These garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos are packed with flavor! Tender beef covered in a sweet and tangy sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas. What’s not to love?
Honestly, I can’t resist adding extra sauce on top. It really makes each bite feel like a party! 🌮 Plus, they’re quick to whip up, making dinner a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak are great choices for this recipe. They have good flavor and tenderness. If you want to go lighter, shredded chicken or even tofu could work. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.
Garlic Butter:** I love using garlic butter for its rich flavor. If you don’t have it, you can simply use regular butter with minced garlic. This works just as well and gives that nice garlic kick!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to balance the BBQ sauce. If you’re looking for a vegan option, agave nectar or maple syrup would be perfect substitutes.
BBQ Sauce: Use any type of BBQ sauce you like, whether it’s sweet, spicy, or smoky. If you’re low on BBQ sauce, a mix of tomato sauce with spices can do the trick in a pinch!
Tortillas: You can use flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference. Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but if you want softer tacos, flour may be better.
How Do You Properly Cook Beef for Tacos?
Cooking beef perfectly makes a huge difference in taste and texture. Here are some steps to keep in mind:
- Start with a hot skillet: Heat it up over medium heat before adding garlic butter. This ensures a good sear on the beef.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Working in batches if you have a lot helps the beef brown evenly.
- Cook until browned: Sauté the beef for about 5-7 minutes until all sides are nice and brown. This adds flavor!
- Mix in the sauce: Once the beef is browned, pour your honey BBQ mix over it and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. This allows the beef to soak in all that great flavor.
Following these tips will help you achieve delicious, flavorful beef for your tacos every time!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, diced
- 3 tablespoons garlic butter (or 1 tablespoon butter and 2 cloves garlic, minced)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of brand)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Creamy sauce (optional, for drizzling; e.g., sour cream, cilantro-lime sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful taco recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 25 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy, with plenty of ranch flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by melting the garlic butter in a large skillet over medium heat. If you’re using regular butter, add the minced garlic after melting the butter, sautéing it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the diced beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s browned on all sides, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Make the Sauce:
While the beef is cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the honey, BBQ sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until it’s combined. This sauce will give your tacos an incredible flavor!
3. Combine and Cook:
Once the beef is browned, pour the honey BBQ sauce mixture over the beef in the skillet. Stir everything together so the beef gets coated in that delicious sauce. Let it cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and completely coat the beef.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is finishing up, take another skillet or simply heat the tortillas directly over the flame for a few seconds until they’re softened and pliable. This will make them easier to fold and will enhance their flavor!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Take a tortilla and spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture into the center. Top it off with the sliced red onion and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. If you fancy a little extra creaminess, don’t forget to drizzle your choice of creamy sauce on top!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately while they’re warm and delicious. Get ready for some happy taste buds!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute beef sirloin or flank steak with cuts like skirt steak, ribeye, or even ground beef if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut, so adjust cooking times as needed for tenderness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time! Simply cook the beef and sauce, then let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the beef mixture gently in a skillet before assembling your tacos.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
If you’re out of honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute. The flavor will differ slightly but will still add that desired sweetness to your tacos. You could also reduce the quantity of BBQ sauce to enhance its flavor balance.
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
For storing leftovers, keep the beef mixture and tortillas separate in airtight containers. The beef can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, while the tortillas are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for about a week in a sealed bag. When ready to eat, warm up the beef and fill the tortillas just before serving.
