Authentic Brazilian Espetinho Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of beef (preferably sirloin)
  • 1 large bell pepper
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 zucchini
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1/2 cup of soy sauce
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
  2. Chop the bell pepper, onion, and zucchini into chunks roughly the same size as the beef cubes.
  3. Add the vegetables to the bowl with the beef.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  5. Pour the marinade over the beef and vegetables, making sure everything is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
  6. Preheat your grill or broiler. While it's heating, thread the marinated beef and vegetables onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between the different components.
  7. Cook the skewers on the preheated grill or under the broiler, turning every few minutes, until the beef is cooked to your preferred level of doneness and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
  8. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Grill or broiler - Used to cook the skewers.
  • Large bowl - To marinate the beef and vegetables.
  • Small bowl - To mix the marinade ingredients.
  • Wooden skewers - Used to thread the marinated beef and vegetables.
  • Knife - To cut the beef and chop the vegetables.
  • Cutting board - To safely cut and prepare the ingredients.
  • Tongs - To turn and handle the skewers while cooking.
  • Basting brush - To brush the marinade onto the skewers while cooking.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken or pork can be used instead of beef for a different flavor.
  • Add different vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or pineapple chunks to the skewers.
  • For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder to the marinade.
  • Marinate the meat and vegetables in teriyaki sauce or a citrus-based marinade for a different flavor profile.
  • Try using shrimp or firm tofu as a meat-free alternative.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, or paprika to add extra flavor.
  • Serve the skewers with a dipping sauce like peanut sauce, tzatziki, or barbecue sauce.
  • Instead of grilling, you can also cook the skewers in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Espetinho, a popular Brazilian street food that consists of skewered and grilled meat and vegetables. This skewer recipe is simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a summer barbecue or a fun dinner idea. The beef and veggies are marinated in a delicious mix of soy sauce, garlic, honey, and seasonings, then grilled until tender and slightly charred. This dish is not just tasty but also healthy and colorful. Enjoy the process of marinating and skewering, and the delightful experience of outdoor grilling. The end result is a savory, sweet, and smoky Espetinho that you and your family will surely love. Get ready for a taste of Brazilian cuisine right at your home!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or even shrimp instead of beef for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Do I have to marinate the meat overnight? While marinating overnight will give the best flavor, you can still marinate the meat for at least 2 hours if you're short on time. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the meat will be.
  3. Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones? Yes, you can use metal skewers if you prefer. Just make sure to handle them with oven mitts or tongs as they will get hot during cooking.
  4. What can I serve Espetinho with? Espetinho is often served with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with some chimichurri sauce or a spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
  5. Can I cook Espetinho in the oven? Yes, if you don't have a grill, you can cook Espetinho under a broiler in the oven. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Espetinho, which translates to "little skewer" in Portuguese, is a popular street food in Brazil, often sold by vendors at football matches, carnivals, and other events. It's simplicity — just meat and vegetables grilled on a skewer — is part of its charm, but it's the marinades that make each espetinho unique. The marinades often feature traditional Brazilian flavors, such as garlic, lime, and cachaça, a Brazilian spirit made from sugarcane. Serving espetinho is often a social event, with friends and family gathering around the barbecue to enjoy the sizzling skewers.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.