My last visit to Rio de Janeiro was truly unforgettable. I explored the lively streets, savored local dishes, and immersed myself in the culture. One night, I tried this incredible Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak at a small family-owned restaurant—it’s one of those meals that stays in your memory forever. I was instantly in love.

The steak was unbelievably tender, full of bold, smoky flavor, and completely smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce. With the first bite, I knew I had to try making it at home, and I’ve been recreating it in my kitchen ever since.

What I loved most about that meal was the simplicity of ingredients paired with the depth of taste. Adding a touch of lemon juice and freshly chopped parsley brightens up the buttery garlic, taking this dish to an even more delicious level. The result just melts in your mouth!

You’ll absolutely love it, especially if you’re a fan of steak with big flavor. For a perfect weeknight dinner or special weekend meal, this steak delivers flavor, elegance, and comfort all at once. It’s rich and satisfying but not too heavy, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

What is Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak?

Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a beloved dish in Brazilian cuisine, especially popular in churrascarias (Brazilian steakhouses). It’s typically made with tender cuts of beef such as sirloin or picanha, quickly seared over high heat to lock in juices and finished in a garlicky butter sauce. The flavor is bold, rich, and incredibly satisfying. The buttery garlic blends perfectly with the natural meatiness of the steak, and a bit of lemon juice or fresh herbs gives it a vibrant touch.

It’s easy to make, but the results taste like something from a fine restaurant.

Perfect for

• Perfect for a romantic dinner or date night at home—it feels elegant and special but is actually easy to prepare.
• Perfect for weekend barbecues or family cookouts. Your guests will love the steakhouse-style flavor you create on your own grill or stovetop.
• Perfect for meal prep. Cook extra portions and enjoy the steak in wraps, rice bowls, or salads for the next few days—it reheats beautifully.
• Perfect for when you want a satisfying protein-packed meal. This steak pairs well with light or hearty sides, so you can make it fit any mood.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs (about 700g) sirloin steak, cut into thick strips or cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Optional: chili flakes for heat

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan for even cooking
• Tongs for flipping the steak without piercing it
• Cutting board to let the meat rest before slicing
• Sharp knife for slicing thinly and cleanly
• Garlic press or microplane (optional for fresh garlic)
• Mixing bowl for prepping butter sauce
• A spoon or a brush for basting the steak with butter

How to make Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak

Step 1:

Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and medium-rare to medium. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3:

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn.

Step 4:

Add lemon juice and parsley to the garlic butter. Stir well, then return the steak to the skillet. Toss everything to coat the meat in the garlic butter sauce.

Step 5:

Serve hot with rice, roasted potatoes, or vegetables. Spoon extra garlic butter over the top for maximum flavor.

Notes

• Use a cast iron skillet to get a proper sear and bring out the steak’s natural flavor.
• Make sure the steak is at room temperature before cooking for even results.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the steak in batches to avoid steaming.
• Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain all the juices.
• Add butter after the initial sear—this prevents it from burning and keeps the flavor rich.
• Always use fresh garlic. The taste is much more vibrant than jarred or powdered garlic.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs to balance the richness of the butter.

Optional Ingredients

• Chili flakes – Add for a spicy kick that complements the buttery richness.
• Paprika – Smoked or sweet paprika enhances the sear and adds warmth.
• White wine – A splash deglazes the pan and adds depth to the sauce.
• Cilantro – Use instead of parsley for a citrusy, herbal twist.
• Shallots – Finely chop and sauté with garlic for a subtle sweetness.
• Grated Parmesan – A sprinkle over the finished steak adds a salty, nutty boost.

What to Pair with Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak?

To make the perfect plate, serve your steak with buttery garlic rice or Brazilian white rice. It absorbs all the delicious sauce and completes the dish.

Roasted or grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus bring color, crunch, and nutrition to the meal.

Mashed potatoes, yuca fries, or creamy polenta make great comfort sides. They’re soft and soak up all that garlicky butter goodness.

A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds balance. It lightens up the dish and makes it feel complete and fresh.

Is Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Healthy?

Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak can be part of a healthy meal when eaten in moderation. It’s packed with high-quality protein and important nutrients like iron and B vitamins. By choosing leaner cuts of steak and limiting the amount of butter, you can make it lighter. Serve it with veggies or whole grains instead of heavier sides, and it becomes a well-rounded, nourishing dish.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Cuts: Use sirloin, picanha, flank steak, or ribeye—whatever suits your taste or budget.
• Butter Swap: Try clarified butter (ghee) or vegan butter if you need a dairy-free option.
• Herb Choices: Don’t have parsley? Try basil, oregano, or thyme for a flavorful change.
• No Lemon? White wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lime juice all work for acidity.
• Garlic Paste: Great for saving time. Use it in place of minced garlic with a similar flavor.
• No skillet? Use your grill or grill pan—just brush on the garlic butter at the end.
• Light Version: Reduce the butter and use olive oil. Still tasty, but lower in fat.
• Additions: Add mushrooms or onions to the skillet and cook them in the butter for more flavor.

How to Store

Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. It keeps well and is great for slicing into sandwiches or adding to salads.

You can also freeze the cooked steak. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a hot skillet or microwave in short bursts to preserve moisture and texture.

FAQ

How do I know when the steak is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. The steak should reach 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium. Let it rest before slicing.

Can I use another type of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use ribeye, picanha, flank, or sirloin. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and type of meat.

What kind of pan is best for cooking this steak?

A heavy skillet, like cast iron, works best because it holds heat well and gives the steak a good sear and flavor.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes, you can use olive oil or ghee as a lighter or dairy-free option. But the butter adds a rich, classic flavor.

Can I grill the steak instead of using a pan?

Definitely! Grill the steak on high heat, then brush the garlic butter over the top right before serving.

What’s the best way to slice the steak?

Let it rest first, then slice it thinly against the grain. This keeps it juicy and tender in every bite.

How do I avoid overcooking the garlic?

Add garlic after you remove the steak, or lower the heat before adding butter. Stir often and don’t let it brown too much.

Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: BrazilianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a juicy, tender steak cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon and herbs.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs (about 700g) sirloin steak, cut into thick strips or cubes

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

• Optional: chili flakes for heat

Directions

• Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add steak in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and medium-rare to medium. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn.
• Add lemon juice and parsley to the garlic butter. Stir well, then return the steak to the skillet. Toss everything to coat the meat in the garlic butter sauce.
• Serve hot with rice, roasted potatoes, or vegetables. Spoon extra garlic butter over the top for maximum flavor.