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5.0 from 3 votes

Picanha Roast

Want to make the most beautiful roast for a Sunday supper, holiday centerpiece or just because? You need to learn how to make a Picanha Roast, which starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven. This fairly hands-off technique is the secret to success and an incredibly delicious meal. Served with the right side dishes, it gives Brazilian barbecue vibes all day, everyday!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Resting Time
10 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 322 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Brazilian

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds of Picanha also known as culotte or sirloin cap
  • 1 whole bay leaf
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • 4 whole cloves of garlic smashed and peeled
  • coarse salt to taste Brazilian Sal Grosso
  • freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Remove the picanha from the refrigerator about 30 minutes to an hour before you intend to cook it.
  2. Preheat your oven to 395°F/200°C
  3. Begin your prep by removing the picanha from its packaging. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any blood or moisture, which will cause steam, or create debris, in the pan.
  4. After that, place the picanha fat side down onto a cold skillet off the heat.
  5. Season only the "meat" side of the picanha with freshly ground black pepper, and coarse salt. Press the salt gently onto the meat to ensure it sticks.
  6. Place the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat and begin to render the picanha fat, until the fat begins to melt, about 8-10 minutes.
  7. When enough of the fat has melted, add in the bay leaf, the garlic cloves, the thyme and the rosemary to the fat. Begin to baste the meat with the flavored fat with a spoon. Do this while the fat cap crips up a bit, about 5 minutes.
  8. Next, flip the picanha using tongs to sear the other sides of the roast in that rendered fat, approximately 3 minutes per side.
  9. When all sides are seared, removed the picanha from the skillet and place it fat side up on a baking dish, or another ovenproof skillet. Discard the rendered fat.
  10. Season the fat cap with freshly ground black pepper and salt, and place it in the preheated oven.
  11. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until a thermometer reads 119°-120°F (for medium rare, as you see in the photos**). Cook longer if you like it more cooked - see chart and in-post information for temperatures.
  12. Once the meat is within 5 degrees of your desired temperature, remove it from the oven. Place the picanha on a cutting board and let it rest undisturbed for another 10 minutes or so.
  13. After the picanha has rested, slice it and serve.
Bom Apetite!!!

Notes

  • You can buy picanha online here (affiliate link) - I have bought it and cooked their meat multiple times. I highly recommend this brand. 
  • **Please note: You want to remove the picanha from the oven at least 5 degrees before your desired temperature because the temperature of the meat gores up 5-7° while it rests. If you pull the meat at temperature it may overcook while it rests. More information in post. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 322kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 51g (102%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Cholesterol 141mg (47%) Sodium 127mg (5%) Potassium 788mg (23%) Fiber 0.2g (1%) Sugar 0.02g (0%) Vitamin A 43IU (1%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 51mg (5%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 322

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 322kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 51g 102%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g 3%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 141mg 47%
Sodium 127mg 5%
Potassium 788mg 17%
Fiber 0.2g 1%
Sugar 0.02g 0%
Vitamin A 43IU 1%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 51mg 5%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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