If you’re looking for a meal that packs a punch in flavor but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is your go-to recipe. This dish is everything you want in a steak: juicy, tender, and full of flavor, thanks to the rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce that’s easy to make yet elevates the entire meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who’s just starting to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
What is Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak?
Brazilian steak, also known as churrasco, is a popular dish that’s a staple in Brazilian cuisine. Typically served on skewers at a churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse), the meat is seasoned simply and grilled to perfection. What makes the Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak special is the addition of a rich, savory garlic butter sauce, which infuses the steak with an irresistible depth of flavor.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients, just a few high-quality staples that bring out the best in the beef. The result? A tender, juicy steak that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion.
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Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a flavorful and juicy steak dish topped with a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings restaurant-style flavor right to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1. Pat the steak dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2. Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. Adjust time for desired doneness.
- 4. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
- 5. In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 6. Slice the steak against the grain, drizzle with garlic butter, and garnish with parsley.
- 7. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- – For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- – Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- – Use lean cuts like flank or skirt steak for a more affordable option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Choosing the Right Steak & Equipment
When making Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak, the cut of beef you choose can make or break the dish. Brazilian steakhouses often use cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, or flap meat. These cuts are flavorful and tender when cooked correctly, but they’re also budget-friendly. Here’s what you should look for when selecting your beef:
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Flank Steak: A lean, flavorful cut that works great for grilling or pan-searing. It’s perfect for a quick cook and absorbs the garlic butter beautifully.
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Skirt Steak: A thinner, more marbled cut, known for its intense beefy flavor. Skirt steak has a bit more fat, which gives it great flavor but requires careful cooking to avoid toughness.
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Sirloin: If you prefer a more traditional option, sirloin steak offers a balance of flavor and tenderness, ideal for this recipe.
To cook your Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak, a cast iron skillet works best. This type of pan allows for high-heat searing, which is crucial for getting that beautiful crust on the steak. If you don’t have a cast iron pan, a heavy-duty stainless steel skillet will do the job as well.
Ingredients & Pantry Staples for a U.S. Kitchen
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these key ingredients:
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Steak (flank, skirt, or sirloin): 1 lb (adjust based on servings)
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Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp
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Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
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Salt: 1 tsp (to taste)
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Black Pepper: 1 tsp (freshly cracked)
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Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (for searing)
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Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
For the garlic butter sauce, you can use simple pantry staples, but make sure the butter is unsalted to control the amount of salt in the dish. If you prefer a bit more flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter mixture.
Step-by-Step Preparation & Cooking Instructions
Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to cook your Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak. Follow these steps to create a restaurant-quality steak in just 20 minutes.
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Start by patting the steak dry with a paper towel. This is an important step to ensure a good sear. Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. For extra flavor, you can also rub a little garlic powder into the steak before cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the steak in the pan. For medium-rare, sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You want a deep golden-brown crust, which is key to locking in the juices.
If you prefer your steak cooked more, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—around 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for well-done.
Step 3: Rest the Steak
After searing the steak on both sides, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak remains tender and juicy.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned. You don’t want the garlic to burn—it will turn bitter.
Step 5: Serve and Slice
Slice the steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes
To complement your Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak, serve it with simple sides that don’t compete with the rich, savory flavors of the meat. Here are some suggestions:
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic make the perfect side dish.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini add a fresh, colorful touch to your plate.
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Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo): If you want to stay true to the Brazilian theme, serve these chewy, cheesy treats on the side.
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Simple Salad: A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich steak.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, try pairing this steak with batata-palha (Brazilian crispy fries) or a citrusy Brazilian salad made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
Dietary Variations & Substitutions
This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak recipe is easily adaptable to suit a variety of dietary needs. Here’s how you can modify the ingredients to fit different diets:
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Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid any gluten-containing sides or sauces.
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Low-Calorie / Low-Fat: For a lighter version, opt for leaner cuts like flank steak or use less butter. You can also swap some of the butter for olive oil to reduce the fat content.
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Halal / Hindu / Kosher: Ensure the beef is halal, kosher, or fits within Hindu dietary guidelines, and substitute the butter with ghee if preferred.
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Vegan: While this recipe relies on steak, you can make a vegan version by using portobello mushrooms or thick slices of tofu as your “steak,” and replacing the butter with plant-based butter or olive oil.
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Paleo / Keto: This recipe is naturally keto-friendly when served with non-starchy vegetables, and it’s also paleo-friendly if you use grass-fed butter or ghee.
Storage, Reheating & Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, don’t worry—they taste just as good the next day!
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Storage: Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: The best way to reheat steak is to gently warm it in a skillet with a splash of oil or butter. This will help retain the juiciness and avoid overcooking the meat.
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Freezing: You can freeze the steak (without the garlic butter sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, and then reheat as needed.
By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this delicious dish even after the initial meal.
The Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a quick, flavorful recipe that brings a taste of Brazil to your home kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with mouth-watering flavors. Try it tonight and enjoy a steakhouse experience without leaving your home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak for Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak?
Yes! While flank steak, skirt steak, and sirloin are commonly used for this recipe, you can certainly use other cuts like ribeye or New York strip. Just keep in mind that thicker cuts might require a longer cooking time to achieve the desired level of doneness.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Simply melt the butter and sauté the garlic, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before serving to avoid burning the garlic.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To add a bit of heat to your Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak, try incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the garlic butter sauce. You can also season the steak with chili powder or paprika before cooking for an extra kick.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?
The best way to check the doneness of your steak is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F, for medium, go for 140°F, and for well-done, reach 150°F.
Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing it?
Absolutely! Grilling is a great option for Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak. Simply season the steak, preheat your grill, and cook the steak to your desired level of doneness. Finish with the garlic butter sauce once it’s off the grill for that perfect steakhouse touch.
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