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Garlic Butter Steak Keto Tacos - Rich, Satisfying, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25–1.5 lb (570–680 g) steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank), trimmed and sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil (or another high-heat oil)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2–3/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1–2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, plus more for serving
  • Low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine)
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, diced red onion, pickled jalapeños, sour cream or keto crema, crumbled cotija or shredded cheese

Method
 

  1. Prep the steak: Pat the steak very dry with paper towels. Slice against the grain into thin strips (or small cubes). Drying helps you get a better sear.
  2. Season well: In a bowl, toss the steak with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside while the pan heats.
  3. Heat the skillet: Place a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and let it shimmer.
  4. Sear in batches: Add half the steak in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan. Sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned with pink in the center. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining steak.
  5. Make the garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the skillet. When melted and foamy, add minced garlic. Stir 20–30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
  6. Coat the steak: Return all steak (and juices) to the skillet. Toss in the garlic butter for 30–60 seconds to coat. Turn off the heat. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt.
  7. Warm the tortillas or prep lettuce: Heat low-carb tortillas briefly in a dry skillet, or separate lettuce leaves and pat dry.
  8. Assemble: Fill tortillas or lettuce cups with garlic butter steak. Add toppings like avocado, cabbage, red onion, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. Finish with a squeeze of lime.
  9. Serve immediately: Steak is best hot and juicy. Plate and enjoy right away.