I remember the first time I cooked a seriously good steak at home and felt like I could host a little celebration in my kitchen. The sizzle, the warm garlic aroma, the way butter coats your fingertips when you drizzle it over a hot cut. It is the kind of simple pleasure that turns an ordinary weeknight into something a little bit special.
This recipe uses minimal ingredients but delivers on flavor, and I make it when I want something rich and unfussy. Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak lands in my rotation because it is fast, forgiving, and so satisfying. If you like cozy dinners that feel slightly indulgent and are easy enough for busy evenings, you will understand why this one is a keeper.
I also love pairing it with bold sides or creamy mashed potatoes. If you want to play with a spicier edge, check out this Cajun garlic butter steak with cheesy Alfredo for inspiration that builds on the same buttery, garlicky goodness.
Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
You do not need a professional kitchen to make this feel luxe. A few reliable tools make the process smooth and help you get that gorgeous crust. A heavy skillet retains heat and gives a lovely sear. A good pair of tongs keeps you safe and lets you flip without puncturing the meat. An instant-read thermometer is a small investment that pays off every time you aim for the perfect doneness.
- Heavy skillet or cast-iron pan
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
- Small bowl for melted butter
- Sharp knife and cutting board
These items make a big difference in texture and timing. A cast-iron pan, for example, holds heat so well that the steak browns evenly. Tongs keep the juices inside. The thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking to medium-rare, which is where this steak really sings.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
There is comfort in a meal that feels decadent without being complicated. This steak is all about bright, buttery garlic flavor meeting the savory, caramelized edges of a well-seared piece of meat. Every bite offers the contrast of crisped exterior and tender, juicy center. The aroma will fill your kitchen with cozy warmth and invite everyone to the table.
- Flavor depth. Garlic sautéed in butter creates a nutty, luscious sauce that clings to the steak.
- Texture contrast. The exterior develops a brown, slightly crisp crust while the inside can remain tender and pink.
- Speed and convenience. It takes only minutes to cook, which is perfect for weeknights when you want something special.
- Versatility. This steak pairs beautifully with simple salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy starches.
When you serve this, there is a small, indulgent ritual in drizzling the garlic butter over the meat and watching it shimmer. It is comfort food that still feels elegant. This is why Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is one of those recipes I return to when I want to impress with minimal fuss.
Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak Ingredients
For a recipe this simple, quality matters. Choose a steak cut you love. A ribeye gives lovely marbling. A New York strip has a robust beefy flavor. A filet mignon will be exceptionally tender. The ingredient list is intentionally short so each element shines.
- Steak (your choice of cut)
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- Salt
I often add a pinch of black pepper and a splash of olive oil if I want an extra layer of crust. A squeeze of lemon at the end is optional if you like a bright finish. But at its heart this recipe is about the harmony of butter and garlic against the savory backbone of the steak.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the steak with salt on both sides. Pat the steak dry with paper towels first so it sears properly. Sprinkle salt evenly and press it in gently. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 20 minutes if you can. This helps it cook more evenly.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Heat until the butter is foamy and the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Watch it carefully because garlic browns quickly and you want that sweet, mellow aroma not a bitter one.
- Once garlic is fragrant, add the steak to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Listen for a steady sizzle and look for a deep mahogany crust forming; when you lift the steak with tongs the edges should look nicely caramelized. Flip only once when a crust has formed. Use an instant-read thermometer to check 125°F to 130°F for medium-rare.
- Drizzle the garlic butter over the steak before serving. Remove the steak to a cutting board and rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Spoon the garlicky butter from the pan over the steak while it rests to add shine and flavor. Slice against the grain and serve.
Fun Variations You Can Try
If you like to experiment, this recipe is a terrific canvas. Small swaps change the mood from bright and herbal to smoky or spicy. Try these ideas to customize the dish to your weeknight vibe.
- Add fresh herbs. Stir in chopped parsley, cilantro, or thyme to the butter at the end for a green lift.
- Make it spicy. Mix a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne, or red pepper flakes into the butter for heat.
- Try compound butter. Soften butter and mix in lemon zest, garlic, and chives. Freeze in a log and slice off rounds for effortless finishing.
- Swap fats. Use a mix of butter and olive oil if you want a slightly lighter sear.
- Make it saucy. Deglaze the pan with a little beef broth and add the garlic butter back in for a shallow pan sauce.
If you enjoy a bolder take on the theme, you might like this Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak which layers spice and cheese over the same buttery base. It is a playful riff that keeps the heart of the recipe intact.
How I Love to Serve It
This steak feels happiest with sides that soak up the leftover garlic butter. I often imagine a warm, low-light evening with easy dishes that let the steak be the star.
Serve on a wooden board with slices fanned and a small bowl of extra garlic butter on the side. Complement with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or a silky cauliflower mash to catch the garlic butter.
- Roasted green beans or asparagus for snap and color.
- A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut the richness.
For a cozy weeknight, plate it with soft dinner rolls and a bowl of buttery mushrooms. For a low-key date night, pair with roasted baby potatoes and a crisp salad. The colors, textures, and the warmth of the butter all make the meal feel comforting and thoughtfully put together. I light a candle and take a deep breath before serving because the aroma alone is worth savoring.
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
A few small habits will make this recipe feel effortless and foolproof. Treat the steak gently and give it the time it needs to shine.
- Bring the steak to room temperature when possible. This helps it cook evenly.
- Dry the surface well. Moisture prevents a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain heat and crispness.
- Use clarified butter or a mix of butter and oil if you are searing at high heat for longer. This reduces the chance of burning.
- Rest the steak. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
If you are watching time, prepare the garlic butter ahead and warm it briefly when the steak is nearly done. I often mince extra garlic and keep it in the fridge for a few days. The better the ingredients you start with, the more magical the final plate will feel. Trust the sizzle and your senses. When it smells right and the crust looks deep and inviting, you are probably there.
Important Cooking Reminders
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; it should sizzle when you add the steak.
- Use an instant-read thermometer for reliable doneness checks.
- Rest the steak 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to keep juices locked in.
- Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter over low heat to preserve texture.
- Avoid overheating garlic; burnt garlic tastes bitter.
- Always handle hot pans with oven mitts and keep children away from the stove when searing.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
A rough estimate per serving (for a 6-ounce steak with garlic butter) is about 450 to 550 calories depending on the cut. Carbohydrates are very low, generally under 5 grams when no starchy sides are included. Fat will be higher, around 30 to 40 grams because of the butter and the marbling in the steak. Protein is substantial, typically 35 to 45 grams per serving. Adjusting butter amounts and choosing leaner cuts will change these numbers downward.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Common Questions You Might Have
How do I know when the steak is done?
The most reliable way is an instant-read thermometer. For medium-rare aim for 125°F to 130°F before resting. The internal temperature will rise slightly while it rests. Look for a deep brown crust and a warm center that still gives to pressure but is not squishy.
Can I use frozen steak?
You can, but I recommend thawing fully for best texture. If you must cook from frozen, sear first to create color then finish it in a lower oven to avoid overcooking the outside before the center warms through. Pat it dry and season well.
What sides pair best with garlic butter steak?
Starchy, creamy, and bright sides all work. Consider mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, buttered green beans, or a simple arugula salad. A small spoon of pan juices over both the steak and potatoes ties the whole plate together.
Conclusion
There is a particular kind of comfort that comes from a simply prepared steak finished with warm, fragrant garlic butter. It is the smell that draws everyone into the kitchen, the way a crisped edge gives way to a tender center, and the small ritual of spooning glossy butter over each slice. This dish is about attention to small details and trusting simple ingredients to do the heavy lifting. Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak is one of those recipes I reach for when I want something both homey and a little indulgent. Make it for a quiet dinner for two or for a small gathering where people will appreciate the aroma and the ease. Either way, your kitchen will smell amazing and your guests will ask for the recipe again. Enjoy the warmth, the flavors, and the little moments at the table.
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Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
A rich and flavorful steak recipe featuring garlic butter, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Steak (your choice of cut)
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- Salt
- Black pepper (optional)
- Olive oil (optional)
- Lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Season the steak with salt on both sides and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook until the butter is foamy and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the steak to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
- Drizzle the garlic butter over the steak before serving and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice against the grain and serve with sides of your choice.
Notes
For a flavorful twist, consider adding fresh herbs, spices, or a compound butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: steak, garlic butter, Brazilian, easy dinner, comfort food