These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are full of flavor! With juicy beef coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, they’re perfect for taco night.
You’ll love how easy they are to whip up. I like to pile on the toppings, so every bite is a tasty adventure. Tacos for dinner? Yes, please! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin are perfect for this dish due to their tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken breast or ground turkey instead, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Honey: This ingredient adds sweetness, balancing the savory flavors. If you’re looking for a sugar-free alternative, consider using agave syrup or maple syrup.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite! If you want a kick, try a spicy BBQ sauce. For a lighter option, look for a low-sugar or homemade version. You can even use salsa for a different twist.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are great for a classic taco vibe. Flour tortillas work too, especially if you prefer a softer texture. For gluten-free options, look for corn tortillas labeled gluten-free.
Cheese: Cheddar provides a nice sharpness, but feel free to switch it up with mozzarella or pepper jack for a bit of heat. Vegan cheese is a good substitute if you’re dairy-free!
How Do I Get the Beef Tender and Flavorful?
Marinating the beef is key to ensuring it’s both tender and flavorful. Start by mixing your marinade well—this helps the ingredients blend for optimal taste. Aim for at least 30 minutes but let it sit longer if you can.
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps keep it tender.
- During cooking, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef. This ensures it sears nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This allows the meat to brown rather than steam, enhancing its flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, jack, or a blend)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or crema
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty taco recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes to marinate the beef. Add another 10 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at roughly 50 minutes from start to finish, plus some time to enjoy your delicious creations!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined to create a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Beef:
Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, making sure each piece gets coated well. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, you can let it marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours for even more flavor!
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the marinated beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, warm the tortillas in another pan over low heat or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30 seconds, just until they’re pliable and ready to hold all that delicious filling!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and fill it with a generous portion of the cooked beef. Drizzle some sour cream or crema on top, and sprinkle on the shredded cheese.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your tacos by garnishing with chopped green onions. If you like, add a little more barbecue sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Serve your tacos immediately and dig in!
Enjoy your Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef Instead?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are great choices for these tacos, you can also use ribeye, skirt steak, or even ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the cut—ground beef will cook faster, while tougher cuts may need more time to tenderize.
Is There a Substitute for Honey?
Yes! If you need an alternative to honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. If you want to reduce the sweetness, consider using a mix of brown sugar and a little water to achieve a syrup-like consistency.
How to Store Leftover Beef Tacos?
Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best taste, keep tortillas separate and assemble tacos just before eating. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, and then warm the tortillas separately.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! For some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes during cooking for an extra kick. Adjust the spiciness to your taste—there’s no wrong way to spice it up!
