These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are a fun twist on taco night! Juicy beef cooked in a mix of garlic, butter, and sweet honey BBQ sauce makes each bite tasty and satisfying.
You won’t believe how quickly these come together. I love loading them up with my favorite toppings—who doesn’t love a taco party? Just be ready for the deliciousness! 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: Flank steak is flavorful and tender when cooked properly. If it’s not available, you can use skirt steak or sirloin as good alternatives. They both hold up well in a taco and have great flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used in this recipe for better control over salt levels. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use plant-based butter or a light olive oil for sautĂ©ing, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and depth. If you need a vegan option, consider using agave syrup or maple syrup for a similar sweetness.
BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, or spicy—this sauce defines the taco’s flavor. If you want a lighter option, you could use a homemade BBQ sauce or a lower-sugar variant.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese works well, but you can substitute with pepper jack for a little heat, or omit it entirely for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Cook Flank Steak to Perfection?
Cooking flank steak can be tricky if you want it just right. Here’s how to ensure it’s tender and juicy:
- Season generously with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the beef flavor.
- Heat the skillet until it’s hot before adding the steak, which helps create a nice sear.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer if you have one—135°F is ideal.
- Let the steak rest afterward. This helps keep the juices locked in, making every bite tender.
- Slice against the grain! Cutting the steak this way shortens the fibers, making it more tender to chew.
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak (or your choice of beef)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred type)
For The Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Optional sauces for drizzling (e.g., creamy chipotle or ranch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 30 minutes to prepare these tasty tacos. This includes around 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients and cooking the beef, plus some time for warming the tortillas and assembling everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
Begin by seasoning the flank steak with salt and pepper on both sides, making sure it’s well coated. This simple step helps enhance the flavor of the beef.
2. Cooking the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place the seasoned beef in the skillet. Sear the beef for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s cooked to your liking—medium-rare to medium works best. Once cooked, take the beef out, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
3. Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the beef, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it smells delicious! Next, stir in the honey and BBQ sauce, mixing everything until it’s well combined.
4. Coating the Beef:
Add the sliced beef back into the skillet, and toss it in the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce until every piece is nicely coated. This step infuses the beef with incredible flavors!
5. Preparing the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat, cooking each side for about 30 seconds. Alternatively, you can microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds to make them soft and warm.
6. Assembling the Tacos:
Now it’s time to build your tacos! Place a generous amount of the garlic butter honey BBQ beef in the center of each tortilla. Top it off with shredded cheese and any optional sauces you’d like to drizzle on.
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Finally, sprinkle some sliced green onions on top of your tacos for a fresh touch. Serve them right away and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors in every bite!
Enjoy your Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is great for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute it with skirt steak, sirloin, or even ground beef. Just remember to adjust the cooking times as needed based on the cut’s thickness or the type of meat you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
No problem! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, consider using brown sugar dissolved in a bit of hot water to achieve a similar consistency and sweetness level.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover beef and taco fillings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, and consider freshening up with a splash of BBQ sauce to enhance the flavors!
Can I Prepare the Tacos Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and garlic butter sauce in advance. Simply cool the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just warm it up and assemble the tacos with fresh tortillas and toppings!
