There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of a perfectly cooked steak and a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. If you’ve ever longed to recreate that mouthwatering steakhouse experience at home, this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak recipe will be your new favorite. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, this recipe takes minimal time and effort, transforming a simple cut of beef into a flavorful, indulgent meal.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps for making the best Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak, including tips for choosing the right cut, seasoning, and searing technique. Plus, we’ll show you how to create a simple, yet delicious garlic butter sauce that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the beef. Get ready to bring steakhouse-quality dining into your kitchen with ease.
What Is a “Brazilian Steak” and Why the Garlic Butter Twist Works
When you think of Brazilian steak, you might imagine the savory, smoky grilled meats typically served at a churrascaria. These cuts—like skirt steak, flank steak, and flap meat—are staples in Brazilian barbecue, prized for their rich, beefy flavor. In this recipe, we’re focusing on these cuts to create a tender, flavorful steak that rivals the best churrasco you’ll find at a Brazilian steakhouse.
But what really elevates this dish is the garlic butter sauce. As rich and indulgent as it sounds, the butter enhances the natural flavors of the beef, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The combination of the garlic’s sharpness with the butter’s creaminess adds depth to the dish, making it an easy, everyday luxury.
The beauty of this recipe is that it takes all the traditional Brazilian steakhouse flavors and transforms them into a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of a perfectly cooked steak and a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. If you’ve ever longed to recreate that mouthwatering steakhouse experience at home, this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak recipe will be your new favorite. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, this recipe takes minimal time and effort, transforming a simple cut of beef into a flavorful, indulgent meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Start by choosing your steak cut. Skirt steak, flank steak, and flap meat are all excellent choices, as they’re flavorful and tender when cooked properly. Trim the steak of any excess fat, then pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper. This will help create a flavorful crust as it sears.
- Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat. Add the olive oil, allowing it to heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Gently place the steak into the pan. Let it sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the time based on your preferred level of doneness. For medium, aim for 5-6 minutes per side, and for well-done, cook a bit longer.
- While your steak rests, it’s time to make the garlic butter. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Once the garlic butter is ready, stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice to balance the richness of the butter.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Arrange the slices on a platter or individual plates and drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a drizzle of chimichurri sauce for added flair. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the tenderness of the steak.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple yet flavorful recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen.
For the Steak:
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1 ½ pounds skirt steak (or flank steak or flap meat)
-
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter:
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¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
These ingredients will bring out the bold flavors of the beef, while the garlic butter adds a luscious finish that’s guaranteed to impress.
Step-by-Step Preparation & Cooking Method
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak.
Step 1: Preparing the Steak
Start by choosing your steak cut. Skirt steak, flank steak, and flap meat are all excellent choices, as they’re flavorful and tender when cooked properly. If you can’t find these cuts, sirloin also works well. Trim the steak of any excess fat, then pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper. This will help create a flavorful crust as it sears.
Step 2: Searing the Steak
Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat. Add the olive oil, allowing it to heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Gently place the steak into the pan. Let it sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the time based on your preferred level of doneness. For medium, aim for 5-6 minutes per side, and for well-done, cook a bit longer.
The goal is to develop a beautiful, caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Once your steak has reached the desired doneness, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
While your steak rests, it’s time to make the garlic butter. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Once the garlic butter is ready, stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice to balance the richness of the butter.
Step 4: Serving the Steak
Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Arrange the slices on a platter or individual plates and drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color, and serve immediately.
Best Cuts & Techniques for the Perfect Steak
The key to making Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak shine is choosing the right cut of beef. While skirt steak and flank steak are traditional choices, there are a few other options that work just as well.
Flap meat, for example, is another popular cut used in Brazilian barbecue, and it’s often more affordable than skirt or flank. It’s tender when cooked properly and holds up beautifully under the rich garlic butter sauce. If you’re craving something more tender, sirloin is an excellent choice, though it may lack the intense flavor of the more traditional cuts.
In terms of technique, it’s important to get your pan hot enough to achieve a good sear. When you place the steak in the pan, don’t move it around; let it develop a nice crust. This helps lock in juices and flavor. Resting the steak after cooking is also crucial to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy, flavorful bite every time.
Dietary Variations & Adaptations
Vegan/Vegetarian:
If you’re following a plant-based diet, you can easily swap the steak for a thick portobello mushroom or cauliflower steak. These options provide a meaty texture and absorb the garlic butter sauce wonderfully. Use vegan butter in place of the regular butter, and make sure your garlic butter sauce is plant-based.
Gluten-Free:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure any sides or condiments you pair with it (like sauces or bread) are also gluten-free.
Low-Calorie / Low-Fat:
For a leaner alternative, opt for a cut like flank steak or sirloin, which are lower in fat compared to skirt steak. You can also reduce the amount of butter in the garlic sauce or replace it with a healthier fat like olive oil.
Halal:
To ensure this recipe is halal, use halal-certified beef and check that all ingredients are free from alcohol or non-halal additives. The rest of the recipe is naturally compliant with halal dietary laws.
Storing Leftovers & Reheating
While it’s always best to enjoy Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the steak slices in a pan with a small amount of butter or oil over medium heat. Cover loosely to retain moisture and heat until warmed through. The garlic butter can be gently reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop as well.
If you have extra steak, use it for a delicious steak sandwich, toss it in a salad, or add it to tacos with some extra garlic butter drizzle for a tasty leftover meal.
The Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak brings together the best of bold Brazilian flavors and rich, savory butter in a simple recipe that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Whether you’re new to Brazilian cuisine or a seasoned steak lover, this dish will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. You don’t need to go out to a steakhouse to enjoy a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brazilian steak, and how is it different from regular steak?
Brazilian steak refers to the cuts of beef commonly used in Brazilian barbecue, like skirt steak, flank steak, and picanha. These cuts are known for their rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. What makes Brazilian steak unique is the way it’s often cooked on skewers over an open flame or grilled, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. In this recipe, we bring the flavors of Brazilian steak to your kitchen by using high-heat searing and a rich garlic butter sauce to enhance the beef’s natural taste.
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can! While skirt steak and flank steak are ideal for this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak recipe, you can substitute with other cuts like sirloin, flat iron, or flap meat. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as thinner cuts like sirloin may cook faster than flank steak. Adjust your searing time accordingly to achieve your preferred doneness.
How can I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
To make Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak low-carb or keto-friendly, you’re already in a great place! The steak itself is naturally low in carbs, and the garlic butter sauce is made without any added sugars. Simply pair the steak with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash, grilled vegetables, or salads for a delicious, keto-friendly meal.
How can I store and reheat leftovers?
To store leftovers, simply place any remaining steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet with a small amount of butter over medium heat, covering it loosely to keep it tender. You can also reheat the garlic butter separately and drizzle it over the steak to enhance the flavor when serving.
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