Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

Craving a taste of Brazil without leaving your kitchen? Look no further! This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak recipe brings the vibrant flavors of churrascaria right to your dinner table. Forget complicated marinades and lengthy cooking times – this recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably tender, juicy, and garlicky steak!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn't just delicious; it's also incredibly versatile and satisfying. The rich garlic butter infused into perfectly seared steak creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to create this amazing Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak:

For the Steak:
- 1.5-2 lbs picanha steak (sirloin cap), cut into thick slices or left whole
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Equipment

Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended for perfect doneness)
Small bowl for mixing garlic butter

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your mouth-watering Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak:

1. Prepare the Steak:

If using picanha, score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. This helps render the fat and prevents the steak from curling.
Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear.
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.

2. Make the Garlic Butter:

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chives (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add the lemon juice and mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Set aside.

3. Sear the Steak:

Heat the olive oil in your cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering and almost smoking.
Carefully place the steak in the hot pan. If your picanha has a fat cap, place it fat-side down first to render some of the fat, about 3-5 minutes, then flip.
Sear the steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures:
- Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
For even cooking, you can also sear the edges of the steak for about 1 minute each.

4. Finish with Garlic Butter:

Once the steak is almost at your desired doneness, reduce the heat to low.
Add half of the prepared garlic butter to the pan. Allow it to melt and baste the steak with the fragrant butter for 1-2 minutes, flipping once.

5. Rest and Serve:

Remove the steak from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board.
Spoon the remaining garlic butter over the steak.
Loosely tent the steak with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Slice against the grain and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up all the delicious pan juices.
Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: For a touch of green and a healthy crunch.
Brazilian Rice and Beans: To complete the authentic Brazilian experience.
Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing contrast to the rich steak.