This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make! The rich garlic butter adds a tasty twist that you’ll love with every bite.
Trust me, once you smell that buttery garlic sizzling, you might just end up doing a little happy dance in the kitchen! 😂 Pair it with some rice or veggies, and it’s a meal everyone will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak Cuts: Brazilian cuts like picanha are fantastic, but you can also use sirloin or rump steak if they’re easier to find. The key is to pick a cut that has some fat for flavor and tenderness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder could work in a pinch, but fresh has that unbeatable aroma.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based butter or olive oil for a lighter touch.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice depth of flavor, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or try using regular paprika or even a pinch of cayenne for heat.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Steak?
Cooking steak can be tricky, but there are a few key steps to ensure it turns out just right.
- First, let the steak rest before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steaks. A hot pan gives you a lovely sear!
- Don’t fiddle with the steak too much; leave it alone until it’s time to flip. This develops flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer if you want precision. For medium-rare, aim for about 130°F (54°C).
- Letting the steak rest after cooking is crucial to lock in juices. Waiting is hard, but worth it!
How to Make Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 2 lbs (900g) Brazilian-style steak cuts (such as picanha, sirloin, or rump steak)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak will take about 10-15 minutes of preparation and about 15 minutes of cooking time, plus 5 minutes for the resting period. In a little under 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Steak:
Start by taking the steak out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This allows the meat to come to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, and then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you choose to use it. The seasoning is key for flavor!
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic until it’s well combined. This buttery mixture will be the star of your steak, bringing awesome flavor!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan on the stove over medium-high heat, and add the olive oil. Heat the oil until it shimmers, which indicates that it’s hot enough for cooking.
4. Cook the Steaks:
Carefully add the seasoned steaks to the hot pan. Cook the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them to get a nice sear. Flip the steaks and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is about 130°F or 54°C).
5. Add the Garlic Butter:
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, take that delicious garlic butter you made earlier and spoon it over the steaks repeatedly. This will infuse the steak with garlicky goodness and keep it moist!
6. Let the Steaks Rest:
Once cooked, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak even tastier.
7. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Serve the sliced steak hot, drizzled with any remaining garlic butter from the pan for an extra flavor boost. Garnish with fresh parsley and don’t forget to add lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch!
Enjoy your flavorful, tender Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Steak?
Absolutely! While Brazilian cuts like picanha are ideal, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or rump steak. Just keep in mind that different cuts will have different flavor profiles and tenderness levels.
How Do I Store Leftover Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Prepare the Garlic Butter in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter ahead of time! Just mix the butter and garlic as directed, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and use it within a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before using it for best results.
What Should I Serve with This Steak?
This steak pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a complete Brazilian experience, consider serving it with farofa (toasted cassava flour) and chimichurri sauce for added flavor!
