Best Brazilian Steak Recipe ~ Picanha!

Best Brazilian Steak Recipe ~ Picanha!

6 servings
Picanha is hands-down one of the best cuts of meat and the favorite in Brazil. This Brazilian Picanha recipe will give you the most flavorful meat that's tender, juicy, and filled with flavor. t's a particular cut of beef that comes from the top of the rump. It's also known as the top sirloin cap and comes with the fat cap still on. That fat cap is what helps to give this steak so much amazing flavor.

Ingredients

  • sirloin cap

    picanha

    2 lb
  • kosher salt or other coarse salt
    1 tbsp
  • brazilian steak seasoning
    3 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    SLICE: Place the sirloin cap (picanha) steak with the fat side down on a cutting board. Using a very sharp knife, cut the steak going with the grain into 1-inch thick slices. Each slice will have a layer of fat along the bottom.

  2. 2

    SEASON: Once the steak is sliced (you will get 6-8 slices depending on the size of the steak), season with the salt and then the Brazilian steak seasoning.

  3. 3

    SKEWER: If you want to skewer the picanha for the classic Churrascaria preparation, you will start to skewer through the fat side, fold over the steak and skewer back through the other fat side.

  4. 4

    GRILL: Preheat the grill on high heat (approximately 400 F degrees). Place the skewers or the steaks on a diagonal along the grill. Cook for 5 minutes and then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. If you want medium rare, the steaks are probably done at this point. If you want Medium, flip again with the steaks going the other diagonal direction to get beautiful cross grill marks. Cook another 5 minutes. And finally, for well done, flip a fourth time, again going the opposite diagonal direction and cook for 5 minutes. Total cooking times: Medium rare = 10 minutes, Medium = 15 minutes, Well = 20 minutes. *See notes for broiler instructions*

Best Brazilian Steak Recipe ~ Picanha!

Best Brazilian Steak Recipe ~ Picanha!

30 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving the incredible flavors of an authentic Brazilian steakhouse at home? This Picanha recipe brings the tender, juicy taste of Brazil's favorite cut right to your table, promising a truly memorable main course.

Why This Brazilian Steak Recipe Works

The secret lies in the Picanha itself, also known as the top sirloin cap. This particular cut of beef is celebrated for retaining its crucial fat cap, which is the magic ingredient that renders down to infuse the meat with unparalleled flavor and keeps it exceptionally tender as it cooks. This makes it hands-down one of the best cuts of meat for a truly flavorful experience.

What to Expect

Prepare for a steak experience that’s rich, deeply savory, and incredibly satisfying. The Picanha, a distinct cut from the top of the rump, emerges from cooking both tender and juicy, each bite bursting with the robust taste that has made it a favorite across Brazil. You'll savor the distinct succulence that only comes from this specific cut, perfectly seasoned to highlight its natural beefy goodness. This main course delivers a hearty, flavorful meal that’s simpler to achieve than its gourmet reputation might suggest, yet tastes wonderfully luxurious.

Customization & Variations

While the classic preparation with kosher salt or other coarse salt and Brazilian steak seasoning is paramount to the authentic flavor, you have a small window for personalization. Experiment with the amount of Brazilian steak seasoning to tailor the intensity to your palate, ensuring the rich beef flavor still shines through. The choice of coarse salt is key for a good crust, so stick to that for the best results.

Serving & Context

This magnificent Brazilian Picanha makes a show-stopping main course, perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or simply elevating a family meal into a special occasion. Serve this grilled Brazilian steak sliced against the grain to maximize tenderness, allowing the incredible flavor of this top sirloin cap to take center stage alongside simple sides like a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions