These Easy Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a party for your taste buds! With sweet honey, rich garlic butter, and tender beef, they’re packed with flavor in every bite.
Who knew taco night could be so easy and delicious? I love piling mine high with fresh toppings. Trust me, you’ll want to make extras for seconds (or thirds!)—they’re just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: Flank steak gives a nice flavor and tenderness, but sirloin is a great alternative. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use ground beef or even shredded chicken for a different twist.
Honey: This adds sweetness to balance the BBQ sauce. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave syrup can work well as substitutes.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand for a familiar taste. For a healthier option, look for low-sugar or homemade versions. You can even switch it up with teriyaki sauce for a unique flavor!
Tortillas: I prefer small flour tortillas for a soft bite, but corn tortillas are a great gluten-free choice. Feel free to use larger tortillas if you want bigger tacos.
How Do I Make the Beef Extra Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender beef is making sure not to overcook it. Here’s how you can do it:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain — this helps break down the muscle fibers, making it tender.
- Cook on medium-high heat for just 4-5 minutes until it’s browned. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Let the garlic cook for about a minute before adding the honey and BBQ sauce, as this enhances the flavor without burning the garlic.
By following these tips, your beef will be juicy and bursting with flavor, making each taco a delightful bite!
How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tacos:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
- Optional: spicy mayo or chipotle sauce for drizzling (mix mayonnaise with a bit of hot sauce or chipotle peppers in adobo)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking the beef, and about 5 minutes assembling your tasty tacos. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and season it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Create the Flavorful Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring to avoid burning it. Then, pour in the honey and BBQ sauce, mixing everything together. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Combine and Coat the Beef:
Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked beef to the skillet. Toss the beef well in the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce, cooking for another 1-2 minutes so all the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is finishing up, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Grab your warm tortillas and start assembling the tacos! Divide the garlic butter honey BBQ beef evenly among the tortillas. Top each taco with some thinly sliced red cabbage and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for that delicious crunch and flavor.
6. Add Extra Flavor & Serve:
If you like it spicy, drizzle some spicy mayo or chipotle sauce over the top. Serve the tacos immediately and add lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze over each taco!
These Easy Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are sure to be a hit! The flavorful beef combined with the fresh toppings makes for a delicious and enjoyable meal.
FAQ for Easy Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Can I Use Baked or Grilled Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute cooked baked or grilled chicken for the beef in this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and toss it in the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce as you would with the beef, adjusting the cooking time as necessary since the chicken is already cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing chopped jalapeños or diced chipotle peppers into the beef while it cooks. You can also increase the spiciness of your sauce by using a spicier BBQ sauce or adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
Can I Prepare the Beef in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter honey BBQ beef a day in advance! Simply cook it, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the beef gently in a skillet over low heat
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have any leftovers, store the beef and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The beef will last for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef on the stovetop before making fresh tacos with warm tortillas for the best taste!
