Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a bold and indulgent dish that brings the rich, savory flavors of Brazilian steakhouses right into your kitchen. Featuring juicy, pan-seared steak cuts drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce, this recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort. The garlic butter enhances the steak’s natural umami while keeping each bite tender and juicy. It’s an excellent option for dinner when you want something hearty and impressive but still simple to prepare.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs sirloin or picanha steak, cut into thick slices

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

• Season steak slices generously with salt and black pepper on all sides

• Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat

• Add steak slices and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and steak is cooked to your preferred doneness

• Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter and minced garlic to the pan

• Spoon melted garlic butter over the steak while it cooks for another 1–2 minutes

• Remove steak from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing

• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately

Nutrients (Per Serving, serves 4)

• Calories: ~380 kcal

• Protein: 30 g

• Fat: 28 g

• Saturated Fat: 12 g

• Carbohydrates: 1 g

• Fiber: 0 g

• Sugar: 0 g

• Sodium: ~450 mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak stands out because of its simple yet indulgent approach to preparing steak at home. Inspired by the rich flavors often found in Brazilian steakhouses, this dish doesn’t rely on complicated marinades or long cooking processes. Instead, it focuses on high-quality steak seared to perfection and finished with a garlic butter sauce that amplifies its natural juiciness and flavor. It captures the essence of churrasco-style cooking—celebrated for its rustic, bold seasoning and impressive presentation—while making it accessible for everyday home cooking. The appeal lies in its ability to deliver a restaurant-quality experience without the need for specialized grilling equipment. In just a few steps, this recipe transforms basic steak cuts into something luxurious. The garlic butter sauce, added during the final stages of cooking, creates a glossy, aromatic coating that enhances every bite. This dish is both approachable and versatile, suitable for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Its balanced combination of richness, simplicity, and bold flavor is what truly sets it apart.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Every ingredient in Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak contributes both to its flavor and nutritional profile. The star of the dish is, of course, the steak—typically sirloin or picanha, a Brazilian favorite. Steak is rich in high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function. It also provides key nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which support energy levels, immune function, and red blood cell production. Choosing lean yet flavorful cuts ensures the dish remains hearty without being overly heavy. Garlic is another standout ingredient. Not only does it add robust flavor and aroma, but garlic is also linked to various health benefits. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, as well as its potential to support heart health. When gently sautéed in butter, garlic’s sharpness mellows into a sweet, nutty depth that enriches the sauce. Butter, while often considered indulgent, is used here in moderation to create a velvety texture and add richness. It provides fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E. Combined with olive oil, which is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, the sauce becomes both flavorful and balanced. Fresh parsley, used as a garnish, offers a burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note while contributing vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Altogether, these ingredients create a dish that’s not only delicious but also offers a variety of nutritional benefits when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Cooking Tips

To ensure Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak turns out perfectly every time, there are several key cooking techniques worth following. First and foremost, allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and develop a beautiful crust without becoming overdone inside. Patting the steak dry with paper towels before seasoning ensures better browning. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper just before cooking; this enhances flavor and promotes caramelization. Using a heavy skillet—ideally cast iron—is highly recommended. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, making it ideal for searing steak and creating that signature golden-brown crust. Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the steak, but not smoking. If you’re unsure, a small splash of water should sizzle and evaporate almost instantly. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the steak slices in batches if necessary, giving each piece plenty of space to sear rather than steam. After searing, reduce the heat before adding the butter and garlic. Garlic burns easily, and controlling the heat at this stage helps preserve its flavor while allowing the butter to melt into a rich sauce. Baste the steak with the garlic butter by spooning it over the meat as it cooks. This technique keeps the steak moist and infuses it with flavor. Once done, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of side dishes. For a traditional Brazilian-style meal, serve it alongside white rice and black beans. The simplicity of rice and beans allows the steak’s bold flavor to shine while providing a complete and satisfying meal. For a lighter option, pair the steak with grilled or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. The natural sweetness of charred vegetables complements the savory garlic butter sauce. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also works well, adding freshness and balancing the richness of the dish. If you’re looking for a more indulgent pairing, consider creamy mashed potatoes or cheesy polenta. Both offer a smooth, velvety contrast to the steak’s seared crust. Crusty bread is another excellent companion, perfect for soaking up any remaining garlic butter from the pan. Beverage pairings should match the dish’s bold flavors. A robust red wine such as Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, or a full-bodied Merlot enhances the steak’s richness. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea keeps the meal refreshing without overwhelming the palate. Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is also ideal for gatherings. Serve it on a platter, sliced and drizzled with extra garlic butter, garnished with fresh parsley. It’s an impressive centerpiece that requires little effort but delivers maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is a recipe that combines bold, comforting flavors with an accessible cooking method. It captures the essence of churrasco-style dining without the need for complex techniques or specialized equipment. What makes this dish truly special is its balance—between richness and simplicity, tradition and versatility, indulgence and everyday ease. The steak provides a hearty, protein-rich base, while the garlic butter sauce adds depth and luxurious flavor. Simple ingredients like garlic, butter, olive oil, and fresh parsley work together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable. Its quick cooking time and minimal ingredient list make it perfect for weeknight dinners, yet it’s elegant enough to serve on special occasions. Whether enjoyed as part of a casual family meal or as the star of a dinner party spread, Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak leaves a lasting impression. With just a few thoughtful techniques—proper seasoning, careful searing, and mindful basting—you can recreate the experience of a Brazilian steakhouse right in your own kitchen. This recipe is not just about cooking steak; it’s about elevating it with simple yet powerful flavors that highlight its natural qualities. It’s a dish that invites customization and creativity while remaining grounded in approachable, home-style cooking. By including it in your recipe collection, you’ll have a reliable go-to meal that feels both familiar and indulgent, proving once again that the best dishes are often the simplest ones done right.