Perfect Picanha Steak Recipe Easy Juicy Brazilian Barbecue Guide
A simple and authentic Brazilian barbecue recipe for perfectly grilled picanha steak with a juicy, tender texture and bold flavor, ideal for family gatherings and cookouts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 to 3 pounds (900g to 1.3kg) picanha beef cut with fat cap intact
- 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt or kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Picanha: Trim any excess silver skin but leave the thick fat cap intact. Score the fat in a crosshatch pattern about ½ inch (1.3 cm) apart.
- Season the Meat: Generously rub the coarse sea salt all over the fat and meat sides. Optionally add black pepper and garlic powder. Let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to create a two-zone setup with one side at high heat (about 450°F / 230°C) and the other cooler for indirect cooking.
- Sear the Fat Side: Place the picanha fat-side down over the hot side of the grill for 5-7 minutes until golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip and Sear the Meat Side: Turn the steak over and sear the meaty side for about 5 minutes.
- Move to Indirect Heat: Transfer the picanha to the cooler side of the grill, fat side up. Close the lid and cook for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steak and let it rest on a cutting board, tented lightly with foil, for 10 minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Slice against the grain into thin strips and serve immediately.
Notes
Keep the fat cap intact to render fat and keep the steak juicy. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest the steak for 10 minutes before slicing. Avoid piercing the meat with forks to retain juices. For smoky flavor, use charcoal grill and optionally soaked wood chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 ounces (85 grams)
- Calories: 225
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Protein: 22
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