Pin it
The sizzle of steak hitting a hot skillet and the aroma of garlic butter melting over perfectly cooked meat - this Brazilian Garlic Butter Steak brings steakhouse flavors right to your kitchen. After discovering this recipe during my quest for quick but impressive dinner solutions, it's become my go-to for transforming humble skirt steak into something truly special, all in just 15 minutes.
Last week, I served this to friends who regularly dine at high-end steakhouses, and they couldn't believe how simple yet delicious it was. Now it's their new favorite weeknight dinner too!
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Skirt Steak: Look for a piece with good marbling and an even thickness. I ask my butcher to trim any silver skin.
- Butter: Use unsalted European-style butter for the richest sauce. The higher fat content makes a difference.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic only - the pre-minced kind won't create that beautiful golden color.
- Salt: Kosher salt is best for getting that perfect crust.
- Oil: Choose one with a high smoke point like avocado or grapeseed oil.
Pin it
Step-by-Step Steak Magic
- Preparation Phase (5 minutes):
- Pat steak completely dry with paper towels. Let meat come to room temperature. Season generously with salt and pepper. Have your garlic minced and ready to go.
- Cooking Process (6-8 minutes):
- Heat pan until it's smoking hot. Place steak carefully away from you to avoid oil splatter. Resist the urge to move the steak while it sears. Flip only once for the perfect crust.
- Sauce Creation (2-3 minutes):
- Lower heat immediately after removing steak. Add butter and watch it melt slowly. Stir garlic constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat when garlic turns golden.
My first attempt at this dish taught me a valuable lesson about heat control. Now I know to start with a screaming hot pan for the steak but gentle heat for the garlic butter.
Mastering the Slice
The way you cut skirt steak makes all the difference in tenderness. I've found that slicing against the grain at a slight angle creates the most tender bites. Look for the lines running through the meat and cut perpendicular to them.
Pin it
Temperature Guide
- Rare: 2 minutes per side
- Medium-rare: 3 minutes per side
- Medium: 4 minutes per side
This recipe reminds me of the small churrascarias in Brazil, where simple preparation lets quality ingredients shine. Every time I make it, the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that brings everyone to the table.
The beauty of this Brazilian Garlic Butter Steak lies in its simplicity. When you respect good ingredients and master a few key techniques, you can create something truly spectacular in minutes. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just wanting to elevate a weeknight dinner, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most impressive.
Remember, the key to success is preparation and attention. Have everything ready before you start, watch your timing carefully, and you'll be rewarded with a restaurant-quality steak that's sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best way to slice skirt steak?
- Always slice against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) for the most tender result.
- → How do I know when the garlic butter is done?
- Remove from heat as soon as garlic starts to turn golden - it will burn quickly if left too long.
- → Can I use a different cut of steak?
- Yes, flank steak or flat iron steak work well as alternatives to skirt steak.
- → How do I get the perfect medium-rare?
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat, then let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- → What can I serve with this?
- Rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad pair perfectly with this steak.