicken breast, turkey, or even shrimp can make excellent substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you’re using. If you’re looking for a meatless option, try using lentils or plant-based crumbles cooked in the same spices!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the beef while it cooks, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. A splash of hot sauce can also amp up the flavor!
What Should I Do with Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet over low heat until heated through. It’s best to warm the tortillas fresh to keep them soft!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce in advance! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, just warm it up and add your cooked beef to combine!
