These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! With juicy beef covered in a sweet and savory sauce, they pack a flavorful punch in every bite. Plus, who doesn’t love tacos?
Making these is a breeze! I love throwing all the ingredients together, and just like that, street food magic is happening in my kitchen. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I usually use flank steak for its tenderness, but sirloin also works well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian option, try using black beans or mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Garlic Butter: You can easily make your own by mixing softened butter with minced garlic. If you’re short on time, store-bought works just fine. Alternatively, you can use olive oil and add more garlic if you’d like a lighter version.
Honey: This adds a lovely sweetness to the dish. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup can be a good alternative, though it has a different flavor profile. Agave nectar is another option if you prefer a plant-based sweetener.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, but if you want a healthier option, try a low-sugar sauce. You can also make your own by mixing ketchup with apple cider vinegar and a little brown sugar.
How Can I Ensure My Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking beef can be tricky, but it’s all about timing and heat. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with a hot skillet; this helps to sear the beef and lock in the juices.
- Season the beef well before cooking. Salt and pepper really enhance the flavor.
- Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, making sure to stir it around so it browns evenly. Look for a nice sear; it adds great texture!
- When you add the honey and BBQ sauce, let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This not only thickens the sauce but allows the beef to absorb those flavors.
Remember to not overcook the beef; it should be tender and juicy. Enjoying your tacos with fresh toppings enhances the flavor, too!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef (sirloin or flank steak), cut into small cubes
- 4 tbsp garlic butter (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for drizzling)
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook, for a total of around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious beef tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
Start by melting the garlic butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s melted, add your cubed beef to the skillet. Season the beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Sauté the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through.
2. Adding the Sauce:
Next, pour in the honey and BBQ sauce over the cooked beef. Stir everything well to make sure the beef is evenly coated in that sticky, sweet sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Preparing the Tortillas and Assembling the Tacos:
While the beef is finishing up, warm your tortillas in a separate skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds until they’re soft. Now, it’s time to assemble your tacos! Take a tortilla and place a generous spoonful of the BBQ beef mixture in the center. Top it off with diced red onion and freshly chopped cilantro. Finally, drizzle some sour cream or Greek yogurt over the top to add creaminess.
4. Serving Up:
Serve your tacos hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over each taco. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are great choices, you can also use cuts like ribeye or skirt steak for a richer flavor. Just ensure that the beef is cut into small cubes for even cooking. Adjust cooking times slightly if using a thicker cut.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you prefer a kick, consider adding minced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef while it cooks. You can also increase the chili powder and incorporate crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Beef?
Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Simply reheat in a skillet before serving, and warm the tortillas just before assembling the tacos to keep them fresh!
