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When steak meets a sizzling hot pan and the smell of melted garlic butter fills your kitchen - that's what makes this Brazilian Garlic Butter Steak so amazing. I stumbled on this recipe while looking for fast but fancy dinner ideas, and it's now my favorite way to turn basic skirt steak into something extraordinary, all wrapped up in just 15 minutes.
I made this for some buddies last week who love fancy steakhouses, and they couldn't get over how tasty and straightforward it was. They've added it to their weeknight dinner lineup too!
Key Ingredients and Shopping Know-How
- Skirt Steak: Go for one with nice fat streaks and consistent thickness. I always ask the butcher to get rid of any silver skin.
- Butter: Grab unsalted European-style for the creamiest sauce. That extra fat percentage really counts.
- Garlic: Only use the real stuff - those jars of pre-minced won't give you that beautiful golden look.
- Salt: Kosher salt works best for getting that awesome crust.
- Oil: Pick something that won't smoke easily like avocado or grapeseed oil.
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Foolproof Steak Instructions
- Getting Ready (5 minutes):
- Thoroughly wipe steak dry using paper towels. Bring meat to room temp. Add plenty of salt and pepper. Make sure your garlic is chopped and set aside.
- Cooking Time (6-8 minutes):
- Get your pan super hot until smoke appears. Set steak in carefully pointing away from your body to stop oil splatters. Don't touch the steak while it's cooking. Only flip it once to get that perfect crust.
- Making the Magic Sauce (2-3 minutes):
- Turn down heat right after taking steak out. Put butter in and let it slowly melt. Keep stirring that garlic so it doesn't burn. Take it off the heat when garlic turns golden.
The first time I cooked this, I learned a big lesson about handling heat. Now I know you need a super hot pan for the meat but gentle heat when making the garlic butter.
Cutting Like a Pro
How you slice skirt steak can make or break its tenderness. I've found cutting against the grain at a slight angle gives you the most tender bites. Just spot the lines in the meat and cut across them.
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Cooking Times Breakdown
- Rare: 2 minutes per side
- Medium-rare: 3 minutes per side
- Medium: 4 minutes per side
This dish always takes me back to tiny steakhouses in Brazil where simple cooking lets great ingredients shine. Whenever I cook it, everyone follows the amazing smell straight to my kitchen.
What makes this Brazilian Garlic Butter Steak so fantastic is how uncomplicated it is. When you treat good ingredients right and nail a few basic techniques, you can whip up something amazing in no time. Whether it's date night or just Monday dinner, this steak proves the easiest recipes often impress the most.
Just remember, being ready and paying attention makes all the difference. Get everything set before you start, watch your timing, and you'll end up with a steak that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant but will soon become your go-to meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I ensure tender steak slices?
Always slice the steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
- → What’s the key to a perfect garlic butter sauce?
Cook garlic over low heat until golden, not brown, to avoid bitterness and achieve a nutty flavor.
- → What’s the best alternative to skirt steak?
Flank steak or flat iron steak are excellent substitutes for skirt steak.
- → What sides go well with this steak?
Pair it with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- → How can I avoid overcooking the steak?
Cook on high heat for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare, and use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness.