I absolutely love this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe because it transforms a simple skirt steak into something irresistibly rich and flavorful. When you first try this, you’ll notice how the garlic-infused butter beautifully melts over the juicy meat, adding layers of indulgence that make every bite memorable. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for a weekend dinner but is quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.
What sets this apart for me is how simple ingredients come together to create a dish with such bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe delivers that perfect balance of garlic punch and buttery smoothness that keeps people coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want something delicious fast.
- Bold Flavor: The garlicky butter elevates the steak beyond your everyday weeknight meal.
- Juicy and Tender: Skirt steak cooks quickly but stays tender when sliced against the grain.
- Family Favorite: This recipe consistently gets rave reviews at my dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a key role in building the flavor and texture you’ll love. Fresh garlic and butter create that rich sauce, while skirt steak gives you the juiciness you want in a Brazilian steak.
- Skirt steak: Flavors soak in beautifully and it cooks quickly to juicy perfection.
- Salt & pepper: Essential to bring out the natural steak flavors without overpowering.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives a powerful, aromatic punch when gently browned in butter.
- Butter: The backbone of the sauce, adding richness and a silky texture.
- Chopped parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe to suit different tastes and occasions. Don’t be afraid to swap things up—sometimes a little twist can make it even more special for your table.
- Herb Twist: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or a bit of fresh thyme to the garlic butter for an earthy depth that pairs amazingly with the beef.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic—my family loves the extra warmth it brings.
- Different Cuts: While skirt steak works beautifully, flank steak or ribeye can be great substitutes if you want a different texture or flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Option: I’ve swapped out butter for ghee or a good olive oil and it still tastes incredible while keeping the garlicky goodness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Steak
Start by cutting your skirt steak into pieces that comfortably fit your skillet—this helps with even cooking. Then, pat the steak dry using paper towels to ensure a good sear and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. I’ve found that seasoning just before cooking keeps the steak juicy instead of drawing out moisture.
Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s almost smoking hot—this is key to get that beautiful brown crust. Add the steak and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time if you prefer it more or less done. Don’t overcrowd the pan; doing smaller batches if needed ensures each piece gets that caramelized finish I love. Once seared, transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest while you work on the garlic butter.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using a separate skillet, melt the butter gently over low heat. Add the minced garlic and stir with a spatula, watching carefully until it just starts to turn golden and fragrant—this usually happens pretty fast, so don’t walk away! I learned the hard way that burnt garlic can make the whole sauce bitter, so the moment you see that light toasty brown, remove the pan from heat and transfer the garlic butter to a bowl immediately.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested steak against the grain—this is crucial for tenderness—and pour the warm garlic butter over all those beautiful slices. Finally, sprinkle on fresh chopped parsley to brighten the dish. Serve immediately to enjoy the steak juicy and coated in that luscious sauce.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
- Pat Steak Dry: Removing moisture helps achieve that perfect brown crust without steaming the meat.
- Control Garlic Heat: Garlic burns quickly, so cook over low heat and remove immediately once golden for mellow, nutty flavor.
- Let It Rest: Resting the steak after searing locks in juices and makes slicing easier and more tender.
- Slice Against the Grain: This simple step makes all the difference in tenderness and mouthfeel.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of fresh parsley because it adds a pop of color and bright herbaceous flavor that balances the richness of the garlic butter. Sometimes, I like adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before serving to add a slight crunch and amplify the steak’s natural taste.
Side Dishes
This steak pairs beautifully with classic Brazilian sides like garlicky mashed potatoes or crispy farofa. On casual nights, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies work wonders to cut through the richness. One of my favorite combos is serving it with a simple chimichurri — the fresh acidity is a fantastic contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I enjoy presenting the sliced steak on a wooden cutting board with little bowls of extra garlic butter and fresh herbs nearby for guests to customize their servings. Layering the slices fan-style garnished with parsley always gets compliments at dinner parties and looks like you put in way more effort than you really did.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy it within 2-3 days. To keep it from drying out, I pour any leftover garlic butter over the meat before sealing the container.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the steak first and keep it separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag. When thawed slowly in the fridge overnight, it reheats wonderfully with just a little fresh garlic butter.
Reheating
For reheating, I gently warm the steak slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of the garlic butter sauce to keep everything moist. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to dry out the meat and dull the flavors.
FAQs
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What cut of beef is best for making Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe?
Skirt steak is the classic choice because of its loose grain and robust flavor, but flank steak or ribeye can also be used depending on your preference. The key is to slice against the grain for tenderness.
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How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the butter?
Cook the garlic over low heat and watch it very closely. Once it just starts turning golden, remove the pan from the heat immediately, as garlic burns fast and can quickly become bitter.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare and sear the steaks ahead, storing them in the fridge. Just warm them and add fresh garlic butter when ready to serve for best flavor and texture.
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What’s the best way to serve Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe?
Serve sliced against the grain, topped generously with the garlic butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or traditional Brazilian sides like farofa for a complete, flavorful meal.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe has become my go-to when I want something that feels both simple and indulgent. It brings out the best in skirt steak with minimal fuss, and I love how the garlic butter invites everyone to savor every juicy bite. I really hope you give this one a try — it’s a little treasure that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests without stress.
PrintGarlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Description
This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak recipe features tender skirt steak cooked to juicy perfection and topped with a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. Simple ingredients combine to create a classic Brazilian-style steak that’s perfect for a quick and delicious meal. The skirt steak is seared in a hot skillet for a beautiful crust, then rested and sliced against the grain, topped with aromatic garlic butter and fresh parsley for a mouthwatering finish.
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 the steak: Cut the skirt steak to fit your skillet. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and create a good crust when cooking.
- Sear the steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add a small amount of oil, then place the steak into the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust timing to reach your desired level of doneness. This high-heat sear locks in juices and creates a savory crust.
- Rest the steak: Remove the steak from the skillet and place it on a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute for a tender, juicy steak.
- Make the garlic butter: In another skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and stir with a spatula as it cooks until it begins to brown slightly. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning, then transfer the garlic butter to a bowl.
- Slice and serve: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Pour the warm garlic butter over the sliced steak, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cutting the steak against the grain is crucial for tender slices.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic in the butter as it cooks quickly and can become bitter.
- Use skirt steak for its rich flavor and quick cooking properties.
- Letting the steak rest prevents the juices from escaping when sliced, keeping it juicy.
- The garlic butter can be prepared ahead but should be gently reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 6.5 oz steak with sauce)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg