Description
A delicious Picanha steak recipe that unlocks juicy perfection, perfect for any meat lover.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5–2 lbs (700–900 g) picanha steak (also called top sirloin cap or rump cap)
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil (if pan-searing)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for sauce)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (for sauce)
- Salt & pepper to taste (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp chopped chives (for sauce)
- Optional sides: Roasted whole garlic, Grilled onions
Instructions
- Pat the picanha dry with paper towels. Leave the fat cap ON and score it lightly (optional) to help rendering. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (optional). Let rest at room temperature for 25–30 minutes.
- Choose your cooking method: Pan-Seared or Whole-Roasted.
- For Pan-Seared: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the steak fat side down first for 3–5 minutes to render the fat. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until deeply browned. Transfer to oven at 400°F (205°C) for desired doneness.
- For Whole-Roasted: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Place picanha fat side up on a rack and roast for the desired time based on doneness. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispy crust.
- For the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small pan, melt butter, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and whisk, add Dijon and simmer until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and stir in chopped chives.
- Serve the sliced picanha with the creamy garlic sauce and optional sides.
Notes
- Never trim the fat cap—it’s the flavor.
- Let the steak rest before slicing.
- Sear at high heat for a crust.
- Slice against the grain for tenderness.
- Internal temperature: Rare: 125°F (52°C), Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C), Medium: 140°F (60°C).
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Roasting, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg