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    Home > Brazilian Recipes

    Published: Jan 27, 2014 · Modified: Nov 20, 2018 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · 37 Comments

    Tia Graça's Bife Acebolado and A Trip to Paradise...

    Gluten FreeDairy Free

    Jump to Recipe ↓

    Bife acebolado (pan-fried steak with onions) is one of my husband's favorite Brazilian dishes... from my Aunt (Tia) Graça!!!! He has been asking me to post this recipe here for almost 2 years. 🙂  I finally got a word with my aunt by phone past week, who kindly explained the details of her bife acebolado recipe -- a five-ingredient, super quick, homey, and delicious steak-and-onion dish that has won over many faithful fans in the family, including myself!!! Talking about my aunt's bife acebolado recipe always transports my thoughts to her paradise (mine as well): Porto de Galinhas Beach!!! She owns a house there, and divides her time between Porto de Galinhas Beach and Recife, the capital of my home state of Pernambuco.

    My children with Aunt Graça and her dog in Porto de Galinhas Beach...

    Tia Graça's bife acebolado recipe in its original form does not incorporate caramelized onions. Even though I tend to prefer my onions caramelized, I decided to post my aunt's recipe as it is. After waiting patiently for so long, I think my husband deserves to have a taste of a true favorite!!! I also know that many readers of mine appreciate quick, authentic recipes, and would not have the time to spend 45-60 minutes just to caramelize the onions.

    Bife acebolado can either be accompanied by rice, beans, and a fresh salad (my aunt's way), be served up  simply with shoestring potatoes or French fries, or made into a sandwich. It's really up to you! Since we generally do not eat meats for breakfast in Brazil, bife acebolado is served at lunch or dinner time. But if you enjoy eating steak for breakfast, I won't stop you! 🙂  That could be a great way to start your day...

    Bife Acebolado (Pan-Fried Steak-and-Onion) -- A super easy and tender steak, ideal for busy weekdays!!!

    Now, come travel a little with me through some images of Porto de Galinhas, considered one of the best beaches in Brazil...with its lush tropical views, jangadas (traditional sailboats), typical handicrafts,  lively nights, and of course, its tantalizing tropical fruits (such as cajá, depicted below)...

    Porto de Galinhas Beach...

    Porto de Galinhas Beach, Brazil

    Porto de Galinhas Beach...

    ... and also curiosities like this natural reef pool, in the shape of the map of  Brazil...

    Porto de Galinhas Beach, Brazil

    ... A true paradise, wouldn't you agree?

    Well, enjoy the view, and Tia Graça's bife acebolado!!!

    xx

    A plate of steak and onions on a plate with a fuschia pink flower pattern tablecloth
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    4.84 from 12 votes

    Tia Graça's Bife Acebolado (Aunt Graça's Pan-Fried Steak and Onions)

    A quick, easy, homey, and delicious Steak-and-Onion recipe...
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 13 minutes
    Total Time 33 minutes
    Servings 3
    Author Denise Browning

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb New York strip steak thin cut (let steaks come to room temperature 30 minutes prior to cooking)
    • 1-½ to 2 teaspoons salt
    • Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lime
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper optional
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
    • 1 slice large yellow onion thinlyinto rings and separated

    Instructions

    • Cover both sides of each New York strip steak (mine were 3 steaks, totalling 1lb) with a sheet of plastic wrap. On a flat surface, beat each side (not too hard!!) with a meat mallet to tenderize the meat. Note: Use the side of the mallet with the spikes on it.
    • Season all the steaks on both sides with salt, lemon, and pepper (optional). Cook immediately, or let seasoned steaks rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to absorb seasonings. It's up to you!
    • Heat a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan (don't use nonstick) over high heat. Place the steaks in the pan (single layer) and let cook undisturbed for about 2-4 minutes. Flip the steaks using tongs or a spatula and cook for additional 2-4 minutes (medium to medium-well). Transfer the steaks to a serving plate and let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
    • To cook the onions: In the same pan where steaks were just cooked, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat (large burner) and add the onion rings. Cook for about 5 minutes (season with a pinch of salt after cooking for an initial 2-3 minutes), stirring constantly. My Aunt likes to place one single steak on top of the onions and let cook undisturbed on medium heat for about 1 minute. According to her, this helps the onions to absorb the rich steak flavor. Serve onions on top of the steaks and enjoy!

    Recipe Notes

    If you would like to have your thinly sliced, onion rings caramelized, please follow only steps 2 and 3 of this recipe.

    ** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

    Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

    My Aunt's bife acebolado... Bife acebolado!

    Bife Acebolado (Pan-Fried Steak-and-Onion) -- A super easy and tender steak, ideal for busy weekdays!!!

    « Five-Ingredient Beer Brigadeiros and The History of Sweetened Condensed Milk
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    Filed Under: Brazilian Recipes, Easy And Delish, Easy Dairy-Free Recipes, Easy Dinner Recipes, Easy Gluten-Free Recipes, Quick & Easy Recipes Tagged With: Brazilian Inspired, steak

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says

      January 27, 2014 at 6:57 pm

      What a delectable dinner Denise no matter what you serve it with. I love all your versions. I can see why this is a favorite with your husband.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 28, 2014 at 7:22 am

        Thanks a lot, Chris! He's crazy for it!!!

        Reply
    2. Juliana says

      January 27, 2014 at 10:21 pm

      Yum! Que saudades deste bife...yours look awesome...so flavorful Denise...
      The pictures are great...I have never been to this part of Brazil...need to pay a visit there.
      Have a great week ahead my dear 😀

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 28, 2014 at 7:23 am

        I hope you can visit Porto de Galinhas one day, Juliana...You'd love it!

        Reply
    3. Sugar et al says

      January 28, 2014 at 12:56 am

      5 stars
      I love the simplicity of this steak. So delicious! And what a whole lot of beautiful photos. I truly wish I can visit in the near future. Incidentally, I posted beach photos too today:-)

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 28, 2014 at 7:24 am

        I am looking forward to see your beach photos soon, Sonali! Australia is simply stunning!!!

        Reply
    4. Gintare @Gourmantine says

      January 28, 2014 at 5:24 am

      5 stars
      It's funny how the most simple dishes are the ones that slave our hearts. I love everything with caramelized onions 🙂

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 28, 2014 at 7:25 am

        That's true, Gintare! I am crazy for caramelized onions as well and I use it in many, many dishes...

        Reply
    5. Little Cooking Tips says

      January 28, 2014 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy yummy yummy! You now got us craving for a nice steak like yours!:) Darn it it's 21:00pm here already!:)
      Beautiful recipe Denise, but more importantly: beautiful post, with all the background on your Tia and Brazil. You make it so easy to enjoy your posts!
      Have a great Tuesday Denise!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 28, 2014 at 3:31 pm

        Panos and Mirella, thanks so much for your readership and kindness...I wish this beef could be shipped to Greece ASAP. 🙂 Wishing you both a marvelous week!!!!

        Reply
    6. Coffee and Crumpets says

      January 28, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      This steak looks fabulous!! Love how thin and quick it is! I can see why this is your hubby's favourite!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 28, 2014 at 5:16 pm

        Thanks, Nazneen! Wishing you a great week!

        Reply
    7. Deb says

      January 29, 2014 at 11:26 am

      Not sure what I enjoy more the tempting steak or the irresistible photos! A recipe that is quick to prepare and has outstanding flavor is a family favorite with good reason!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 29, 2014 at 12:54 pm

        Thanks so much, Deb!!!! You are always so sweet!!! xx

        Reply
    8. John@Kitchen Riffs says

      January 29, 2014 at 6:21 pm

      Gosh, terrific recipe! This looks wonderful -- this could be my favorite, too. Love the pictures! Totally fun post -- thanks.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 30, 2014 at 7:18 am

        Thank you, John, for always stopping by!

        Reply
    9. Liz says

      January 29, 2014 at 7:16 pm

      YUM! Bill would be thrilled to come home to this dinner! And stop teasing us with those gorgeous beach scenes...how I long to be on one 🙂

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 29, 2014 at 8:48 pm

        Thanks so much, Liz! I hope you make this beef for Bill sometime. xx

        Reply
    10. Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says

      January 30, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      Denise, your girls are beautiful! And I love pan-fried steak + onions! I pan fry flank steak all the time - my husband loves it!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 30, 2014 at 5:54 pm

        Thanks, Julia! My husband is also a fan of steaks... Hehe!

        Reply
    11. Purabi Naha | Cosmopolitan Currymania says

      January 31, 2014 at 10:50 am

      Thanks to your aunt for sharing this recipe to you, so that you could share with the world! The acebolado looks so inviting, Denise. I want that! 🙂

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 31, 2014 at 2:00 pm

        Thanks, Purabi! I hope everyone else enjoy it as much as we do...

        Reply
    12. Mi Vida en un Dulce says

      January 31, 2014 at 11:38 am

      Oh yes, that is paradise...!!!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        January 31, 2014 at 2:01 pm

        Thanks, Nydia! It is my piece of paradise...

        Reply
    13. Dedy@Dentist Chef says

      February 03, 2014 at 12:39 am

      wow, such delicious looking NY strips steak Denise!!!
      Lucky you visiting such a great paradise, i hope i got a mt chance...
      Btw, i hope you'll visiting Bali and Lombok in Indonesia,another side of heaven in the earth!!!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        February 03, 2014 at 7:18 am

        Thanks, Dedy! I would love to visit Bali one day...It is for sure one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Luck you!

        Reply
    14. Amira says

      February 03, 2014 at 11:42 pm

      Look at the color of the water!!! how beautiful this beach is.. really very relaxing and calming view. Your dish is great I've made something like this when I was in Egypt with veal and I like to caramelize the onion too. Thanks for sharing your aunt's recipe.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        February 04, 2014 at 7:24 am

        Thank you for always stopping by, Amira! I'd love to try your version with veal.

        Reply
    15. Lail | With A Spin says

      February 04, 2014 at 9:21 am

      I saw this on FB and pinterest on my phone but never got around to come and comment until now. I absolutely love this dish. Delicious.

      Your girls are gorgeous, Denise and so is that beach.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        February 04, 2014 at 10:34 am

        Thanks, Lail! My girls are the apple of my eyes...

        Reply
    16. Daniela says

      February 04, 2014 at 7:56 pm

      I understand your has and so well, Denise if he has cosen this dish for his favorite!
      It looks so rich and tasty,mmh.

      Reply
    17. Daniela says

      February 04, 2014 at 7:59 pm

      Sorry for the tipos , my I Pad went just crazy, correcting things on it's own.
      It should read:
      I understand your husband so well if he has chosen.....

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        February 05, 2014 at 11:54 am

        No worries. It is hard to type an I-pad and also on cell phones. Thank you, Daniela, for leaving a comment. I do appreciate it. Wishing you a great day!

        Reply
    18. Nancy/Spicie Foodie says

      February 11, 2014 at 7:35 pm

      5 stars
      What a sweet and delicious post. I don't think I've ever had the pleasure of tasting Brazilian food. This would be a great start. Thank you for sharing your Tia's recipe.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        February 11, 2014 at 9:32 pm

        Hi, Nancy! Welcome to FBTY!!! I hope you try my Auntie's recipe sometime. You won't regret it. It is a very simple, homey dish yet delicious.

        Reply
    19. Raymund says

      February 19, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      I would enjoy that piece of meat any time of the day

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        February 19, 2014 at 1:28 pm

        So do I, Raymund! 🙂

        Reply

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