If you are craving a bold, flavorful dinner that feels both indulgent and effortlessly satisfying, this Steak Tacos with Garlic Butter and Chipotle Mayo Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Tender cubes of well-marbled steak get seared to perfection and then tossed in a luscious garlic butter that elevates every bite. Paired with a smoky, creamy chipotle mayo and nestled in warm corn tortillas, these tacos bring together vibrant textures and rich tastes that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds) without a second thought.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to making your Steak Tacos with Garlic Butter and Chipotle Mayo Recipe shine. Each one plays a vital role, from seasoning and succulence to the perfect balance of spice and creaminess that makes these tacos unforgettable.
- 1.5 pounds steak (ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, or another tender well marbled cut): The star of the show, providing juicy, flavorful meat with great texture.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the steak and enhancing its natural flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a perfect sear on the steak without sticking.
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick) (divided): Adds luscious richness and carries the garlic flavor beautifully.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the garlic butter with a savory punch that complements the beef.
- 1/2 cup mayo: Forms the creamy base of the chipotle mayo sauce.
- 1/3 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy coolness that balances the smoky heat of chipotle.
- 1-2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers: Brings smoky heat and complexity to the mayo.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Brightens the chipotle mayo and freshens the entire dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sauce’s flavor perfectly.
- 8 medium corn tortillas: The ideal sturdy yet soft vessel for holding all the delicious fillings.
- Pickled red onions (or regular chopped red onions): Adds a zesty pop and acidity that cuts through richness.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (to taste): Offers fresh herbal notes and color contrast.
- Avocado (to taste): Creamy, buttery texture that mellows the spice.
- Lime wedges: For an extra burst of citrus brightness when serving.
How to Make Steak Tacos with Garlic Butter and Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by taking the steak out of the fridge to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes if you can. This step helps the steak cook more evenly and stay juicy. While it’s resting, go ahead and mix the chipotle mayo sauce so the flavors meld together beautifully as you cook.
Step 2: Chop and Season
Cut your steak into 1/2-inch cubes for perfect bite-sized pieces. Be generous with salt and pepper here—it’s the simple seasoning that brings out the beef’s natural flavor magnificently.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak cubes in a single layer, avoiding crowding the pan so they sear instead of steam. Cook about one minute per side until you achieve a gorgeous medium doneness. Depending on your skillet’s size, cook in two batches and transfer cooked pieces to a plate.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the same pan. Stir constantly and gently cook the garlic for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and toss the seared steak pieces along with any resting juices into the garlic butter. This last step infuses the meat with rich, aromatic flavor that’s out of this world.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable and soft. Spoon the garlic butter-coated steak onto each tortilla, then pile on your favorite garnishes and a drizzle of that smoky chipotle mayo. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of tender meat, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings.
How to Serve Steak Tacos with Garlic Butter and Chipotle Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Pickled red onions add a sharp, tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the steak and garlic butter. Fresh cilantro sprinkles bring a fragrant, herbal brightness that lifts every bite. Don’t forget creamy avocado slices—they provide a buttery coolness that balances smoky chipotle mayo perfectly. A squeeze of fresh lime juice on top finishes off the flavor with a zesty kick.
Side Dishes
Consider serving your tacos with classic sides like Mexican street corn for a sweet and smoky complement or a refreshing cucumber salad to add crunch and lighten the plate. A simple bowl of black beans or rice rounds out the meal and makes it perfectly satisfying. These sides aren’t just fillers—they each bring unique textures and flavors that enhance your Steak Tacos with Garlic Butter and Chipotle Mayo Recipe experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the tacos family-style on a large platter, letting everyone customize their own. You can also wrap each taco loosely in foil for a casual hands-on gathering, keeping them warm and juicy. Want to impress guests? Plate individual tacos on small dishes garnished with edible flowers or microgreens to elevate the look without complicating the flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Finish your meal without worries by storing leftover garlic butter steak and chipotle mayo separately in airtight containers. The steak stays juicy when refrigerated and the sauce keeps its creamy texture. Store tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a sealed bag to maintain softness.
Freezing
While steak tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked steak in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze the chipotle mayo separately in a small container, as freezing may slightly change its texture but won’t impact the flavor too much. Avoid freezing corn tortillas to preserve their structure.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat steak gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture. Warm tortillas wrapped in a damp cloth in the microwave or on a hot skillet. Add chipotle mayo fresh after reheating to keep it creamy and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak are all great choices, but even flank or skirt steak can work well as long as it’s tender and well marbled.
How spicy is the chipotle mayo?
The heat level depends on how much adobo sauce you add. Start with one tablespoon if you prefer mild heat, or go up to two tablespoons for a bolder smoky kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Using corn tortillas keeps this dish naturally gluten-free, just be sure your mayo and other condiments are gluten-free as well.
What can I substitute for pickled red onions?
If you don’t have pickled onions, chopped raw red onions work just fine, or you can quickly pickle onions at home by soaking thin slices in vinegar, salt, and a pinch of sugar for 15 minutes.
Is it okay to prepare the chipotle mayo in advance?
Definitely. Making the chipotle mayo a day ahead lets the flavors deepen beautifully. Just stir it well before serving.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Steak Tacos with Garlic Butter and Chipotle Mayo Recipe guarantees a meal full of vibrant flavors, rich textures, and comforting warmth. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, these tacos bring a wonderful blend of smoky, garlicky, and creamy sensations that will leave everyone smiling. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
Steak Tacos with Garlic Butter and Chipotle Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Steak Tacos feature tender, juicy steak seared to perfection and served with a creamy chipotle-lime sauce, fresh toppings like pickled red onions, cilantro, and avocado, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Perfectly balanced with garlicky butter and a hint of smoky adobo, this recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying taco experience in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Steak and Cooking
- 1.5 pounds steak (ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, or another tender well marbled cut)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), divided
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1–2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Assembly
- 8 medium corn tortillas
- Pickled red onions (or regular chopped red onions)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (to taste)
- Avocado (to taste)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Bring steak to room temperature: Remove the steak from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Prepare sauce and toppings: In a medium bowl, combine the mayo, sour cream, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt; mix well. Also prep your toppings like pickled red onions, cilantro, and avocado slices.
- Cut and season the steak: Slice the steak into 1/2-inch cubes, then season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the meat’s flavor.
- Cook the steak in batches: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the steak cubes in a single layer without crowding; cook for about 1 minute per side to reach medium doneness. Remove cooked pieces and repeat with the remaining steak. Transfer cooked steak to a plate.
- Make garlic butter and finish steak: Lower heat to medium-low and add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute, until garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Remove pan from heat, return the steak and any juices to the skillet, and toss with the garlic butter to coat.
- Assemble tacos: Warm the corn tortillas, evenly distribute the garlic buttered steak cubes, and top with prepared pickled onions, cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Letting the steak come to room temperature ensures even cooking and better sear.
- Cooking the steak in batches prevents overcrowding the skillet, which helps the meat brown properly instead of steaming.
- Adjust the amount of adobo sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- Pickled red onions add brightness and acidity, but fresh red onions are a fine substitute if pickling isn’t available.
- Feel free to add additional toppings like shredded cheese, radishes, or salsa verde for extra flavor variety.
- Use corn tortillas for an authentic texture and taste, but flour tortillas work if preferred.
