Brazilian Main
Churrasco de Picanha
Picanha grilled over charcoal with a salted crust and juicy rosy centre.
20 minsPrep time
45 minsCook time
Serves 2Servings
MediumDifficulty
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition per serving
These figures are estimates per serving. Actual nutrition can vary with the brands and exact amounts you use, how much oil, dressing or sauce is absorbed, any substitutions or added extras, and the portion size served.A practical guide for comparing recipes and planning meals.
465Calories
19gProtein
54gCarbs
21gFat
Ingredients
What you need
- 1.2 picanha cap
- 2 coarse salt
- farofa, vinaigrette salsa and cassava to serve
Method
Step-by-step method
Follow the recipe in order, tasting and adjusting seasoning where needed.
- 1. Cut the picanha with the grain into thick steaks or skewer in a crescent shape. Measure everything before you start so the recipe scales cleanly from the dynamic ingredient quantities. Slice meat across the grain where it will be served sliced, and keep steaks even in thickness so they cook at the same speed.
- 2. Season generously with coarse salt only. Work steadily and check texture rather than relying only on the clock.
- 3. Grill fat-side toward the heat until rendered and deeply browned. Heat oil to about 180°C / 355°F; if it is too cool the food turns greasy, and if too hot the outside browns before the centre cooks. Use a hot grill or barbecue, roughly 220°C / 430°F at the grate, so the outside browns quickly without drying out.
- 4. Rest briefly, then slice against the grain. Work steadily and check texture rather than relying only on the clock.
- 5. Serve with farofa, vinaigrette salsa and cassava. Taste at the end for salt, acidity and richness; traditional versions should feel generous but balanced.
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Tips, storage and serving advice
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Common mistakes
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Make ahead
Storage and reheating
Wine pairing
What to drink with Churrasco de Picanha
These are wine-style pairings, so you can choose any bottle in that style rather than needing one exact producer. Look for the grape, region or style name on the label.Pairings are chosen around the dish’s flavour, texture, richness, acidity and cooking style, not just the country it comes from.
#1
Excellent match
Red
Pinot Noir / Burgundy
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: the wine's fruit, savoury notes and freshness create a natural bridge to the dish
- Acidity: Acidity keeps the pairing lively and food-focused
- Body: Body is matched to the overall weight of the dish
- Tannin: Tannin level is kept appropriate to the dish's protein and texture
- Sweetness: Dry unless the dish benefits from a touch of residual sweetness
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
#2
Great match
White
Chardonnay
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: the wine's fruit, savoury notes and freshness create a natural bridge to the dish
- Acidity: Acidity keeps the pairing lively and food-focused
- Body: Body is matched to the overall weight of the dish
- Tannin: Tannin level is kept appropriate to the dish's protein and texture
- Sweetness: Dry unless the dish benefits from a touch of residual sweetness
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
#3
Interesting match
White
Dry Riesling
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: the wine's fruit, savoury notes and freshness create a natural bridge to the dish
- Acidity: Acidity keeps the pairing lively and food-focused
- Body: Body is matched to the overall weight of the dish
- Tannin: Tannin level is kept appropriate to the dish's protein and texture
- Sweetness: Dry unless the dish benefits from a touch of residual sweetness
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
Bottle suggestions
Specific wines to try
These are named bottles or regional wine examples already linked to this recipe. Each card opens the relevant wine-style guide because individual bottle pages are not currently published.Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec is credible here because it represents the matched Malbec style. Chosen to balance Brazilian richness, cass…
Explore this wine styleAustralian Shiraz
Australian Shiraz is credible here because it represents the matched Syrah / Shiraz style. Syrah offers pepper, dark fruit a…
Explore this wine styleCook next
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