There are few culinary experiences as satisfying as a perfectly cooked steak. But this Juicy Brazilian Garlic Steak takes that experience to a new level. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Brazilian steakhouses, this recipe focuses on a simple but powerful combination of tender steak and a generous amount of garlic, all cooked to perfection. It’s a showstopper of a dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, perfect for a special occasion or when you’re just craving something truly delicious.
Why This Recipe is a Favorite
This recipe is a favorite because it proves that you don’t need a complicated marinade or a lot of fuss to achieve incredible flavor. The key lies in the high-heat sear and the simple yet powerful garlic rub, which creates a beautifully caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Skirt steak is the perfect cut for this, as its loose fibers soak up the flavors beautifully and it cooks quickly. It’s a celebration of bold, simple flavors that will make you feel like you’re dining at a steakhouse, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Here is a complete list of ingredients for this Juicy Brazilian Garlic Steak, expanding on your provided partial list:
- 2 lbs skirt steak
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 6 tsp garlic, minced (about 6-8 cloves)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- For a Simple Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Skirt Steak: Skirt steak is recommended for this recipe due to its fantastic flavor and thin cut, which cooks quickly and takes to high-heat searing well. You can also use flank steak or a sirloin steak, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- Garlic: The amount of garlic may seem like a lot, but it’s what gives this steak its signature flavor. Be sure to use fresh minced garlic for the best results.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used both in the rub and for cooking. Its high smoke point and flavor are perfect for this dish.
- Chimichurri: A simple chimichurri sauce is a fantastic, traditional pairing for this steak. It’s a fresh, herbaceous, and tangy sauce that cuts through the richness of the meat. While optional, it’s highly recommended.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic rub or in a side of chimichurri can add a nice warmth.
Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare the Steak: Pat the skirt steak completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Make the Garlic Rub: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the finely chopped parsley. Mix into a paste.
- Rub the Steak: Rub the garlic paste all over both sides of the seasoned skirt steak, pressing it into the meat.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat. Add the remaining olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the steak in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for a medium-rare to medium doneness, or until a beautiful crust has formed. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness.
- Make the Chimichurri (Optional): While the steak is resting, if making, combine all the chimichurri ingredients in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
- Rest and Slice: Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This is very important to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
- Serve: Arrange the sliced steak on a platter and serve immediately, topped with fresh parsley or cilantro and a side of chimichurri sauce and lemon wedges.
Tips for Success
- Dry Steak is Key: Patting the steak dry removes surface moisture, which is essential for getting a good sear and a crispy crust.
- High Heat, Fast Cook: Skirt steak is a thin cut of meat, so it needs to be cooked quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Rest the Meat: Don’t skip the resting step! It allows the juices to settle back into the meat, ensuring it’s juicy and not dry when you slice into it.
- Slice Against the Grain: Skirt steak has very visible muscle fibers. Slicing against the grain cuts these fibers short, resulting in a more tender bite.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Juicy Brazilian Garlic Steak is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of simple sides that let the steak shine. Classic pairings include:
- Fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice
- A simple green salad or a tomato salad
- Roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob
- Fresh pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread)
For other hearty and flavorful meals, consider:
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Chicken Enchiladas are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover sliced steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, the best method is to gently warm the slices in a pan over low heat for a minute or two, being careful not to overcook them, which will make them tough. You can also enjoy the leftovers cold in a salad or in a sandwich.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you appreciate bold flavors and satisfying main dishes, you’ll find more to love on ChefManiac.com:
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers – for an incredibly addictive and crowd-pleasing dish.
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort – for a deeper dive into comforting, flavorful stews.
- How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip – for a rich and savory party food.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Brazilian Garlic Steak is a testament to how simple ingredients and a focused technique can create a truly unforgettable meal. It’s bold, it’s juicy, and it’s a steak lover’s dream come true. Give it a try, and get ready to be amazed by the incredible flavor!
What are your go-to steak preparations? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!
Juicy Brazilian Garlic Steak: A Flavor-Packed Steakhouse Classic
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin
- 6 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 2 limes
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lime juice to create a marinade.
- Place the steak in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak is well-coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
- Grill the steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Slice against the grain and serve with extra parsley if desired.
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