Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

How to Grill Picanha – Easy Step by Step Guide


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Author: Suzie Castello
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

Juicy picanha, grilled to perfection. Perfect for a Brazilian-style barbecue.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 lbs (1361 g) picanha
  • Rock salt
  • 1 package fresh Brazilian pork sausage
  • 4 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 mango, chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cups (59 ml) cilantro, chopped
  • 2 limes Juice
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
  • 2 cups (473 ml) manioc meal
  • 2 tablespoons bacon fat or butter
  • Salt
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cups (59 ml) vinegar
  • 1/4 cups (59 ml) olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fire: Use organic eucalyptus charcoal or make a wood fire. If using gas, preheat the grill to medium-high. Place sausages on the grill to start the fire and add flavor.
  2. Score the Fat: Crisscross score the fatty blanket on the picanha to prevent curling and help release juices.
  3. Cut the Picanha: Cut the picanha into 3 pieces against the grain. Bend these pieces into semicircles, fat-side out, and place on a large oiled skewer. Alternatively, cut the picanha into thick steaks with the grain.
  4. Season the Meat: Roll the pieces of picanha in rock salt.
  5. Grill the Picanha: Grill the steaks fat-side up for a few minutes until juice leaks out. Turn the steaks onto their sides and grill for a few more minutes. Grill fat-side down, moving away from the hottest part to avoid over-cooking.
  6. Rest and Slice: Tap the finished meats with the side of a knife to knock off extra salt rocks. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  7. Serve: Serve pieces of picanha as they finish cooking. Slice and serve.
  8. Optional Salsa: Mix chopped tomatoes, mango, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños.
  9. Optional Farofa: Toast manioc meal in bacon fat or butter until golden. Season with salt.
  10. Optional Molho à Campanha: Mix chopped tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

  • For even cooking, ensure your picanha pieces are relatively uniform in thickness before grilling.
  • To prevent flare-ups, trim any excess fat from the picanha before scoring and grilling.
  • Leftover picanha can be shredded and used in tacos or salads the next day.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large steak
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 200
  • Fat: 30
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 40
  • Cholesterol: 100