Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe

Introduction

Few things are as indulgent as a perfectly seared steak finished with fragrant garlic butter, and if you’ve ever tasted Brazilian churrasco, you know it’s a flavor experience unlike any other. This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak recipe captures that essence juicy, tender steak infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a buttery finish that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Whether you’re craving a special weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with minimal effort, this steak recipe delivers. Inspired by traditional Brazilian barbecue techniques, it’s designed to highlight the natural flavors of the beef, complemented by a garlicky, buttery drizzle that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality.

Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a classic Brazilian farofa for an authentic experience. And don’t worry if you don’t have a grill you can easily make this on a stovetop or in the oven, making it versatile for any kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, savory flavor – Garlic butter adds a luxurious touch to tender steak.
• Simple ingredients – Minimal seasoning lets the beef shine.
• Quick to make – Ready in under an hour from start to finish.
• Versatile cuts – Works with sirloin cap, ribeye, strip, or tenderloin.
• Restaurant-quality results – Crispy exterior, juicy interior every time.
• Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or special occasions.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 people depending on appetite.

Steak

• 1.5 to 2 pounds sirloin cap steak (picanha), or ribeye, strip, or tenderloin – Choose a well-marbled cut for maximum flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances natural beef flavor.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground gives the best aroma.

Cooking Fat & Aromatics

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sear the steak and prevent sticking.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and allows the garlic to flavor the meat.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the butter with robust flavor.

Fresh Herbs & Optional Heat

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Brightens the dish and adds color.
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or chives (optional) – Adds subtle onion notes.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – A hint of heat for extra depth.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed sauté pan (for best sear)
• Tongs (for flipping the steak)
• Sharp knife & cutting board
• Small mixing bowl (for butter & herbs)
• Spoon (to baste the steak)
• Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak

• Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this ensures a better sear.
• Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Let the steak rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.

2. Make Garlic Butter

• In a small bowl, combine unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, green onions/chives (optional), and red pepper flakes (optional). Set aside.

3. Sear the Steak

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Carefully place the steak in the pan, letting it sear without moving for 3–5 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
• Flip the steak and sear the other side for another 3–5 minutes.

4. Baste with Garlic Butter

• Reduce heat to medium-low. Add half of the prepared garlic butter to the skillet.
• Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak with melted butter for 1–2 minutes. This enhances flavor and keeps the steak juicy.

5. Check for Doneness

• For medium-rare, remove the steak at an internal temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C). Adjust based on desired doneness:
  • Rare: 120–125°F
  • Medium: 140–145°F
  • Well-done: 160°F+

6. Rest the Steak

• Transfer the steak to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute for a tender bite.

7. Serve

• Slice against the grain into thick slices.
• Drizzle with remaining garlic butter before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Alternative cooking methods: Oven roast at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes for crust.
• Add flavor twists: Rub steak with smoked paprika or ground coriander before searing.
• Spicy garlic butter: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or smoked chili flakes.
• Herb variation: Substitute parsley with fresh cilantro for a Latin flair.
• Marinating option: Marinate in olive oil, garlic, and lime juice for 30 minutes for subtle tang.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Rich, garlicky, buttery, with a slight herbaceous brightness.
• Texture: Crispy, caramelized exterior with tender, juicy interior.

Drink Pairings:

• Wine: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Tempranillo.
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lime or cold-brew iced tea.

Side Dish Pairings:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
• Grilled corn with butter and herbs
• Chimichurri sauce for an extra burst of freshness

Nutritional Overview (per serving, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~550
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 36g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

Values vary depending on cut of steak and amount of butter used.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Garlic butter: Make ahead and store in fridge for up to 5 days.
• Steak prep: Season in advance, but sear just before serving for best texture.
• Reheating: Gently reheat slices in a skillet with a small pat of butter; avoid microwave for best results.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, ribeye, strip, or tenderloin all work. Sirloin cap (picanha) is traditional Brazilian style.

Q2: Can I grill this instead of stovetop?
Absolutely. Preheat the grill to high, sear each side 3–5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium and baste with garlic butter.

Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
Cooked steak can be frozen for up to 2 months. Slice before freezing for easier reheating.

Q4: What herbs pair best with garlic butter steak?
Parsley is classic, but chives, thyme, or rosemary work beautifully.

Q5: How do I get a perfect sear without overcooking?
Pat steak dry, use high heat, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Resting is essential.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep steak & garlic butter	10 min
Sear steak	6–10 min
Baste with butter	2 min
Rest steak	10 min
Slice & serve	5 min
Total	~30–35 min

Serving Suggestions

• Slice steak thinly and serve over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
• Drizzle with extra garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
• Serve alongside grilled bread to mop up the buttery juices.

Recipe Variations

1. Chimichurri Garlic Butter Steak – Add chimichurri sauce on top for Argentine flair.
2. Spicy Garlic Butter Steak – Add crushed red pepper or smoked paprika to butter.
3. Garlic Butter Surf & Turf – Add seared shrimp to the steak for extra indulgence.
4. Herbed Compound Butter – Mix garlic butter with rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sirloin Cap (Picanha)

Traditional Brazilian cut with a rich beefy flavor and fat cap that renders beautifully. Can be grilled or pan-seared.

Garlic Butter

Fresh garlic and parsley elevate steak to restaurant-quality. Compound butter can be made ahead to streamline weeknight dinners.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always rest steak before slicing to lock in juices.
• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat and perfect sear.
• Baste with garlic butter for maximum flavor infusion.
• Slice against the grain for tender bites.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store cooked steak in airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bag; freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in skillet over medium-low with butter; avoid microwave to maintain texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550
Protein	45g
Carbs	2g
Fat	36g
Fiber	0g

Expanded Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak recipe is the ultimate comfort and indulgence, blending juicy, flavorful steak with fragrant garlic butter and fresh herbs. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor make it ideal for weeknights or special occasions.

Whether you serve it on a plate with sides or slice for sandwiches or tacos, this steak delivers every time. Give it a try and bring a taste of Brazilian churrasco into your home—guaranteed to impress family, friends, and your taste buds alike.

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