Description
Picanha steak is the crown jewel of Brazilian churrasco. With its signature fat cap, rich beefy flavor, and juicy tenderness, this cut delivers bold taste with minimal seasoning. Whether you’re recreating a churrascaria experience or grilling at home, this recipe will guide you through cooking picanha the traditional way—just salt, flame, and flavor. It’s steak at its purest and most satisfying.
Ingredients
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2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) picanha steak (top sirloin cap) with fat cap intact
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2 tablespoons coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)
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Optional: garlic cloves or fresh herbs for finishing
Instructions
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Prepare the Picanha: Trim the fat cap slightly if it’s too thick, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch. Slice the picanha against the grain into thick steaks (2–3 inches thick), or leave whole for skewering.
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Shape for Grilling (Optional): For a traditional churrasco look, fold each steak into a “C” shape and skewer through the middle.
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Season Simply: Generously coat the meat with coarse sea salt on all sides. No other seasoning needed.
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Preheat Grill: Heat your charcoal or gas grill to high, aiming for around 450–500°F (232–260°C).
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Grill Fat-Side Down First: Place steaks on the grill, fat-side down. Sear for 6–8 minutes until a golden crust forms.
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Flip and Finish: Turn steaks and cook the other side for another 6–8 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer for precision.
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Medium Rare: 130°F (54°C)
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Medium: 140°F (60°C)
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Rest the Meat: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5–10 minutes to lock in juices.
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Slice and Serve: Cut against the grain into thin slices. Serve immediately with traditional Brazilian sides.
Notes
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Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
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For added authenticity, pair with farofa, Brazilian rice, and vinaigrette salsa.
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Don’t skip the resting period—it ensures a juicy, flavorful bite.
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If skewering, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~480
- Fat: ~38g
- Protein: ~34g