How to Make Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe Fast

Tired of spending hours on steak that turns out tough and flavorless? You’re not alone – many home cooks struggle with achieving that perfect Brazilian steakhouse quality at home. This garlic butter Brazilian steak recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and bold, savory flavors that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

As a chef who’s spent over 8 years perfecting Brazilian cooking techniques and working alongside authentic churrasco masters, I’ve cracked the code to creating tender, juicy Brazilian-style steaks in just 30 minutes. The secret lies in the perfect combination of garlic-herb butter, proper meat selection, and precise cooking techniques that I’ll share with you today.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the best cuts for this Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe, essential preparation tips that guarantee tenderness, foolproof cooking methods, and pro techniques that separate good steaks from extraordinary ones. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or hosting a weekend barbecue, this recipe will become your go-to for impressive results every time.

Why This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Recipe Works

This garlic butter Brazilian steak recipe has become a favorite among home cooks for three compelling reasons: incredible flavor, unmatched convenience, and remarkable versatility.

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find cuts of meat – You don’t need expensive prime cuts to achieve steakhouse quality. This recipe transforms accessible cuts like sirloin, strip steak, or even flank steak into tender, flavorful masterpieces through proper preparation and cooking techniques.

• Marinate in just 15 minutes for maximum tenderness – Unlike traditional marinades that require overnight preparation, our Brazilian-inspired garlic butter blend penetrates the meat quickly, breaking down tough fibers and infusing deep flavor in a fraction of the time.

• Perfect for weeknights or weekend feasts – The entire cooking process takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners. Yet the results are impressive enough for entertaining guests or celebrating special occasions.

The combination of garlic, herbs, and butter creates a rich, savory crust while keeping the interior perfectly juicy. The Brazilian technique of high-heat searing followed by butter basting ensures even cooking and maximum flavor development in minimal time.

Choosing the Right Meat

Selecting the proper cut is crucial for achieving authentic Brazilian steakhouse results. The right meat makes the difference between good and exceptional.

Best Cuts for This garlic butter Brazilian steak recipe

Top Sirloin is the gold standard for this Brazilian steak recipe. Its balanced marbling provides excellent flavor while remaining tender when cooked properly. The moderate fat content allows the garlic butter to penetrate effectively without overwhelming the meat’s natural taste.

New York Strip offers exceptional marbling and robust beef flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter. The consistent thickness ensures even cooking, making it nearly foolproof for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.

Ribeye brings the ultimate in tenderness and flavor due to its generous marbling. While slightly more expensive, it’s virtually impossible to overcook and delivers an incredibly rich taste that complements the Brazilian seasoning perfectly.

Flank Steak serves as an excellent budget-friendly alternative. When sliced against the grain after cooking, it becomes surprisingly tender and absorbs the garlic butter marinade exceptionally well due to its open grain structure.

Buying Tips

Look for steaks with bright red color and minimal browning around the edges – this indicates freshness and proper storage. The meat should feel firm to the touch, not soft or squishy, which can indicate age or poor handling.

Ask your butcher for steaks cut 1 to 1.5 inches thick for optimal results. Thinner cuts cook too quickly and risk drying out, while thicker cuts may not cook evenly with this fast preparation method.

Choose steaks with good marbling – those thin white lines of fat throughout the meat. This intramuscular fat melts during cooking, creating tenderness and flavor that’s essential for authentic Brazilian-style results.

Substitutions

Swap sirloin for tri-tip when looking for a more budget-friendly option with similar tenderness and flavor profile. Tri-tip responds excellently to the garlic butter treatment and slices beautifully for presentation.

Use pork tenderloin instead of beef for a lighter alternative that still delivers impressive results. Reduce cooking time by about 25% as pork cooks faster than beef cuts.

Substitute chicken thighs for beef when serving guests who prefer poultry. The dark meat stays moist during cooking and absorbs the Brazilian flavors beautifully, though cooking time will need adjustment.

Ingredients & Prep

Proper preparation forms the foundation of exceptional Brazilian steak. These essential steps ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.

Meat Prep Essentials

Trimming removes excess external fat, leaving about ¼ inch for flavor while preventing flare-ups during cooking. Trim any silver skin or tough connective tissue that won’t break down during the quick cooking process.

Room temperature resting is crucial – remove steaks from refrigeration 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout and prevents the exterior from overcooking while the center remains cold.

Pat completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture on the surface creates steam instead of the desired sear, preventing that beautiful caramelized crust that locks in juices and creates incredible flavor.

Marinades/Rubs

Garlic Butter Base: 6 cloves minced garlic, ½ cup softened butter, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, and 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper create the signature flavor profile.

Brazilian Seasoning Blend: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon oregano to authentic South American flavor complexity that complements the garlic butter perfectly.

Quick Marinade Time: Let steaks marinate for exactly 15 minutes – enough time for flavors to penetrate without the acids breaking down the meat’s texture. Longer marinating isn’t necessary and may actually compromise the meat’s integrity.

Pantry Staples

High-heat cooking oil such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil withstands the high temperatures needed for proper searing without burning or creating off-flavors.

Coarse sea salt or kosher salt provides better texture and flavor than table salt, adhering well to the meat’s surface and creating that essential seasoned crust.

Fresh citrus juice from lime or lemon adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat naturally. Use sparingly – just 1 tablespoon per pound of meat to avoid overpowering the garlic butter flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these precise steps for guaranteed Brazilian steakhouse results every time.

Pre-Cooking Prep

Remove steaks from refrigeration and bring to room temperature for 30 minutes. This critical step ensures even cooking from edge to edge, preventing overcooked exteriors and cold centers.

Pat steaks completely dry with paper towels, then season generously with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt draws out surface moisture, creating better browning and flavor development.

Prepare your garlic butter mixture by combining softened butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly and set aside – you’ll use half for cooking and half for finishing.

Cooking Method

Preheat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke slightly. Add a thin layer of high-heat oil and swirl to coat the entire surface evenly.

Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes without moving them, allowing a golden-brown crust to develop. Resist the urge to flip early – proper searing requires patience and creates the foundation for exceptional flavor.

Flip once and immediately add half of your garlic butter mixture to the pan. Tilt the pan and use a spoon to continuously baste the steaks with the foaming butter for 2-3 minutes.

Continue cooking while basting until desired doneness is reached. The butter basting technique ensures even cooking while building layers of rich, savory flavor throughout the meat.

Doneness Check

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak for accuracy. Medium-rare registers 130-135°F, medium reaches 135-140°F, and medium-well hits 140-145°F.

Visual cues include firmness when pressed gently with tongs. Medium-rare feels soft with slight resistance, medium offers moderate resistance, and medium-well feels firm but not hard.

The meat’s color when cut reveals doneness: medium-rare shows warm red center, medium displays light pink throughout, and medium-well appears slightly pink in the very center.

Resting

Transfer cooked steaks to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for exactly 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is perfectly juicy.

Top with remaining garlic butter mixture while resting – the residual heat will melt the butter, creating an instant sauce that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Avoid cutting immediately after cooking, as this causes precious juices to run out onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat where they belong.

Pro Tips for Perfect garlic butter Brazilian steak recipe

Master these professional techniques to elevate your Brazilian steak from good to extraordinary.

Avoiding Tough/Dry Meat

Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook steaks in batches if necessary to maintain proper heat levels. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of searing, resulting in gray, tough meat instead of the desired caramelized crust.

Baste continuously with garlic butter during cooking to build flavor layers while keeping the meat moist. This Brazilian technique creates that signature rich taste and tender texture that makes restaurant steaks so memorable.

Never press down on steaks while cooking, as this squeezes out precious juices that keep the meat tender and flavorful. Let the heat and time do the work for optimal results.

Tool Recommendations

Instant-read thermometer eliminates guesswork and prevents overcooking. Digital models with thin probes provide accurate readings without creating large holes in the meat.

Cast-iron skillet retains and distributes heat evenly, creating perfect searing conditions that are essential for proper crust development and even cooking throughout.

Long-handled spoon for basting allows you to continuously coat the steaks with garlic butter while maintaining safe distance from the hot oil and butter.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftover steak wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Slice against the grain before storing to make reheating and serving easier.

Reheat gently in a low oven (250°F) until just warmed through, about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness. Avoid microwaving, which creates tough, rubbery texture.

Freeze cooked steak in marinade or broth for up to 3 months. The liquid prevents freezer burn while maintaining moisture and flavor during storage.

Flavor Variations

Customize this Brazilian steak recipe to match your preferences and dietary needs.

Spicy Twist

Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your garlic butter for smoky heat that complements the beef beautifully. Start with 1 minced pepper and adjust to taste preference.

Incorporate cayenne pepper directly into the seasoning blend for clean, bright heat that doesn’t mask the garlic and herb flavors. Use ¼ teaspoon for mild heat or ½ teaspoon for more intensity.

Include jalapeño slices during the final minutes of cooking for fresh heat and subtle vegetal notes that add complexity without overwhelming the dish.

Keto/Paleo

Use ghee instead of butter for paleo compliance while maintaining the rich, nutty flavor that makes this recipe exceptional. Ghee also has a higher smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat cooking.

Replace any sugar-containing seasonings with natural herbs and spices. Fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano provide complex flavor without adding carbohydrates.

Serve with cauliflower mash or grilled vegetables instead of traditional starches to keep the meal low-carb while maintaining satisfying portion sizes.

Global Flavors

Korean-inspired gochujang marinade combines 2 tablespoons gochujang paste with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for umami-rich heat that transforms the flavor profile completely.

Italian herb crust features fresh basil, oregano, rosemary, and Parmesan cheese mixed into the butter for Mediterranean flair that pairs excellently with Chianti or Sangiovese.

Mexican chimichurri butter incorporates cilantro, lime zest, and jalapeños for bright, fresh flavors that lighten the rich steak while adding vibrant color and taste.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your Brazilian steak dinner with complementary sides and beverages that enhance the overall dining experience.

Pair with classic sides like creamy garlic mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious garlic butter drippings, or grilled asparagus with lemon zest for a lighter vegetable option that doesn’t compete with the steak’s bold flavors.

Brazilian-inspired accompaniments include farofa (toasted cassava flour mixture), black beans with cumin and garlic, or grilled pineapple that adds sweetness to balance the savory richness of the meat.

Wine pairings work beautifully with this rich dish – choose full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec for red meat lovers, or opt for a robust Chardonnay if you prefer white wine with your steak.

Beer selections include Brazilian lagers like Brahma or Skol for authenticity, or choose hoppy IPAs that cut through the richness, and porter or stout beers that complement the caramelized flavors from proper searing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meat?

Yes, but thaw completely first for best results. Thaw steaks in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Never cook frozen steaks directly, as this leads to uneven cooking with overcooked exteriors and cold centers.

How do I fix overcooked meat?

Slice overcooked steak very thinly against the grain and serve with extra garlic butter or chimichurri sauce to add moisture and flavor. Consider using the meat for steak salads or fajitas where the additional ingredients help compensate for dryness.

Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?

Yes, when cooked to proper internal temperatures. Pregnant women should ensure steaks reach at least 145°F internal temperature (medium-well) to eliminate any potential harmful bacteria while still maintaining good flavor and texture.

Can I make this on a regular pan instead of cast iron?

Absolutely! Use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel or carbon steel pan for best results. Avoid non-stick pans for high-heat searing, as they can’t achieve the temperatures needed for proper crust development and may release harmful chemicals when overheated.

How far in advance can I prepare the garlic butter?

Make garlic butter up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze for up to 1 month. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before using for easy mixing and better flavor distribution throughout the cooking process.

Conclusion

Fire up your grill or heat that cast-iron skillet and try this incredible garlic butter Brazilian steak recipe tonight! With just 30 minutes and simple ingredients, you’ll create restaurant-quality steaks that rival the best Brazilian steakhouses. The combination of proper technique, quality ingredients, and authentic Brazilian flavors guarantees impressive results every single time.

Join over 5,000 home cooks who’ve already discovered the secret to perfect Brazilian-style steaks at home. This garlic butter Brazilian steak recipe has transformed weeknight dinners and elevated weekend gatherings, earning rave reviews from families across the country who can’t believe something this delicious can be so simple to make.

Ready for your next culinary adventure? Try our Authentic Brazilian Picanha Guide for another steakhouse favorite, or explore our Complete Churrasco Seasoning Blend recipe to expand your Brazilian cooking repertoire. Don’t forget to share your cooking success stories and photos – we love seeing how this recipe brings families together around the dinner table!