Introduction
Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a flavorful, tender, and juicy dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Brazil right into your kitchen. Known for its rich seasoning and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this steak is a true showstopper. Cooked to perfection and finished off with a luscious garlic butter sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table, from casual weeknights to special gatherings.
The key to a perfect Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak lies in the blend of seasonings and the searing technique, which locks in all the savory goodness. With just the right amount of garlic, herbs, and a touch of butter, this dish highlights the natural richness of the steak while elevating it to another level of deliciousness. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this steak recipe is simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and serving suggestions that will help you make the most out of this mouthwatering Brazilian-style steak. Let’s dive in and discover why Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Incredible Flavor: The garlic butter sauce, combined with the rich seasoning and tender steak, creates a mouthwatering combination that bursts with flavor in every bite.
- Juicy and Tender Steak: The method of searing the steak and finishing it with garlic butter helps lock in all the juices, resulting in a steak that’s both tender and flavorful.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few ingredients, including fresh garlic, butter, and your choice of steak, you can create a dish that’s restaurant-worthy without the need for complicated steps or hard-to-find items.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re grilling for a weekend barbecue, preparing a romantic dinner, or simply craving a delicious steak, this recipe fits perfectly into any occasion.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily tweak the seasoning or add different herbs to the garlic butter, making it adaptable to your personal taste preferences.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2-4 servings (depending on steak size)
- Calories per Serving: Around 450-500 calories per serving, depending on steak cuts and butter amount.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 1-3g
- Protein: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
Ingredients
For the Brazilian Steak:
- 2 (8 oz) flank steaks, skirt steaks, or sirloin steaks (your choice of cut)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for a fresh tang)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak
Start by choosing your preferred cut of steak, whether it’s flank, skirt, or sirloin. Each cut offers a unique texture, but all work wonderfully for this recipe. Allow the steak to come to room temperature by letting it sit on the counter for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This ensures more even cooking and helps achieve the perfect sear.
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, as this helps the steak sear better and achieve a rich, brown crust. Season both sides of the steak generously with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. The seasoning mix provides a smoky, slightly spicy, and well-rounded flavor that complements the steak beautifully.
2. Sear the Steak
In a large skillet or grill pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the pan. Make sure the pan is hot enough that the steak sizzles as soon as it touches the surface. Searing the steak is key to locking in the juices and developing a flavorful crust.
Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the time depending on your desired level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak so that you don’t pierce the meat and lose juices. Once seared, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy steak.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the steak is resting, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn the garlic).
If you like, you can add grated Parmesan cheese to the butter mixture for a richer, savory flavor. After the garlic is sautéed, stir in the lemon juice for a bright, fresh note, and chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Keep the sauce warm while you slice the steak.
4. Slice the Steak
Once the steak has rested, it’s time to slice it. Using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Slicing against the grain breaks down the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender and easier to chew. Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter.
5. Serve with Garlic Butter Sauce
Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the sliced steak, ensuring each piece is coated in the rich, aromatic sauce. You can garnish the dish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately, pairing with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Choose the Right Cut of Steak: While flank, skirt, and sirloin steaks are popular options, feel free to experiment with other cuts like ribeye or New York strip for a richer, more marbled texture. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the steak.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: The key to a juicy steak is to avoid overcooking. Medium-rare is ideal for this recipe, but if you prefer your steak cooked differently, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
- Rest the Steak: Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This ensures that the juices don’t escape when you slice into it, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak.
- Garlic Butter Variations: If you like a bit of spice, you can add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle kick. For a more herbaceous flavor, experiment with adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter.
- Grilling Option: If you prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and follow the same seasoning and cooking instructions. The steak can be grilled for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness and desired doneness.
Variations of Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Spicy Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak: Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the garlic butter sauce for an added kick of heat that contrasts beautifully with the rich butter.
- Garlic Butter Steak with Chimichurri: Serve the steak with a side of chimichurri sauce (a classic Brazilian accompaniment), made from fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and oregano. The tangy, herby sauce complements the richness of the garlic butter and adds a fresh contrast to the dish.
- Garlic Butter Steak with Grilled Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, serve your garlic butter Brazilian steak with a side of grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. The smoky grilled vegetables pair wonderfully with the tender steak and garlic butter.
- Garlic Butter Steak Tacos: For a fun twist, use the sliced garlic butter steak as a filling for tacos. Serve in soft corn tortillas and top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.
Storage and Shelf Life
Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to help retain moisture. Reheating in the microwave is also an option, but be sure to cover the steak to avoid drying it out.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the cooked steak and garlic butter separately. Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. The garlic butter can be stored in a separate container. Both will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop.
Side Dishes and Pairings for Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs beautifully with the rich garlic butter steak. The potatoes soak up the savory butter sauce for a comforting combination.
- Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus, with its smoky flavor and crisp texture, makes a perfect side dish for steak. Drizzle with a little olive oil and lemon juice for a light, fresh accompaniment.
- Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf with herbs is another great side dish to serve with the garlic butter Brazilian steak. The rice absorbs the flavorful juices from the steak and garlic butter, making it a satisfying pairing.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts complements the richness of the steak and garlic butter. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until crispy.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese provides a nice contrast to the richness of the steak.
Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
A flavorful, juicy Brazilian-style steak seasoned with a garlic butter sauce. Grilled to perfection, the steak is tender and bursting with savory, garlicky goodness that’s perfect for steak lovers.
Ingredients
For the Brazilian Steak:
- 2 (8 oz) flank steaks, skirt steaks, or sirloin steaks (your choice of cut)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for a fresh tang)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak
Start by choosing your preferred cut of steak, whether it’s flank, skirt, or sirloin. Each cut offers a unique texture, but all work wonderfully for this recipe. Allow the steak to come to room temperature by letting it sit on the counter for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This ensures more even cooking and helps achieve the perfect sear.
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, as this helps the steak sear better and achieve a rich, brown crust. Season both sides of the steak generously with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. The seasoning mix provides a smoky, slightly spicy, and well-rounded flavor that complements the steak beautifully.
2. Sear the Steak
In a large skillet or grill pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the pan. Make sure the pan is hot enough that the steak sizzles as soon as it touches the surface. Searing the steak is key to locking in the juices and developing a flavorful crust.
Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the time depending on your desired level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak so that you don’t pierce the meat and lose juices. Once seared, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy steak.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the steak is resting, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn the garlic).
If you like, you can add grated Parmesan cheese to the butter mixture for a richer, savory flavor. After the garlic is sautéed, stir in the lemon juice for a bright, fresh note, and chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Keep the sauce warm while you slice the steak.
4. Slice the Steak
Once the steak has rested, it’s time to slice it. Using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Slicing against the grain breaks down the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender and easier to chew. Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter.
5. Serve with Garlic Butter Sauce
Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the sliced steak, ensuring each piece is coated in the rich, aromatic sauce. You can garnish the dish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately, pairing with your favorite side dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 1-3g
- Protein: 45g
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a flavor-packed, tender, and juicy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients, a quick cooking method, and the addition of a luscious garlic butter sauce, this recipe brings the taste of Brazilian cuisine to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special celebration or enjoying a weeknight treat, this steak will always leave you satisfied. Enjoy the rich flavors, juicy steak, and the irresistible garlic butter sauce that takes this dish to the next level!