What Is Picanha? The Brazilian Steakhouse Cut Every Griller Should Know

Introduction

If you’ve ever eaten at a Brazilian steakhouse, chances are you’ve experienced picanha, one of the most flavorful and celebrated cuts of beef in South American barbecue.

Known for its rich beef flavor, tender texture, and signature fat cap, picanha steak is the centerpiece of traditional Brazilian churrasco grilling. While it has long been a favorite in Brazil, this cut has quickly gained popularity among American grillers and barbecue enthusiasts.

Today, you can enjoy this steakhouse favorite at home with premium Black Angus picanha from 44 Farms.

👉 Shop USDA Choice Picanha from 44 Farms

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What Is Picanha?

Picanha is a triangular cut of beef taken from the top sirloin cap, located at the top of the rump. In the United States, this cut is also known as:

• Top Sirloin Cap

• Coulotte Steak

• Sirloin Cap Roast

What makes picanha unique is its thick fat cap, which helps keep the meat juicy during cooking while adding incredible flavor.

Unlike many other steak cuts, picanha is typically cooked with the fat cap intact, allowing it to render slowly as it grills or roasts.

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Why Picanha Is So Popular

Picanha has become one of the most sought-after grilling cuts because it offers the perfect balance of:

• Bold beef flavor

• Tender texture

• Juicy marbling

• A natural fat cap that enhances flavor

In Brazilian churrascarias, picanha is often skewered into thick steaks, seasoned simply with salt, and grilled over open flame before being sliced tableside.

The result is a steak that delivers deep beef flavor with a beautifully caramelized crust.

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How to Cook Picanha

Picanha can be cooked several ways, but it shines best when grilled over high heat.

Step 1: Prepare the Cut

Leave the fat cap intact and score it lightly to help render the fat during cooking.

Step 2: Season Simply

Traditional Brazilian preparation uses only coarse salt, allowing the natural flavor of the beef to shine.

Step 3: Grill Over High Heat

Cook the picanha over direct high heat (450–500°F) until the outside develops a deep crust.

Step 4: Finish to Temperature

Move to indirect heat and cook until the internal temperature reaches:

• Rare: 120–125°F

• Medium Rare: 130–135°F

• Medium: 140–145°F

Step 5: Slice Against the Grain

Always slice picanha against the grain to maximize tenderness.

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Picanha vs. Ribeye

Both cuts are fantastic, but they offer slightly different experiences.

Many steak lovers enjoy picanha because it provides ribeye-level flavor with a unique texture and grilling experience.

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Why Choose 44 Farms Picanha

44 Farms raises some of the finest Black Angus cattle in the United States, producing beef known for its exceptional flavor, tenderness, and marbling.

When you order 44 Farms USDA Choice Picanha, you receive:

• Premium Black Angus beef

• Consistent marbling

• Authentic steakhouse quality

• Beef raised with care and attention

👉 Shop 44 Farms USDA Choice Picanha

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Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef is picanha?

Picanha comes from the top sirloin cap, located near the rump of the cow. It is known for its thick fat cap and strong beef flavor.

Is picanha the same as sirloin?

Picanha is part of the sirloin primal but specifically refers to the top sirloin cap muscle, which has a unique fat cap and triangular shape.

Is picanha tender?

Yes. When sliced correctly against the grain, picanha is tender, juicy, and extremely flavorful.

How do Brazilian steakhouses cook picanha?

Brazilian steakhouses typically season picanha with coarse salt, skewer it into curved steaks, and grill it over open flame using a churrasco-style grill.

What temperature should picanha be cooked to?

Picanha is best served medium rare (130–135°F) for the best balance of tenderness and flavor.

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Conclusion

If you love steak and grilling, picanha is a cut you need to try. Its signature fat cap, rich beef flavor, and versatility make it one of the most exciting cuts available for backyard cooking.

Whether you grill it whole or slice it into steaks, 44 Farms USDA Choice Picanha delivers authentic steakhouse flavor right from your own grill.

👉 Order 44 Farms Picanha Online Today