Picanha Recipe

Picanha is a classic Brazilian dish made from a cut of beef called the “rump cap” or “top sirloin cap.” It’s known for its rich flavor and tender texture, especially when cooked on the grill or skewered and roasted over an open flame. The meat is typically seasoned simply with salt, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. Picanha is often served with traditional Brazilian side dishes like rice, beans, and farofa (toasted cassava flour).
Prep Time : 20 minis
Cook Time : 40 minis
Rest Time : 10 minis
Total Time : 1 hrs 10 minis
Yield: 4
Servings : 4
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Ingredients

  • 2-3 lbs (900g – 1.3 kg) picanha (rump cap)
  • Coarse sea salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (optional)
  • Olive oil (for grilling, optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Direction

  • Prepare the Picanha:

    • If you have a whole picanha, trim the fat cap slightly to remove any excess fat, but leave a generous layer for flavor.
    • Using a sharp knife, score the fat in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the fat render and allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
    • Season the picanha generously with coarse sea salt. Optionally, you can add a little black pepper, but traditionally, picanha is just salted.
  • Prepare the Grill or BBQ:

    • Preheat your grill or BBQ to medium-high heat.
    • If using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect heat, placing the coals on one side of the grill.
    • If using a gas grill, heat the burners to medium-high, leaving one side off for indirect grilling.
  • Skewer and Grill the Picanha (if using skewers):

    • Cut the picanha into large chunks or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
    • Skewer the pieces of meat with the fat cap facing up, ensuring even cooking.
    • Place the skewered meat on the grill over indirect heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally. You want the outside to be beautifully charred, and the inside should reach a medium-rare or medium doneness (internal temperature of 130-135°F or 55-57°C).
    • If grilling a whole picanha, place it fat-side down on the grill over direct heat for 10-15 minutes to get a crispy, golden crust. Then move it to the indirect heat side for another 20-25 minutes, flipping once.
  • Rest the Meat:

    • Once the picanha is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices and ensures a tender, flavorful result.
  • Slice and Serve:

    • After resting, slice the picanha against the grain into thin slices. Serve with lime wedges and your choice of traditional Brazilian sides such as rice, beans, farofa, or a simple salad.

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