– **Title**: Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. Reduce the heat to low, then add the honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Let the beef mixture simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. While the beef simmers, warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or directly over a gas flame until pliable.
6. Assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of the BBQ beef mixture on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side, if desired.
8. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works great for these tacos. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast or ground turkey can make a good substitute. I’ve used ground beef in a pinch, and it turns out tasty, too!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for this dish. You could use garlic powder if that’s all you have, but the fresh stuff really elevates the flavor. I personally love to use extra garlic for a more robust taste!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and balances the BBQ sauce. If you’re avoiding sugar, maple syrup can be a suitable alternative, providing that same sweet touch. A dash of agave syrup also works well!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for personalization. If you’re out, try mixing ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of honey for a quick homemade version. I often add a little hot sauce for an extra kick!
Tortillas: Flour and corn tortillas are both delicious, but you can also use whole wheat or lettuce wraps for a healthier option. Wraps really make these tacos easier to hold!
How Do I Get the Perfect Sautéed Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic is a simple task, but it needs your attention to avoid burning it. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin your dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the pan over medium heat and add the butter first. Let it melt completely.
- Once the butter is bubbly, add minced garlic. Keep stirring frequently to see when it begins to get fragrant.
- Cook for just 1-2 minutes; once it smells delicious, remove it from heat if you’re worried about burning.
Remember, the garlic will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat even after you remove it from the stove!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb beef (sirloin or flank steak), diced
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream or a creamy sauce for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 10-15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be enjoying your tasty tacos in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to release its delicious aroma without getting browned.
2. Cook the Beef:
Add the diced beef to the pan with the garlic. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned on all sides.
3. Add Honey and BBQ Sauce:
After the beef is cooked, pour in the honey and BBQ sauce. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the beef.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, warm the tortillas. You can either do this in a separate skillet for a few seconds on each side or pop them into the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until they are pliable and warm.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Now, it’s time to put your tacos together! Place a portion of the BBQ beef mixture onto each warm tortilla. Don’t be shy—fill them up!
6. Add Toppings:
Top the beef with diced red onion and chopped cilantro. If you like, drizzle some sour cream or your favorite creamy sauce over the top for extra flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious tacos right away while they’re warm. Enjoy every bite of these flavorful Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos!
Can I Use Chicken instead of Beef for These Tacos?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Cook the chicken in the same way as directed for the beef, but ensure it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The honey and BBQ sauce will still bring all the flavors together beautifully!
How Can I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the tortillas separate to prevent them from getting soggy. Reheat the beef mixture on the stove over medium heat and warm tortillas individually before serving again.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a honey substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar work beautifully! They’ll provide a similar sweetness and consistency. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but your tacos will still be delicious!
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Of course! If you’d like to add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mix along with the chili powder. You can also serve with hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick!
