Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a super tasty and classic Brazilian dish: bife acebolado com molho de tomate! This translates to steak with onions and tomato sauce, and trust me, it’s a flavor explosion you don’t want to miss. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills without spending hours in the kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

What is Bife Acebolado com Molho de Tomate?

Bife acebolado com molho de tomate is essentially a Brazilian-style steak dish that features thinly sliced steaks cooked with plenty of onions and smothered in a rich tomato sauce. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of flavors. The steak is typically seasoned with just salt and pepper, allowing the natural flavors of the beef to shine through. The onions are caramelized to bring out their sweetness, which perfectly complements the savory steak. And the tomato sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet element that ties everything together. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, beans, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

A Little History

While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact origins of bife acebolado, it’s safe to say that it’s a staple in Brazilian cuisine. The dish likely evolved from simple, home-cooked meals that emphasized using fresh, readily available ingredients. The combination of steak, onions, and tomato sauce is a common theme in many cultures, but the Brazilian version has its own unique flair. It’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own personal touch. You’ll find variations of bife acebolado all across Brazil, from the bustling cities to the rural countryside. It’s a testament to the dish's enduring popularity and its ability to bring people together around the table. What makes it even better is how adaptable the recipe is; you can easily tweak it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like your sauce extra spicy or your onions super caramelized, this dish is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious bife acebolado com molho de tomate:

• Steak: About 1.5 pounds of steak, cut into thin slices. Sirloin, flank steak, or even round steak work well. The key is to slice the steak thinly so it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Onions: 2 large onions, thinly sliced. Yellow or white onions are ideal, but you can also use red onions for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. You can also use tomato puree or diced tomatoes, depending on your preference.
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This is for sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Vinegar: 1 tablespoon of vinegar. White vinegar or red wine vinegar work great to add a touch of acidity.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped. This is for garnish and adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! It’s essential for bringing out the flavors of the steak and sauce.
• Optional: A pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and a bay leaf for added depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering bife acebolado com molho de tomate:

1. Prepare the Steak: Season the steak slices generously with salt and black pepper. Make sure to coat both sides of the steak for maximum flavor. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once the onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vinegar, and optional sugar and bay leaf into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar to your liking.
4. Cook the Steak: While the sauce is simmering, heat a separate skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add a little bit of oil if needed. Working in batches, cook the steak slices for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than seared steak.
5. Combine Everything: Once the steak is cooked, add it to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir gently to coat the steak slices with the sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to combine. This step is crucial for ensuring that the steak absorbs the delicious flavors of the sauce.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides. Rice, mashed potatoes, beans, or crusty bread are all great options. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Bife Acebolado

To ensure your bife acebolado comes out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

• Slice the Steak Thinly: This is crucial for ensuring that the steak cooks quickly and evenly. If the steak is too thick, it will take longer to cook and may become tough.
• Caramelize the Onions: Don’t rush this step! Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness, which is essential for the overall flavor of the dish. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden brown, and slightly sticky.
• Use Good Quality Tomato Sauce: The quality of the tomato sauce will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose a high-quality crushed tomato product for the best results. You can also use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and crush them first.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Overcooked steak is tough and dry. Cook the steak slices for just 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly when you add it to the tomato sauce.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the steak and sauce generously with salt and pepper. This is essential for bringing out the flavors of the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Let the Flavors Meld: After adding the steak to the tomato sauce, let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to combine. This step is crucial for ensuring that the steak absorbs the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• Add a Touch of Acidity: The vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and onions. You can also use lemon juice or red wine for a similar effect.

Variations and Additions

One of the best things about bife acebolado is its versatility. Here are some variations and additions you can try to customize the dish to your liking:

• Spicy Bife Acebolado: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
• Bife Acebolado with Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers to the skillet along with the onions for added flavor and texture.
• Bife Acebolado with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions for a more earthy flavor.
• Bife Acebolado with Potatoes: Serve the bife acebolado over mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.
• Bife Acebolado with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the bife acebolado before serving for a cheesy twist. Mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan cheese all work well.

Serving Suggestions

Bife acebolado com molho de tomate is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

• Rice and Beans: This is a classic Brazilian combination that pairs perfectly with bife acebolado. Serve the steak and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice and alongside a generous serving of black beans or pinto beans.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side that complements the savory steak and tangy tomato sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory bife acebolado.
• Farofa: This toasted cassava flour dish is a staple in Brazilian cuisine and adds a crunchy texture to the meal.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Bife acebolado com molho de tomate is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process, you can whip up a flavorful and satisfying meal in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and additions to customize the dish to your liking. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process of creating a delicious meal! Bom apetite!