Brazilian Bife Acebolado
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Quick Weeknights · Brazilian

Brazilian Bife Acebolado

We pan sear thin cut steak and top it with plenty of caramelized onions, just as you would find in a Brazilian bistro.

20 min active
25 min total
4 servings
8 ingredients
beginner

Why This Works

The lime juice cuts through the fat of the beef, while the caramelized onions provide a natural sweetness.

The Upgrade

Add a splash of dark soy sauce to the onions in the final minute for a deeper color and flavor.

Chef's Secret

Michelin Technique

Don't wash the pan after the steak; use those browned bits to flavor the onions.

Ingredients

Servings:

Total time including resting: 25 min

Directions

1

Season the steak slices generously with salt, pepper, and lime juice.

3 min
2

Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat.

2 min
3

Sear steak in batches, ensuring they do not crowd, until browned.

4 min
4

Remove steak from the pan and keep warm.

1 min
5

Reduce heat to medium and add butter and onions to the same pan.

1 min
6

Cook onions, stirring often, until deeply golden and sweet.

8 min
7

Stir in garlic, cooking until fragrant and golden.

1 min
8

Return steak to the pan, toss with the onions, and serve.

1 min

Wine Pairing

🍷

Malbec

Red Wine

The BottleCatena Zapata Argentino Malbec

The plush dark fruit and velvety tannins of this Malbec match the hearty texture of the steak. The sweetness of the caramelized onions is balanced by the wine's inherent ripe fruit character and smooth finish.

Nutrition per Serving

410

calories

35g

protein

8g

carbs

25g

fat

Make It a Complete Meal

Sides the kitchen recommends alongside this dish.

Side Dish

White Rice

Steamed jasmine rice serves as the perfect neutral base to absorb the savory juices and caramelized onion essence from the steak.

20 min
4 servings

Ingredients

Directions

1

Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear; drain thoroughly.

2

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3

Add the rinsed rice to the pan and toast lightly for 1 minute, ensuring each grain is coated in oil.

4

Pour in the water and add the salt; bring the mixture to a rapid boil.

5

Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes.

6

Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing gently with a fork.

Side Dish

Farofa

Toasted cassava flour provides a necessary crunch and nutty flavor contrast to the tender, onions-topped beef.

15 min
4 servings

Ingredients

Directions

1

Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat until foaming.

2

Add onion and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 3 minutes.

3

Fold in the cassava flour, stirring constantly to ensure even toasting.

4

Toast for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown and smells nutty.

5

Season immediately with salt and remove from heat.

6

Incorporate the fresh parsley before serving warm alongside the beef.

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