Experience the vibrant flavors of Brazil with our Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak recipe. This dish features succulent, juicy steak perfectly seared and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s infused with Brazilian spices. Ideal for a hearty dinner or special occasion, this recipe delivers bold flavors, a satisfying texture, and a touch of South American flair that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
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For the Steak:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs flank or sirloin steak
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
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For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions for Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Steak Alternatives: Use ribeye, skirt steak, or tenderloin for different textures and flavors
- Butter Options: Substitute unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative if needed
- Citrus Variation: Swap lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different tang
- Spice Options: Adjust red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat
How to Make Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Season the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Let it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over high heat. Add olive oil and sear the steak for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time based on thickness and desired doneness). Transfer the steak to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Stir in lime juice, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Finish and Serve: Slice the steak thinly against the grain and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately alongside your favorite sides.
Mix-ins for Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Herbs: Add fresh cilantro or basil for a burst of freshness
- Veggies: Serve with sautéed onions, bell peppers, or a side of roasted vegetables
- Extras: Top with a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for a unique twist
Recipe Tips for Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Resting Time: Allow the steak to rest after cooking to lock in the juices for a tender bite.
- High Heat Searing: Ensure your pan is very hot before adding the steak to achieve a perfect sear and caramelized crust.
- Garlic Care: Avoid burning the garlic by lowering the heat when making the sauce; burnt garlic can introduce bitterness.
- Slice Against the Grain: Slicing the steak against the grain maximizes tenderness.
Storage for Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover steak in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat slices in a skillet over low heat or in the oven, and drizzle with freshly made garlic butter sauce to revive flavor.
- Freezer: For best quality, freeze steak slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Variations
- Spicy Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the butter sauce for an extra kick.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate a mix of fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint into the sauce for a more vibrant flavor profile.
- Steak Salad: Serve sliced steak over a bed of mixed greens with avocado, tomatoes, and a drizzle of garlic butter dressing.
- Grilled Version: For a smoky flavor, grill the steak outdoors instead of pan-searing, and finish with the garlic butter sauce.
FAQs for Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
Q: What is the best cut of steak for this recipe?
A: Flank or sirloin steak works beautifully, but ribeye or skirt steak can also provide a great balance of flavor and tenderness.
Q: How do I achieve the perfect sear?
A: Make sure your pan is very hot, pat the steak dry before seasoning, and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high heat.
Q: Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
A: It’s best to prepare the sauce right after searing the steak to capture all the flavorful fond in the pan, but you can pre-measure ingredients for quick assembly.
Q: How do I adjust the recipe for more or less heat?
A: Adjust the red pepper flakes or chili powder to your taste. You can also add a dash of hot sauce if you prefer an extra spicy kick.
Final Thoughts on Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
Our Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a celebration of bold flavors and tender, juicy meat elevated by a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of Brazilian flair to their dinner table. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and share the delight of this satisfying, flavorful dish with family and friends!
Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak: A Flavorful and Satisfying Dish
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or grill pan
- Tongs
- Cutting board & knife
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sirloin steak or picanha
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice for finishing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Let the steak rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes for even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
- Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over high heat.
- Add olive oil, then sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (or longer for desired doneness).
- Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add butter and let it melt.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using) and mix well.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
- Slice the steak against the grain.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce over the steak.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions:
- ✅ Serve with Brazilian-style rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- ✅ Pair with a chimichurri sauce for extra flavor.
- ✅ Enjoy with a glass of red wine or a refreshing lime caipirinha!
Pro Tips:
- ✔ Use a hot skillet to get a perfect sear.
- ✔ Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- ✔ Try different cuts, like ribeye or filet mignon, for variation.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for best results.
