Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a flavorful and juicy dish inspired by the famous Brazilian churrasco, featuring perfectly cooked steak topped with a rich, garlicky butter sauce. The steak is marinated to enhance its natural flavors, then seared to perfection and finished with a luscious garlic butter that takes it to the next level. It’s an easy yet indulgent dish, perfect for steak lovers who want to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Paired with a side of vegetables, rice, or even just a simple salad, this steak is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a combination of bold, smoky flavors with a savory garlic butter that melts over the steak, adding richness and depth. The key to this dish is in the simple marinade that enhances the natural taste of the beef, followed by the searing process that locks in the juices. The garlic butter provides a finishing touch that is decadent and perfect for drizzling over the steak. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this dish delivers mouthwatering results every time.

Ingredients

For the steak:

• 2 boneless steaks (ribeye, flank, sirloin, or your favorite cut)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the garlic butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a bit of zest)

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the steak:

• In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Rub the marinade all over the steaks and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to absorb the flavors. If you have the time, marinating overnight will intensify the taste.

2. Prepare the garlic butter:

• In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and lemon juice (if using). Stir until the ingredients are well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Cook the steaks:

• Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steaks to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.

• Flip the steaks and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare (adjust the time based on your preferred doneness: 5-6 minutes for medium, 7-8 minutes for well-done).

• Remove the steaks from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

4. Finish with garlic butter:

• While the steaks are resting, melt the garlic butter in the same skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. If you prefer, you can also heat the butter separately in a pan.

• Spoon the garlic butter over the steaks just before serving.

5. Serve:

• Slice the steaks against the grain and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

6. Enjoy:

• Enjoy this savory, juicy, and garlicky steak that’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Marinating time: 30 minutes to 2 hours

• Cook time: 8-10 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes to 2 hours (including marinating)

Variations

• Add heat: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or garlic butter.

• Different cuts of beef: You can use any steak cut you prefer, such as skirt steak, flank steak, or filet mignon. Just adjust the cooking time according to the thickness and desired doneness.

• Garlic Herb Butter: Experiment with adding other fresh herbs to the garlic butter, like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, for a different flavor profile.

• Grill the steak: If you prefer grilling, marinate the steak and cook it on a preheated grill for a delicious smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the steak in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter or oil to prevent it from drying out.

• Freezing: You can freeze leftover cooked steak for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of steak?

Yes, you can use other cuts of steak such as sirloin, flank, or skirt steak. Each cut will provide a slightly different texture, but the flavors will still be great.

2. How can I tell when my steak is done?

To check the doneness, use a meat thermometer:

• 120°F (49°C) for rare

• 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare

• 140°F (60°C) for medium

• 150°F (66°C) for medium-well

• 160°F (71°C) for well-done

You can also use the “finger test” to check the doneness based on how firm the steak feels.

3. Can I make this recipe without the garlic butter?

While the garlic butter is the finishing touch that makes this steak special, you can serve the steak without it. Just be sure to season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.

4. Can I cook this on the grill?

Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted for grilling. Simply marinate the steaks, then cook them on a preheated grill for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the steak.

5. How do I prevent the steak from becoming too dry?

To avoid dry steak, make sure to not overcook it. Let it rest after cooking to keep the juices inside, and always cook steak over high heat for a short period of time to preserve its tenderness.

6. Can I use a different type of oil for cooking the steak?

Yes, you can use other high-heat oils like canola oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil if you prefer. Just avoid using olive oil for searing at high heat as it has a lower smoke point.

7. How can I get a better sear on the steak?

For a better sear, ensure that your pan is hot before adding the steak. You can also pat the steak dry with paper towels before cooking to remove any excess moisture, which helps to create a crisp crust.

8. Can I make the garlic butter in advance?

Yes, you can make the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm it up slightly before using it on the steak.

9. What should I serve with Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak?

This steak pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with grilled corn or a side of crispy fries.

10. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic in both the marinade and the butter, but fresh garlic will give you a more intense and aromatic flavor.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a decadent and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Brazilian-style grilling and the richness of garlic butter. The tender, juicy steak pairs perfectly with the aromatic butter sauce, making each bite indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a simple dinner at home, this recipe will surely impress and become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy this savory, melt-in-your-mouth steak with your favorite sides and savor the flavors of this amazing dish!