If you’re craving a steak recipe that’s bursting with flavor and super simple to whip up, this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe is a keeper. I absolutely love how the rich garlic butter perfectly complements the juicy skirt steak, creating a mouthwatering combination that feels both indulgent and approachable. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests on the weekend, this recipe always hits the spot.
When I first tried this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe, I was amazed by how quickly it comes together without sacrificing any depth of flavor. It’s perfect when you want a delicious, steakhouse-quality meal without the fuss. Trust me, you’ll find that a few basic ingredients like garlic, butter, and fresh parsley can transform a simple steak into something truly memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of staples to make this steak shine.
- Quick Prep and Cook Time: Ready in about 15 minutes, great for busy nights.
- Rich, Bold Flavors: The garlic butter adds an irresistible, savory finish.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together like a dream—simple, fresh, and full of flavor. When shopping, try to get a nice quality skirt steak and fresh garlic for the best result.
- Skirt steak: Ideal for quick cooking, skirt steak is flavorful and tender if sliced correctly.
- Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning, but essential to bring out the beef’s natural flavor.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch; avoid pre-minced for best taste.
- Butter: Provides richness and helps carry the garlic flavor over the steak.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color.
Variations
I like to keep this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe pretty classic, but it’s easy to customize if you want to put your own spin on it. Feel free to experiment with spices, herbs, or even different cuts of beef to suit your taste and needs.
- Herb Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic butter for a smoky heat kick – my family loves the extra warmth.
- Cut Swap: If skirt steak isn’t available, flank steak works well too; just adjust cooking time slightly.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based spread to keep it vegan-friendly without losing richness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Start by cutting your skirt steak into pieces that fit comfortably in your skillet—this makes flipping and cooking easier and more even. Pat the steak dry with paper towels; this is a game-changer for getting a good sear. Then generously season both sides with salt and pepper—you want the seasoning to bring out the natural beef flavors without overpowering the garlic butter later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s just about smoking hot—that’s when you know you’re ready to get a perfect crust. Add the steak pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare; thicker pieces might need a minute or two more. Avoid moving the meat too much; letting it sit lets that beautiful crust form. When done, transfer to a plate and let it rest a bit to keep juices locked in.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a separate skillet, melt the butter over low heat—patience here is key because you want to infuse the butter gently without burning. Add the minced garlic and stir with a spatula, watching closely as it turns a light golden brown. This step only takes a minute or two but can easily go too far—if it gets dark quickly, remove the pan from heat right away and transfer the garlic butter to a bowl. This mixture is pure magic for the steak.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Slice your rested steak against the grain; this makes the meat really tender and easy to eat. Pour the warm garlic butter over the sliced steak, scatter chopped parsley over the top for freshness, and serve it while it’s hot. I love how the butter pools around the meat, coating every bite with garlicky goodness!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
- Dry Your Steak Well: Patting the steak dry helps create that beautiful crust when searing.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter, so remove it from heat as soon as it browns lightly.
- Slice Against the Grain: This simple trick makes your steak tender and easy to chew every time.
- Rest Your Meat: Let steak rest before slicing to keep all those juices locked in for better flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with fresh chopped parsley—it adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh, slightly peppery note that balances the rich butter perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top just before serving for an extra texture contrast. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice tastes fantastic too!
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this recipe are garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts—they complement the bold flavors without stealing the spotlight. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also pairs beautifully if you want something lighter. And if you’re going all-in Brazilian style, try serving with traditional sides like farofa or black beans!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the sliced steak on a large wooden board garnished with extra parsley and garlic butter drizzled right before guests dig in—it looks stunning and encourages sharing. You can also stack slices on warm plates with a side of vibrant chimichurri for a festive touch. It makes dinner feel a little more special without fussing in the kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend keeping the garlic butter separate and adding it fresh when reheating so it tastes just like the first time. If the steak sits in the butter, the texture can get a little mushy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skirt steak, but for best results, freeze it plain without garlic butter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with fresh garlic butter added afterwards.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through—this helps keep the steak tender and prevents overcooking. Then, I pour warmed garlic butter over it before serving to regain that fresh-flavored sauce. Microwaving can work but risks drying out the meat.
FAQs
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Can I use other cuts of beef for the Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe?
Absolutely! While skirt steak is traditional and cooks quickly, flank steak or sirloin can also work well. Just keep in mind that thinner cuts like skirt or flank are best sliced against the grain and cooked quickly for tenderness.
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How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?
For medium-rare, cooking the steak for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat usually works great if your steak is about 1-inch thick. Using an instant-read thermometer, look for about 135°F internal temperature before resting.
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Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?
I don’t recommend preparing the garlic butter too far ahead since garlic can quickly become bitter if overcooked or stored too long. Instead, make it fresh right before serving for the best aroma and flavor.
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What sides pair best with this recipe?
Classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad are fantastic. If you want to go authentic Brazilian, think about farofa or feijão (black beans) for a hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s straightforward yet packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion. I love sharing it with friends who think great steak means hours of prep, only to wow them with how quick and easy it actually can be. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how effortlessly delicious it feels, and I’m sure it’ll become your go-to steak recipe too!
PrintGarlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Description
Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a flavorful and juicy skirt steak dish cooked to medium-rare perfection and topped with rich garlic butter and fresh parsley. This easy-to-make recipe brings a delicious Brazilian-inspired taste to your table, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 lbs skirt steak
- Salt & pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 6 tsp garlic, minced
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Steak: Cut the skirt steak to fit your skillet. Pat it dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
- Cook Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil until very hot. Add the steak and sear each side for about 2-3 minutes to achieve medium-rare. Adjust the time if you prefer your steak more or less done. Once cooked, place the steak on a plate and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a separate skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and stir with a spatula consistently until the garlic turns lightly golden brown. Remove the skillet from heat promptly to avoid burning the garlic and transfer the garlic butter mixture to a bowl.
- Serve: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain for tenderness. Pour the warm garlic butter over the sliced steak, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a savory and aromatic dish.
Notes
- Resting the steak after cooking is crucial to keep it juicy.
- Slicing against the grain ensures a more tender bite.
- Watch the garlic carefully when browning to prevent bitterness from burning.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and color contrast.
- For a spicier variation, add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 5.3 oz steak with garlic butter)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg