This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a game changer! Juicy, tender slices of steak are bathed in rich garlic butter, giving it a flavor that’s hard to resist. Perfect for a special dinner!
Every bite feels like a treat, and the smell when it cooks? Absolutely mouthwatering! I can’t help but sneak a taste while I slice it. Pair it with rice or grilled veggies for a yummy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Steak: Sirloin, ribeye, or picanha are great choices. If you’re looking for a leaner cut, consider flank or skirt steak. Both work well but may need a bit of tenderizing.
Unsalted Butter: Fresh, high-quality butter enhances flavor. If you’re dairy-free, a vegan butter or olive oil can substitute, though the taste will differ.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for its strong flavor. If you’re short on fresh, you can use garlic powder, but reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky warmth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will still work, or try cayenne for some heat, but use it sparingly!
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Seared Steak?
Getting that beautiful sear is key to flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking; it helps with even cooking.
- Pat the steak dry to get rid of excess moisture, which helps achieve that nice brown crust.
- Preheat your skillet until hot. A hot pan prevents the meat from steaming.
- Sear without moving it around. This creates the Maillard reaction, which gives the steak its rich flavor.
- Baste with the garlic butter. It adds moisture and enhances the richness, making every bite amazing!
Remember, patience is essential. After cooking, let it rest to keep the juices inside, ensuring your steak is juicy and tender. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef steak (such as sirloin, ribeye, or picanha)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes for cooking. Including resting time, you’re looking at a total of about 30 minutes from start to enjoying a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by taking the steak out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This helps it to cook evenly. Use paper towels to pat the steak dry, which allows for better browning later. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you want that extra flavor boost.
2. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 2–3 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown; you want it to stay light and tasty. After that, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
3. Sear the Steak:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot and shimmering. Add the steak to the pan. Sear it for about 3–5 minutes on each side, depending on how you like it cooked (3 minutes for rare, up to 5 for medium). Try not to move it around too much; letting it sit helps create that beautiful crust.
4. Baste with Garlic Butter:
During the last minute of cooking, take that delicious garlic butter and spoon it over the steak to baste it, infusing it with rich garlic flavor. Yum!
5. Let It Rest:
Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5–7 minutes. This step is super important because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more juicy and flavorful when you cut into it.
6. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin pieces for the best texture. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the slices for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if you like a little zesty touch!
Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak! It’s perfect for family dinners or impressing your guests at a gathering!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While sirloin, ribeye, and picanha are excellent choices, you can also use flank or skirt steak. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as thinner cuts will cook faster.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine. Alternatively, a pinch of cayenne pepper can add some heat, or you can skip it altogether for a simpler flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Steak Is Cooked to the Desired Doneness?
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way. Aim for 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, and 160°F (71°C) for medium-well. Remember to let it rest after cooking, as the temperature will rise a bit more!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through to keep it tender—avoid microwaving as it can make the meat tough.
