These tasty tacos are filled with beef that’s cooked in a sticky garlic butter and honey BBQ sauce. It’s a sweet and savory combo that’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Who can resist juicy beef in a warm tortilla? I like to load mine with fresh toppings. The better the toppings, the more fun you have—bring on the guac! 🥑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using flank steak or sirloin because they’re tender and grill beautifully. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect as it lets you control the overall saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, olive oil or coconut oil works great for sautéing.
BBQ Sauce: A good BBQ sauce is key to flavor. Feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade version. If you’re vegan, go for a plant-based BBQ sauce.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but you can swap it for maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and chewy; corn tortillas are gluten-free and have a distinct flavor. Choose based on your preference!
How Do I Ensure My Beef Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking beef to the right doneness is essential for great tacos. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Slice the beef thin against the grain. This helps make it tender.
- Cook it over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes. You want a nice sear but to avoid overcooking.
- Once it’s cooked, toss it quickly with the sauce to let the flavors meld, but don’t cook it too long with the sauce or it can get tough.
Keep an eye on the beef—nothing worse than chewy tacos!
Easy Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful taco recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, making it a quick 25-minute meal! Perfect for a busy weeknight or a tasty weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed and set it aside. This will be the delicious coating for your beef!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Heat the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Make sure not to burn the garlic!
3. Cook the Beef:
Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet. Cook it while stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it so that the beef doesn’t overcook.
4. Coat the Beef:
Pour the BBQ honey sauce mixture over the cooked beef. Toss everything together until the beef is well coated. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes so that the sauce thickens slightly and adheres to the beef.
5. Make the Spicy Lime Drizzle:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the lime juice and hot sauce (if you’re using it). This zesty mayonnaise will go perfectly on your tacos!
6. Warm the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or in the microwave for about 20 seconds until they are pliable. This makes them easier to roll and fold!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and add a generous amount of the BBQ beef mixture right in the center. Make it as full as you like!
8. Add Fresh Toppings:
Top your beef with chopped red onion and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Then, drizzle the spicy lime mayo over the top. It adds an extra kick!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy the delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors!
Enjoy your flavorful and fast Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin or flank steak are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use chicken, pork, or even shrimp. For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or jackfruit for a meaty texture.
Can I Make the Beef Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance! Cook the beef as directed, then let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or microwave before serving.
What Should I Do with Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftover beef or toppings, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef gently, and assemble the tacos fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
How Can I Customize the Toppings?
The beauty of tacos is in their versatility! Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as avocado, cheese, jalapeños, or salsa. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess!
