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Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos

Garlic butter honey BBQ beef tacos with caramelized beef and a glossy garlic butter BBQ glaze. Thin-sliced flank steak sears fast, then simmers briefly until sticky-sweet and flavorful, ready for warm tortillas with cilantro, onion, and lime.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Mexican-Fusion
Calories: 980
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tacos with garlic butter honey BBQ beef
  • 2 lb flank steak Sliced thin against the grain.
  • 6 tbsp butter Divided: use 2 tbsp for searing and remaining for garlic sauté and glaze.
  • 8 garlic cloves Minced.
  • 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 salt and pepper To taste.
  • 8 flour tortillas Warm before assembling.
  • 1 fresh cilantro Diced for serving.
  • 1 diced onion For serving.
  • 1 lime wedges For serving; optional extra squeeze.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Caramelize the beef
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over high heat. Season the beef slices with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and spread in a single layer.
  2. Cook the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes until browned. Transfer the browned beef to a plate while you repeat with remaining slices.
  3. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring so the garlic doesn’t brown.
  4. Return the beef to the skillet, then add BBQ sauce, honey, and lime juice. Toss to coat and cook for 3-4 minutes until caramelized and glossy.
Warm and assemble
  1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame. Heat just until pliable with light golden spots.
  2. Fill each tortilla with the garlic butter honey BBQ beef. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

Pro tip: Sear in batches so the skillet stays hot and the beef browns instead of steaming. Store cooked beef in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of water until saucy. Freezing is not recommended for best texture of the glaze and steak. For a lighter option, use reduced-sugar BBQ sauce and cut honey to 2 tbsp for a similar sweet-tang profile without extra sugar.