Roasting one picanha (sirloin cap) with different rubs? A Brazilian experimenting with new ways to cook the cut from his childhood

[fcy]

On Friday I'll be getting about 3-4lbs of picanha (sirloin cap) from Porter Road. I'm originally from Brazil so ate a lot of picanha growing up. The way I saw my father and his friend cooking it was to cover the steaks with very coarse salt (think a lot of salt), stick them in the skewers, and cook over direct heat. Slicing the sides as they get done (and tapping all that salt off before the first slice), and putting it back because the rest of the meat was still raw.

I'm not planning on buying a picanha skewer for my kettle (if there is one, please don't tell me) so I'm think I'll cook it as a rib roast, reverse seared. And one thought came to mind, could try different rubs on the same piece? Should I cut it first? I'm thinking in using only salt but also try with rubs, but I'm not sure how terrible of an idea that is (mixing rubs).

I'm also interested in recipes if you have any.

[Steve B]

You grew up with one of the best cuts of the cow there is and cooked the way it should be. Don’t mess with tradition. I don’t think it will be any better than what you already know.
I could be wrong but I don’t think so. 😬😁

Now. About the skewers. We gotta find you some. 👍

[klflowers]

Ok, not a skewer but

https://www.bbqguys.com/weber/2290-rotisserie-kit-for-22-inch-charcoal-kettle-grills

[synodog]

My first picanha was in ‘93 in Recife pernambuco...been in love ever since.

Interested to hear about your results. I guess it depends on how many cuts you can get if you want to try different rubs, straight salt, cow crust or some variation.

[tenphases]

Someone that grew up with pros doing the real thing and now you want to mess with it? Holy crap keep us updated!! Only someone like you can realize when authentic and innovation can combine to make something great!! (Straight salt on Picanha was probably about preservation but damn it's good)

[fcy]

I'd say I'm a pro eater, I'm just starting my cooking picanha journey. But I'll keep everyone posted.

[Greygoose]

I get a picanha and cut it into 1-1/4” steaks and dry brine them over nite with the Brazilian rock salt
Fire up the grill and cook to med. rare. Get a nice sear on the outside and let rest for a few minutes.
The flavor is perfect,,,,,, meaty ,beefy goodness !

[fcy]

Brazilian rock salt! Did not know those were a thing, look exactly like the coarse salt we use to bbq there.

[Old Glory]

Love Picanha. I ordered some from Porter Road as well. I sliced it about 2 inches wide and put it on skewers. Cooked indirect and seared on the WSCG. Came out fantastic.

[Troutman]

Awesome

[fcy]

Looks great! And I like the small skewers, I was thinking those sword sizes ones you see in Brazilian steakhouses (and are common in Brazil)

[johnec00]

Picanha on Pit Barrel Cooker with their skewers.

[HawkerXP]

..., ..., ...!

[fcy]

Wow! 🤤

[JCBBQ]

I don’t have a rotisserie but have cooked them whole and in pieces. When I cook it whole I cook indirect to a lower temp than I want to eat. Then typically I slice into steaks and cover w the salt mix that the butcher at Seabra (South American grocery) makes. It’s mostly big chunky salt w some spices. Then I sear. Whichever way you go I think it’s nice to end up w pieces that are 2 to 3 fingers wide. You’d know better than me but I believe the traditional way is to slice them into steaks and cook on a rotisserie. Like this pic

[JCBBQ]

Bkhuna Awesome!! Same set up in Newark - salt to the side of the butcher. Also, Picanha is great for burgers.

[johnec00]

Bkhuna A 10 pound picanha must have been one massive beast.

[Bkhuna]

johnec00 - I should never post anything that early in the morning. The picanha was only 6 pounds.

[Troutman]

I'm too lazy to slice the roast, skewer it and deal with it that way. I simply roast the whole thing like a prime rib roast. We love it that way, in fact it may indeed be our favorite overall cut of beef !!!

[Bkhuna]

Yup!

[fcy]

Holy moly! These look awesome. You found the reason I was wanting to avoid skewers: being lazy.

Do you use any rubs or just salt? (Edit: just saw the answer on the comment below)

[Bkhuna]

My preferred rub for this cut is Salt. It's marvelous.

[Troutman]

Yea I forgot to add that I salt brine mine for at least 24 hours then use a basic salt less steak rub or something like BBBR. As a Texan I occasionally just throw some coarse ground pepper on it and go with a Texas profile. To me it's more about the richness of the meat, that delicious fat cap and the ultimate finish that I'm concerned about, not the seasoning.

[fcy]

Salt and only salt is the traditional way. I think I'm going to experiment some rubs to see how it turns out, out of curiosity.

Troutman what is MMD?

[Troutman]

fcy Actually I have no idea why I wrote that. I meant to say BBBR (Big Bad Beef Rub) which is Meathead's salt free beef rub recipe. Good stuff, especially on roasts.

https://amazingribs.com/tested-recipes/spice-rubs-and-pastes/big-bad-beef-rub-recipe

[Greygoose]

Brazilian rock salt, dry brine for 24 hrs and the on to the flame,,,

[fcy]

I just posted on SUWYC the first try, I made a roast following Meathead's prime roast recipe. I'm looking forward for my next picanha. Mrs. O'Leary Cow Crust rub is great.

[Attjack]

I've cooked picanha a few times and intend to do it few more.



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[fcy]

I love this setup!