These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a tasty twist on your usual taco night! Juicy beef mixed with sweet honey and buttery garlic makes each bite super delicious.
You’ll love how easy and fun it is to make these tacos. I can’t resist piling on the toppings! Go ahead, get creative—add your favorite salsa, and enjoy a taco feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank or sirloin steak gives a nice flavor, but you can use chicken or tofu for a different take. Ground beef also works if you want a quicker option. I often use sirloin for its tenderness!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth. Not a fan of fresh? Garlic powder can be an alternative, but use less—about half a teaspoon will do.
Honey: Honey brings sweetness. If you’re vegan, try agave nectar or maple syrup instead. Each adds a unique flavor, but they all work well here!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite for the best taste. A homemade BBQ sauce can be great too! If you’re avoiding sugar, look for sugar-free brands or make a simple sauce with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.
Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas are both delicious. If gluten-free is needed, look for corn tortillas or other gluten-free wraps available in stores.
How Can I Cook the Beef Perfectly?
Cooking the beef just right is key to tender, flavorful tacos. Here’s how to make sure it stays juicy and delicious:
- Start with a hot skillet. This helps brown the beef quickly and keep moisture inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If necessary, cook the beef in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
- Cook until browned but avoid overcooking. Aim for about 5-7 minutes; check it at 5 to ensure it’s to your liking.
Once it’s cooked, adding the sauces lets the beef soak up all those tasty flavors. Stir gently so you don’t break any pieces. Enjoy your tacos hot!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb beef steak (such as flank or sirloin), cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
For Serving:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream or taco sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll be spending around 30 minutes to whip up these tasty tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Beef:
In a medium bowl, combine the cubed beef with minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together really well to ensure the beef is evenly coated in all the delicious seasoning. Set it aside for now.
2. Cooking the Beef:
Take a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the butter to melt it completely. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the seasoned beef to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned and cooked to your liking.
3. Making the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the honey, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir well to coat all the beef pieces in that sweet and tangy sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, so it thickens up a bit.
4. Warming the Tortillas:
While the beef is simmering, warm the tortillas in a separate dry skillet or directly over a flame. Just a few seconds on each side will do until they’re soft and pliable, making them easy to fold for your tacos.
5. Assembling the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part—let’s put it all together! Take a warm tortilla and place a generous scoop of the garlic butter honey BBQ beef right in the middle. Top it off with some diced red onion and fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
6. Drizzling and Serving:
For the final touch, drizzle a little sour cream or your favorite taco sauce over the top of each taco for extra flavor. Serve them immediately while they’re warm, and enjoy your delicious garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin work best for their tenderness, you can use cuts like ribeye or even ground beef in a pinch. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the cut you choose, so adjust accordingly to ensure proper doneness.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
No problem! You can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave syrup, or even brown sugar mixed with a bit of water to create a syrupy consistency. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still add that sweetness you want!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. When ready to eat, just warm fresh tortillas and assemble your tacos!
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Definitely! To add a kick, mix in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes with the spices. You could also add sliced jalapeños as a topping for an extra layer of heat!
