Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos – Sweet, Smoky & Irresistibly Juicy!
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos are the ultimate flavor bomb! Tender beef is seared in garlic butter, glazed with a sticky honey BBQ sauce, and tucked into warm tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and shredded cheese. It’s a bold twist on classic tacos—perfect for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or backyard cookouts. Quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress. Save this recipe for your next taco night!
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or heavy pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Small saucepan (for garlic butter)
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Serving platter or taco holders
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak or ground beef
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp oil (for searing)
Garlic Butter:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or apple cider vinegar (optional)
Honey BBQ Glaze:
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet)
- 2 tbsp honey
Toppings:
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cotija, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
- Lime wedges for garnish
Tortillas:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
Instructions
Prep the Beef:
- Season beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. If using steak, slice thinly against the grain.
Make Garlic Butter:
- In a small pan, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (2–3 mins). Stir in Worcestershire or vinegar for depth.
Sear the Beef:
- Heat skillet over medium-high. Add oil and sear beef until browned (3–4 mins per side for steak; 6–8 mins for ground beef).
Baste with Garlic Butter:
- Spoon garlic butter over beef during final minute of cooking. Let it soak in.
Glaze with Honey BBQ:
- Add BBQ sauce and honey to the pan. Toss beef to coat and let sauce bubble for 1–2 mins.
Warm Tortillas:
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over open flame until lightly charred.
Assemble Tacos:
- Layer beef, avocado, onion, cilantro, and cheese. Garnish with lime wedges.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cook beef and sauce in advance; reheat before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate beef up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Reheating Tip: Use skillet for best texture; flame-toast tortillas for extra flavor.
- Variations: Try chicken, pork, or plant-based meat. Use dairy-free cheese or lettuce wraps for dietary swaps.
- Flavor Boost: Add chipotle powder or smoked paprika to the glaze for extra heat.