Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos

These tacos combine savory, sweet, and smoky flavors for an unforgettable twist on taco night! Tender beef cooked in a garlic butter honey BBQ sauce makes for an incredibly delicious filling.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1.5 lbs flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Optional: 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce for heat

For Serving:

• 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed

• 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce

• ½ cup diced red onion

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 avocado, sliced

• Lime wedges

• Cotija cheese or queso fresco (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the Beef:

   • In a medium bowl, toss thinly sliced beef with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

   • Whisk in BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.

3. Cook the Beef:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.

   • Return all beef to skillet, pour sauce over top, and toss to coat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

4. Assemble Tacos:

   • Warm tortillas according to package directions.

   • Fill each tortilla with beef mixture.

   • Top with shredded cabbage, red onion, cilantro, and avocado slices.

   • Sprinkle with cotija cheese if using.

   • Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Slow Cooker Version:

• Place seasoned beef in slow cooker

• Pour sauce over top

• Cook on LOW 6-8 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours

• Shred beef before serving

Grill Version:

• Grill whole flank steak 5-7 minutes per side

• Brush with sauce during last few minutes

• Rest 10 minutes before slicing

Flavor Variations

• Asian Twist: Use hoisin sauce instead of BBQ sauce, add ginger

• Spicy Version: Add chipotle peppers or extra sriracha

• Pineapple Addition: Add ½ cup crushed pineapple to sauce

• Pork Option: Substitute with pork tenderloin or chicken thighs

Tips for Success

• Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness

• Don’t overcrowd skillet when browning beef

• Warm tortillas properly – char slightly for authentic flavor

• Make extra sauce for drizzling over finished tacos

• Let beef rest 5 minutes after cooking for juicier results

Serving Suggestions

• Mexican rice and refried beans

• Corn salad or street corn (elote)

• Black bean salad

• Margaritas or Mexican beer

These unique tacos will become a new family favorite with their perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors!