Grilled Brazilian Garlic-Lime Skirt Steak

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy skirt steak marinated in a zesty garlic and lime blend, grilled to smoky perfection, inspired by Brazilian churrasco traditions. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs (680 g) skirt steak, minced garlic cloves, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs skirt steak in a shallow dish and pour marinade over it, turning to coat all sides evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness, allowing the edges to char slightly for smoky flavor.
  5. Step 5: Transfer steak to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Brazilian Garlic-Lime Skirt Steak take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Brazilian Garlic-Lime Skirt Steak?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (680 g) skirt steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Brazilian Garlic-Lime Skirt Steak?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Brazilian Garlic-Lime Skirt Steak for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Brazilian Garlic-Lime Skirt Steak?

Brazilian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.