Grilled Garlic-Lime Churrasco Skewers

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

Tender beef skewers marinated in a zesty garlic and lime sauce, grilled to smoky perfection for a Brazilian-style barbecue. This brazilian-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 25 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch strips flank steak, fresh lime juice, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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: 10 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to form the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb flank steak strips to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated steak strips onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until steak is cooked to medium-rare and edges are slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Garlic-Lime Churrasco Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Garlic-Lime Churrasco Skewers?

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 fresh lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Garlic-Lime Churrasco Skewers?

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 Garlic-Lime Churrasco Skewers 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 Garlic-Lime Churrasco Skewers?

Brazilian bbq & smoked 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.