Get ready to bring a taste of Brazil to your backyard with these Brazilian Steak Kabobs, also known as Espetinho de Carne. Made with tender sirloin steak, a bold garlic-forward marinade and a sweet bite, grilled pineapple. These kabobs are bursting with authentic flavor and perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight grilling.
Juicy grilled sirloin, smoky spices, and sweet pineapple kissed with cinnamon, these Brazilian Steak Kabobs are your new favorite summer grilling recipe.
If you’ve ever been to a Brazilian barbecue (or churrasco), you know it’s more than just a meal, it’s an experience. Growing up in Brazil, weekends often meant firing up the grill, gathering with family, and cooking everything from sausages to steak skewers over open flames. One of the most beloved bites is Espetinho de Carne or Brazilian steak kabobs.
What is Espetinho de Carne
Espetinho means “little skewer” in Portuguese, and in Brazil, these grilled meat skewers are popular at street fairs, beachside vendors, and backyard gatherings. Typically made with sirloin or picanha, Brazilian steak kabobs are marinated in bold flavors, grilled over high heat, and often served with a side of farofa.
Ingredients you’ll need
For this version, I’m using sirloin steak for its tenderness and rich beefy flavor. The marinade is made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen:
For the Steak Marinade:
- Sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Garlic cloves (because no Brazilian recipe is complete without garlic!)
- Avocado oil – recommended when cooking in high heat
- Coconut aminos – which is low in sodium, or substitute for soy sauce
- Brown sugar – or coconut sugar
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
For the Pineapple:
- Fresh pineapple cubes
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
Yes, pineapple! Adding a marinated pineapple cube to each skewer is a little tip from home. It’s sweet, smoky, and balances the savory steak beautifully. In Brazil, we love combining tropical fruits with grilled meats, and pineapple is one of the best pairings.
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak
Whisk together the garlic, oil, coconut aminos, lime, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Toss in sirloin cubes to coat evenly. Cover and marinate.
2. Prep the Pineapple
Combine the pineapple cubes with brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss to coat. Let sit while the meat marinates so the flavors soak in.
3. Assemble the Kabobs
Thread the marinated steak onto skewers, alternating with the pineapple cubes. Alternatives are; green pepper, red bell pepper, onions and mushroom.
4. Grill the Espetinhos
Grill the meat skewers on pre-heated grill at about 450F degrees for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is nicely charred. The pineapple should be caramelized and slightly charred as well. The combination is a delicious balance of savory and sweet!
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot off the grill with beans, rice, a fresh green salad and Brazilian lemonade. These kabobs are perfect for backyard parties, Brazilian-themed dinners, or a fun twist on your typical BBQ night!
GRILLING TIPS FOR PERFECT KABOBS
✓ Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
✓ Don’t overpack the skewers—give each piece space to cook properly.
✓ Use indirect heat for thicker cuts or if you want to avoid flare-ups.
✓ Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
This Brazilian Steak Kabobs recipe brings together everything I love about summer, grilling, and my Brazilian roots. It’s bold, bright, and just the right mix of sweet and savory. Whether you’re grilling for family, friends, or just treating yourself, espetinho de carne is always a good idea.
More summer grilling recipes you’ll love:
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings
Dry-Rubbed Oven Baked Chicken Wings
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Caprese
Brazilian Steak Kabobs Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak cubed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Pineapple Marinate
- 1 whole pineapple cubed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic, avocado oil, lime, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the sirloin cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- In a small bowl, combine pineapple cubes with brown sugar and cinnamon. Let sit while the meat marinates so the flavors soak in.
- Thread the marinated steak onto skewers, alternating with the cinnamon-sugar pineapple cubes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes turning occasionally, until the steak is nicely charred on the outside and cooked to your preferred doneness inside. The pineapple should be caramelized and slightly charred as well.
- Serve hot off the grill with a generous squeeze of lime juice and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Espetinhos:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Use sirloin or picanha for tender, juicy results.
- Don’t skip the pineapple—it adds authentic Brazilian flavor and a sweet contrast to the savory meat.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi Sylvia
I made the Brazilian kabobs and they were delicious. But unsure what to do with the lime. It is ingredient list but not in instructions.
Thanks
Pat
Hi Pat, glad you liked my Brazilian steak kabobs. I am sorry about the lime, I added to the instructions. You add the lime juice to the marinate.