Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Brazil with this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak recipe—a dish that encapsulates the bold and savory flavors synonymous with Brazilian cuisine. In Brazil, grilling meat isn’t just cooking; it’s a celebration of flavor and tradition. The Brazilian churrasco (barbecue) style emphasizes high-quality cuts of meat seasoned simply and cooked to perfection. This recipe brings that same spirit into your home kitchen, combining juicy, perfectly seared steak with a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce.
Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is guaranteed to impress. The tender, juicy steak is seared to create a flavorful crust while remaining succulent inside. The garlic butter sauce, infused with fresh herbs and a hint of citrus, elevates the dish to restaurant-quality status. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, requiring minimal ingredients but delivering maximum flavor.
This recipe is approachable for cooks of all levels and offers endless versatility. You can customize the seasoning, pair it with various sides, or even cook it on the grill for an authentic Brazilian experience. Read on to discover how to master this mouthwatering dish and make it a star at your next meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Brazilian Flavors: Inspired by traditional Brazilian churrascarias, this steak is seasoned and cooked in a way that enhances its natural flavors without overwhelming them.
- Rich and Savory Garlic Butter: The garlic butter sauce adds a luxurious, velvety richness that perfectly complements the savory steak, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether paired with classic Brazilian sides like farofa or enjoyed with roasted vegetables, this steak adapts to any meal setting.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning, add heat with chili flakes, or experiment with different herbs to make this recipe your own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual family meals to upscale dinner parties, this dish suits every event and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: High-quality beef, fresh garlic, butter, and a few seasonings are all you need to create this impressive dish.
- Great for Grilling Season: This steak is just as delicious cooked on a stovetop skillet as it is grilled over charcoal, making it perfect for year-round enjoyment.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Serving Size: 6-8 oz of steak with garlic butter sauce
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 lbs (900g) picanha (top sirloin cap) or ribeye steak, cut into thick slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Steak:
Pat the steak dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Drizzle olive oil over both sides and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. - Heat the Pan:
Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat until it’s smoking hot. This is essential for developing a caramelized crust. - Sear the Steak:
Place the steak in the skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Use tongs to sear the edges for added flavor. - Make the Garlic Butter:
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. Stir in parsley, lemon juice, and chili flakes. - Rest the Steak:
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. - Slice and Serve:
Slice the steak against the grain and drizzle the garlic butter sauce generously over the top. Garnish with more parsley if desired.
Ingredient Background
Picanha (Top Sirloin Cap)
Picanha is a prized cut in Brazilian barbecue, known for its juicy texture and bold flavor. Its fat cap renders during cooking, naturally basting the meat for tenderness. If unavailable, ribeye or sirloin make excellent substitutes.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is essential for the sauce, delivering a bold, aromatic punch. Lightly sautéing it in butter mellows its sharpness and infuses the sauce with deep, savory flavor.
Butter
Butter creates a rich, velvety sauce that complements the steak’s bold taste. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content and pairs beautifully with garlic and herbs.
Technique Tips
High Heat Sear
Achieving the perfect sear is all about high heat. Preheat your cast-iron skillet or grill pan until it’s smoking hot before adding the steak. This ensures that the surface of the steak instantly begins to caramelize, forming a flavorful, crispy crust that locks in the juices. A cold or moderately heated pan will cause the meat to release moisture and steam instead of sear, resulting in a lackluster texture. If you’re using a grill, make sure the grates are hot and clean to prevent sticking. High heat also shortens cooking time, keeping the inside tender and juicy while the outside develops a beautiful char.
Rest the Steak
Allowing the steak to rest after cooking is crucial for a juicy, flavorful bite. When steak cooks, its juices are driven toward the center due to the heat. If you cut into the meat right away, those juices will spill out, leaving the steak dry. Let the steak rest for at least 5–10 minutes, loosely tented with foil, so the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This step ensures each bite is moist and flavorful. Resting also allows the steak to finish cooking internally, resulting in more consistent doneness.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients make all the difference in a simple dish like this. Fresh garlic delivers a robust and aromatic flavor that powdered garlic simply can’t replicate. Similarly, using freshly chopped herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme adds brightness and depth to the garlic butter. Opt for high-quality, unsalted butter for a rich, creamy sauce, and use coarse sea salt or kosher salt to bring out the natural flavors of the steak. Freshly cracked black pepper also enhances the steak’s bold profile. Whenever possible, choose organic or grass-fed beef for better texture and flavor.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
Skewered Steak Bites
Transform this dish into a party-friendly appetizer by cutting the steak into bite-sized cubes and threading them onto skewers. Grill or sear the steak bites to perfection and brush them with garlic butter just before serving. This presentation is ideal for casual gatherings and allows guests to enjoy the rich flavors of the steak in a more social, shareable form. Garnish with chopped herbs or serve alongside dipping sauces like chimichurri or spicy aioli for added flair.
Family-Style Platter
For a dramatic and rustic presentation, slice the steak against the grain and arrange it on a large wooden cutting board or serving platter. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce generously over the steak and scatter fresh herbs on top. Surround the steak with roasted vegetables, grilled corn, or crispy potatoes to create a complete, family-style meal. Adding small bowls of extra garlic butter or chimichurri allows guests to customize their servings.
Steak Sandwich
Turn this steak into a gourmet sandwich by slicing it thinly and layering it on a toasted baguette or ciabatta roll. Add a bed of peppery arugula, caramelized onions, and a generous drizzle of garlic butter sauce. For extra richness, melt provolone or mozzarella cheese on top. This steak sandwich makes an elevated lunch or casual dinner option, bursting with flavor and texture. Pair it with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.
Additional Tips for Success
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
If you’re cooking multiple steaks, avoid placing them too close together in the pan. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, causing the meat to steam rather than sear. Cook the steaks in batches if necessary, ensuring that each piece has enough room to develop a crispy, caramelized crust. A hot, uncrowded pan is the key to achieving that signature sear.
Baste with Butter
For an extra layer of flavor, baste the steak with garlic butter during the final minute of cooking. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to continually pour the melted butter over the top of the steak. This technique not only infuses the meat with rich, garlicky goodness but also helps create a glossy, mouthwatering finish. Adding a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the butter while basting introduces even more depth of flavor.
Use a Thermometer
For perfectly cooked steak every time, use an instant-read meat thermometer. This ensures that the steak reaches your desired level of doneness without guesswork. Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, and 150°F (65°C) for medium-well. Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so remove it from the heat when it’s about 5°F below your target temperature.
Recipe Variations
Herb Butter
Enhance the garlic butter sauce by incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Simply add the herbs to the melted butter along with the garlic and allow them to infuse for a more complex and aromatic flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the sauce and balance the richness.
Spicy Chimichurri
Give the steak a zesty kick by serving it with spicy chimichurri sauce. Made with fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, this Argentinian condiment adds vibrant flavor and a hint of heat. Drizzle it over the sliced steak or serve it on the side for dipping.
Grilled Version
For an authentic Brazilian touch, grill the steak over charcoal. The smoky flavor from the grill enhances the steak’s natural richness. Sear the steak over high heat for a few minutes on each side, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking. Brush the steak with garlic butter during the last few minutes for a deliciously smoky and savory finish.
Freezing and Storage
Refrigeration
Allow leftover steak to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the steak gently in a skillet over low heat with a little garlic butter to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the cooked steak and freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw the steak overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of garlic butter to restore its flavor and juiciness.
Healthier Twist Ideas
Lean Cuts
Swap out the ribeye or picanha for leaner cuts like sirloin, flank, or filet mignon to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor. These cuts are still tender and flavorful when cooked properly.
Olive Oil Substitute
For a heart-healthy alternative, replace the butter in the garlic sauce with extra virgin olive oil. This substitution reduces saturated fat while maintaining a rich, savory flavor.
Veggie Sides
Balance the richness of the steak by serving it with nutrient-dense sides. Grilled vegetables, quinoa salad, or steamed greens are excellent, lighter accompaniments that add color and freshness to the plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Picanha is the traditional choice, but ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon are also excellent alternatives due to their tenderness and rich flavor. - Can I grill this instead of using a pan?
Yes! Grilling the steak over charcoal or gas adds a delicious smoky flavor and brings an authentic Brazilian touch to the dish. - How do I know when my steak is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C), and for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C). - Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving. - Is this dish spicy?
The garlic butter is not inherently spicy, but adding red pepper flakes or serving it with chimichurri can introduce heat. - What sides go well with this steak?
Traditional sides like farofa, garlic rice, or grilled vegetables complement the steak perfectly. For a lighter option, try a fresh green salad. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. - Can I marinate the steak?
While Brazilian-style steak typically uses simple seasoning, you can marinate it in garlic and olive oil for a few hours for added flavor.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a celebration of bold, simple ingredients elevated by expert cooking techniques. From its savory, seared crust to the luxurious garlic butter sauce, every bite is rich, tender, and flavorful. Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions, this dish offers endless versatility and is sure to become a family favorite. Whether grilled or pan-seared, its robust flavors and elegant presentation guarantee satisfaction with every serving.