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Home » Cuban Recipes

Cuban Garlic Butter Steak (Bistec con ajo receta)

By Neyssa · Published October 30, 2018 · Updated September 10, 2026

4.25 from 4 votes
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The perfect garlic butter steak is marinated with loads of garlic and lime juice -just ask any Cuban! This Cuban garlic butter steak recipe is tender, juicy, and perfectly made in a matter of minutes!

What kind of meat is used for Cuban garlic butter steak recipes?

  • round tip
  • top round
  • skirt steak
  • tenderloin

 

Garlic Cuban Steak on cutting board

Growing up, I never had a fat juicy steak. Cubans traditionally cut their bistec aka steak paper thin, and it is DELICIOUS. But sometimes, (like right now) a fat juicy buttery steak calls my name.

If you want a more authentic (and faster cooking time) Cuban garlic and lime steak recipe, choose to have the butcher cut it into thin slices.

If you decide to go with the thin slices and if there is any leftovers, they're perfect to make steak sandwiches!

Cuban Garlic Butter Steak Recipe

How To Make Garlic Butter Steak

Now onto the garlic butter steak recipe! For this recipe, all you have to do is throw almost everything into a bowl! I suggest squeezing more lime juice than called for -if you have it on hand, and it's not expensive. (They're like 3 for $2 here -yikes!)

If you have a pion (mortar and pestel), I'd advise you to go ahead and make a paste with the garlic, a splash of olive oil, and the spices. I swear, I feel like I'm in my parents house right now! Take the paste and dress the steak. Go ahead and massage it all in. Let the steak absorb the garlic mixture for a few minutes.

Now, take a large pan, over medium high heat add olive oil and melt good quality butter for this yummy garlic butter steak recipe. Next, cook steak for 2-4 minutes per side (less time for rare, more time for well-cooked). 

Now you're ready to enjoy this amazing garlic butter steak recipe for dinner tonight!

Similar recipes!

  • Cuban Ropa Vieja
  • Cuban Instant Pot Chicken
  • Cuban Roasted Pernil

 

Garlic Cuban Steak on cutting board
Author: Neyssa
Print Pin
4.25 from 4 votes

Authentic Cuban Garlic Lime Steak

Enjoy the authentic Cuban flavors in this juicy steak recipe!
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 3 pounds of steak tenderloin
  • 10 cloves of garlic chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of cumin
  • 2 teaspoon of oregano
  • 4 tablespoons of butter
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons of cilantro
  • ½ teaspoon of paprika
  • 2 lime

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark
  • Season steak with salt, pepper, cumin, bay leaf, oregano, paprika, lime juice, garlic and salt and pepper. Set to the side and let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
  • In a large cast iron pan, heat oil and butter over medium high heat. Add steak, cook 3-4 minutes per side (or until your level of done). Remove steak once cooked to rest.
  • Garnish with additional lime juice (if desired) and cilantro.

Notes

NOTE: If your steak is not tender, use a meat mallet to make it more tender.
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

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Comments

    4.25 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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  1. Julie Breland says

    January 24, 2021 at 5:02 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! This is so amazing! Even my husband who never says anything about flavor or spices said he really could taste the flavorful spices in the melnasia and he hopes I don't lose the recipe! The funny thing is I mis-read the recipe and added the butter and oil into the marinade. I really like the way it came out so i will continue to do so, thanks for a great authentic Cuban recipe!

    Reply
  2. sabaucemarinade says

    November 03, 2021 at 5:18 am

    This is really wonderful page for me because I love the chicken after reading and following instruction from this page. So, thanks for such an imaging information with us.

    Reply
  3. Julia May says

    November 29, 2022 at 5:04 pm

    This looks amazing. Is the oregano fresh or dried?

    Reply
    • Neyssa says

      January 14, 2023 at 11:07 am

      You can use whichever you want. 🙂 I usually use dry, unless it's summer and the garden has fresh oregano.

      Reply
Neyssa Jump with a water view background

Hola, I'm Neyssa

♥

When I moved away from home—and the community that kept the culture alive—I felt like something was missing.

I found my way home back through food.

If you’ve ever felt that same longing for home, pull up a chair. Stay while.

Let’s remember our roots, teach our kids our traditions, and keep these recipes going for the next generation.

LEARN MORE →



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