If you’re on the hunt for a steak recipe that delivers bold flavor, incredible juiciness, and a touch of Brazilian flair, then you are going to adore this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender, well-seasoned ribeye or flank steak topped with a luscious garlic herb butter that melts slowly, soaking into every bite. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes a special dinner feel effortless and absolutely mouthwatering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple but powerful ingredients sets you up for a truly memorable steak experience. Each component is chosen to enhance flavor, tenderness, or aroma, ensuring a deliciously balanced dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- Ribeye or flank steaks (about 1 inch thick): Choose steaks with good marbling for maximum juiciness and flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps create a perfect sear and adds subtle fruity richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the meat’s natural taste.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mild punch of garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic butter.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Brings a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
- Cumin (optional): Introduces a warm, earthy note lending a Brazilian-inspired twist.
- Dried oregano (optional): Offers a subtle herbal aroma and taste.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup or 1 stick), softened: The base for the delicious garlic herb butter.
- Fresh garlic, minced (4 cloves): Infuses the butter with pungent, fragrant garlic flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Fresh thyme (optional, 1 tablespoon): Provides an earthy, slightly minty aroma that enhances the butter.
- Lemon juice (optional, 1 teaspoon): Adds brightness that lifts the butter’s flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by combining the softened butter with freshly minced garlic, chopped parsley, and any of your optional ingredients like thyme and lemon juice. Mixing these together creates a rich, fragrant butter that’s bursting with flavor. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to balance everything perfectly.
Step 2: Chill the Garlic Butter
Once everything is mixed, transfer your garlic butter onto plastic wrap or parchment paper and roll it into a compact log shape. Pop it into the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This chilling step firms up your butter, making it easier to slice and place on your steak later.
Step 3: Season the Steaks
Pat your steaks dry using paper towels—this simple trick ensures your steaks will sear nicely instead of steaming. Rub them all over with olive oil, which helps the seasoning stick and adds richness. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano if you’re using them. Press the seasoning into the meat so every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Steaks
You’ve got two great options here depending on your equipment and mood. If you’re grilling, preheat to medium-high heat and cook your steaks for about 4-6 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—130°F (54°C) is ideal for medium-rare. If pan-searing, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add the steaks, and cook with a little oil for the same amount of time. Both methods create a beautiful crust and juicy interior.
Step 5: Rest the Steaks
After cooking, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Let your steaks rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This important step lets the juices redistribute within the meat, making every bite tender and juicy.
Step 6: Top with Garlic Butter
Slice the chilled garlic butter into rounds and place a slice on top of each warm steak. Watch as it slowly melts, soaking into the meat and infusing it with incredible garlic and herb flavor that is absolutely addictive.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your beautifully cooked and butter-topped steaks with your favorite sides and get ready for a flavorful, satisfying meal that’ll make any occasion feel special.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top adds a lovely fresh contrast and vibrant color. A few lemon wedges on the side can brighten each bite with a little zesty squeeze when desired.
Side Dishes
This steak pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the garlic butter wonderfully, while grilled vegetables lend a smoky, healthy balance. For a Brazilian touch, you might serve it alongside white rice and sautéed collard greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic look, serve the steaks on a wooden cutting board, topped with herb sprigs and garlic butter slices melting glossy on top. You can also create an impressive platter with sliced steak fanned out around ramekins of extra garlic butter and chimichurri sauce. Presentation adds to the joy of this festive dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic butter separate or on the steak to preserve its fresh flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked steak wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Freeze any leftover garlic butter in a small container or wrapped log form so you can use it later on another meal.
Reheating
Reheat steak gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at a low temperature to avoid overcooking. Add a fresh slice of garlic butter after warming to revive the flavors and juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye or flank steak works great here, New York strip or sirloin can also be delicious. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness and personal doneness preferences.
Is it necessary to use smoked paprika and cumin?
Not at all. These spices add a lovely Brazilian touch, but if you prefer a simpler flavor profile, garlic powder, salt, and pepper alone will still taste fantastic.
How do I ensure my steak comes out juicy every time?
Pat the steak dry, use enough seasoning, don’t overcook it, and always let it rest after cooking. This recipe includes all those steps, helping you get tender, juicy results.
Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes! The garlic butter can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
What’s the best way to slice the steak for serving?
Slice against the grain in thin strips for maximum tenderness. This makes each bite easier to chew and more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a steak recipe that’s bursting with flavor, impressively simple, and infused with the warmth of Brazilian-inspired garlic butter, this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe is your new go-to. It’s perfect for both special occasions and cozy dinners at home. Go ahead, try it out and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite dishes to prepare and share!
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Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Description
This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak recipe combines the rich flavors of seasoned ribeye or flank steaks with a luscious homemade garlic herb butter. The steaks are perfectly seared or grilled to medium-rare doneness and topped with a creamy garlic butter that melts and infuses every bite with savory, aromatic goodness. Ideal for a flavorful dinner that brings a touch of Brazilian-inspired spices and classic steakhouse indulgence to your table.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 ribeye steaks or flank steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional for a Brazilian-inspired taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Garlic Butter
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, fresh thyme if using, and lemon juice if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the Butter: Transfer the garlic butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Shape it into a tight log, then roll it up and place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until firm.
- Season the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Lightly rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and dried oregano if using. Press the seasoning into the meat to ensure it adheres well.
- Cook the Steaks – Choose Your Method:
- For Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the steaks on the grill grates and cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time depending on thickness and doneness preference. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperatures reach 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for medium.
- For Pan-Searing: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until hot. Optionally, add a small amount of oil to the pan for better searing. Add the steaks and cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting cooking time to your preference.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the cooked steaks from the heat source and transfer to a plate or cutting board. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring the steak remains juicy and tender.
- Serve: Slice the chilled garlic butter into rounds. Immediately place a slice of the garlic butter on top of each warm steak. Allow the butter to melt naturally over the meat, infusing it with rich garlic and herb flavors.
- Accompaniments: Serve the steaks alongside your choice of sides such as grilled vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or rice to complete the meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ribeye steaks with flank steaks or other preferred cuts of steak, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- The smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, and lemon juice are optional but add Brazilian-inspired flavors and brightness to the dish.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect steak doneness to prevent overcooking.
- Resting the steak is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
- The garlic butter can be made ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
- For extra flavor, you can baste pan-seared steaks with melted garlic butter during the last minute of cooking.
