Churrasco Steak From Brazil

Today, we will be cooking a skirt steak the churrasco way, finished with a pat of savory garlic and herb butter or the traditional chimichurri drizzle.

What Is Skirt Steak?

Skirt steak is a long, thin cut of meat derived from the plate of the cow. This is a section in the middle of the flank and the brisket, near the cow’s underside.

What Is Skirt Steak?

Skirt steak is flavorful, but can easily become tough if not cooked right. It does best with high-temp, fast cooking and ample time to rest.

What Is Skirt Steak?

If you are buying your churrasco steak from a butcher, ask for the “inner” skirt cut. The outer skirt steak is larger and has a tough membrane that will need to be removed.

Skirt Steak Substitutes

Flank steak would be great, as would flatiron steak. Flatiron steak is more tender than either skirt or flank steak, thanks to a good marbling of fat.

Skirt Steak Substitutes

It does lack the depth of flavor found in flank and skirt steaks, however. The best alternative to skirt steak is a flap steak.

Skirt Steak Substitutes

It is thin and chewy, similar to the plate cut, and cooks beautifully over high heat. Purchase a premium sirloin flap  from our online store.

Churrasco Steak Marinade

Whatever cut of beef you choose, we recommend marinating it beforehand for 30 minutes to one hour.

Churrasco Steak Marinade

A marinade helps tenderize the meat while adding a punch of flavor at the same time. Marinades are either acidic or enzymatic.

Churrasco Steak Marinade

Acidic recipes incorporate oil, vinegar, citrus, and sugars; enzymatic recipes call for yogurt and fruits like papaya and pineapple.

Skewers For Churrasco Style Skirt Steak

You do not have to use skewers to cook your churrasco steak. However, they do come in handy if you are cooking a large amount of meat at once.

Skewer

1. Slice the steak along the grain in 2 or 3 segments. Rotate the steaks, cut each segment into thin strips (around 3 inches across) against the grain. Marinate the strips for 30 minutes

Skewer

2. When you’re ready to grill, thread the strips onto your skewers (Depending on the type of skewer, you may be able to thread more than one strip at a time.)

Skewer

3. Preheat your grill to high heat while you thread. Cook your skewers for 2 minutes per side, or until the internal temp reaches 130 degrees (medium rare). Rest for five minutes, then enjoy!

Churrasco Steak Recipe Ingredients:

For the marinade:

- 2 oz extra virgin olive oil

- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp minced garlic

- 2 tsp ground cumin

Churrasco Steak Recipe Ingredients:

For the marinade:

- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar

- ½ tbsp salt

- Freshly ground black pepper

For the Churrasco Steak:

- 2 lbs inner cut skirt steak

Directions:

1. Put your steak in a shallow dish or gallon freezer bag. Whisk together the marinade ingredients and pour over the steak, cover fully. Marinate for 30 minutes to an hour (do not refrigerate).

Directions:

2. Heat your grill to high (500 degrees, if possible). Clean the grates thoroughly and grease them using tongs and a paper towel soaked in a little vegetable oil. 

Directions:

3. Remove the steak from the marinade. Sear on each side for 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees (medium rare). 

Directions:

4. Let the churrasco steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it against the grain.

5. Finish your steak with a pat of garlic herb butter or chimichurri sauce.   Serve with a side of Brazilian rice or steakhouse crispy brussels sprouts.