17 Popular Brazilian Recipes
on Apr 22, 2022
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The cuisine of Brazil is a delicious mash-up of African, Asian, and European influences. From savory meat dishes to sweet desserts, there’s a lot to love about the food originating from this South American country!
Luckily you don’t have to travel to Brazil to enjoy some of their traditional dishes. We’ve collected 17 popular Brazilian recipes for you to try at home!
Best Brazilian Recipes
Brazilian Picanha Steak
Also known as culotte steak, Picanha is a traditional cut of beef that’s often used in grilled dishes. The steak is formed into horseshoe shapes and has a thick layer of fat that helps to keep it moist! Serve it with your favorite sides at your next outdoor gathering.
Brazilian Cheese Bread
These savory rolls have a chewy texture and a delicious cheesy center! They’d be excellent served at a brunch or as a side for a weeknight dinner!
Feijoada
Savory, rich, and full of protein, this is the perfect dish to serve when the weather is rainy or cold. Add a crisp side salad for a complete and healthy meal!
Coxinha Brazilian Chicken Croquettes Recipe
You’ll love the texture of these tasty croquettes! They’re crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them the next time you’re hosting a casual gathering of family and friends!
Brazilian Fish Stew
Choose your favorite firm white fish and make this amazing fish stew! It’s perfectly seasoned and ready to eat in just 35 minutes. Serve it with lots of crusty bread and butter!
Brazilian Lemonade
This isn’t your grandmother’s lemonade! It’s slightly tart, refreshing, and sweetened with condensed milk! Enjoy a glass on a hot summer’s day.
Brazilian Acaraje with Vatapa Recipe
These classic Brazilian fritters are filled with shrimp, crab, and a delicious blend of seasonings! You’ll need to soak the black-eyed peas that are included in the batter for 24 hours, so plan to start this dish a day ahead of time.
Brazilian Chopped Salad
You’ll love the bright colors and textures of this refreshing salad. Toss it in the lime vinaigrette included in the recipe, and serve it at your next summertime meal!
Galinhada
One-dish meals are the solution to busy weeknights. This delicious chicken and rice dish is ready to serve in an hour. Add a crisp side salad for a complete meal!
Brazilian Picadillo
If you’re looking for a new way to prepare ground beef, this is the recipe for you. It’s saucy, delicious, and has the flavor of salty green olives. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for an easy week-night meal!
Brazilian Chocolate Biscuit Cake
Serve this elegant cake at your next gathering! It’s a no-bake dessert that easily comes together and is truly impressive.
Brazilian Vinaigrette Salsa
You’ll want to serve this crisp and refreshing salad at your next barbeque. It would pair beautifully with grilled meat and potato salad!
Baked Brazilian Pineapple
This sweet dessert couldn’t be easier! All you need is a pineapple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter! The pineapple bakes until it’s sweet and caramelized and is delicious on its own or with a scoop of ice cream!
Farofa
This traditional Brazilian side dish is made with toasted cassava flour. It’s a gluten-free side dish that’s often used as a condiment to sprinkle on savory dishes. It takes just 10 minutes to make!
Brazilian Cream Cheese Spread
This homemade cream cheese uses 4 ingredients and is ready in about 20 minutes! Spread it on bread, bagels, or your favorite crackers!
Brazilian Filled Donut Holes
Instead of the donut holes available at coffee shops, make these instead! Each donut hole is filled with a creamy chocolate truffle sauce. Serve them while they’re warm with hot coffee or tea!
Brazilian Coconut Cocktail
Surprise your guests with this creamy cocktail! It’s full of delicious coconut flavor and is the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer’s evening.
Easy Brazilian Picanha Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds picanha, including fat cap (see note)
- 3 large garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil, see note
- 2 teaspoons salt
Optional for Serving
- black pepper, freshly ground
- fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Remove the meat from the refrigerator one hour ahead of time. This optional step will take the chill off for more even cooking and juicier meat.
- Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F. When hot, oil the grill grates.
- In a blender or food processor, add the olive oil, onion, garlic and salt. Process for 5-10 seconds or until you get a coarse, paste-like consistency. Set aside.
- Place the picanha on a work surface. Score the fat side about a half-inch deep using a butcher’s knife. Then cut vertically from the fat down into strips about 1 1/2 inches wide.
- Rub the pieces of meat generously on all sides with the garlic mixture.
- Fold one piece into a horseshoe and skewer it to hold the shape. Add second and third pieces onto the same skewer. Repeat for additional skewers as needed to use up the beef. Let it sit for up to 15 minutes to marinate.
- Using kitchen tongs, place the picanha steaks on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side or until they reach your desired doneness: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium rare or 140°F for medium. Always check doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part.
- Remove the picanha to a serving plater and tent with foil to keep warm. Let it rest for 5 minutes undisturbed so the juices can redistribute through the meat.
- Slice against the grain and garnish with optional black pepper and minced parsley to serve.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.