Picanha, also known as the “queen of steaks,” is a flavourful and tender cut of beef that hails from Brazil. Here’s what you need to know about it:
- Origin and Cut:
- Picanha is cut from the back end of the cow, specifically around the border of the sirloin and round primals.
- It’s the topmost part of the sirloin and features a thick fat cap on one end and tender red meat on the other.
- Due to its location, picanha has less connective tissue, making it exceptionally tender.
- Flavour and Texture:
- Picanha combines the tenderness of a ribeye with the flavour of a sirloin.
- The contrast between the fat cap and the meat creates a delightful texture.
- It’s often described as having a rich, beefy flavour.
- Cooking Methods:
- You have several options for cooking picanha:
- Grill Reverse Sear:
- Score the fat cap to increase surface area.
- Salt liberally with pyramid salt.
- Grill indirectly until the internal temperature reaches 49-52°C
- Finish on high heat for a nice crust.
- Traditional Churrasco:
- Cut the whole picanha roast into “C-shaped” steaks.
- Skewer the thickest steaks.
- Salt the fat caps generously.
- Grill at high temperatures (600°F or more) while rotating.
- Thinly slice and serve.
- Grill Reverse Sear:
- You have several options for cooking picanha:
- Versatility:
- Picanha can be roasted whole or cut into steaks for churrasco-style grilling.
- It’s an affordable cut that delivers exceptional taste.
- Variations:
- In the United States, most butchers cut picanha into smaller round and sirloin steaks.
- When the roast is kept intact, it’s labelled as the sirloin cap, sirloin ball cap, or rump cap.
- You might also come across coulotte steak, which is similar but with some fat cap trimmed.
- Grass-Fed Picanha:
- If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider grass-fed picanha.
- Grass-fed beef tends to cook about 30% quicker, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Next time you fire up the grill, consider adding picanha to your menu. Whether you go for the traditional Brazilian churrasco or a reverse sear, this cut won’t disappoint! 😋🔥
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