Brazilian Steakhouse Recipe: How to Smoke Picanha

To smoke Picanha, you must first trim it by removing some of the fat cap and all of the silverskin. Season the Picanha with Kosher salt. Preheat the smoker to 180°F and smoke the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 110°F. Raise your smoker's temperature to 450°F and let the Picanha smoke until it reaches an internal temp of 135°F for medium-rare.

What is the Best Way to Smoke Picanha?

Picanha (also called culotte, rump cap, or sirloin cap) is one of the beefiest cuts of meat. In the US, you can cut this type of meat into smaller pieces, but the best way to smoke it is whole.

Tools Needed to Make Smoked Picanha

• Meat thermometer
• Traeger pellet smoker or a Weber Kettle
• Sharp knife
• Small bowl
• Wood chunks/Wood chips

How to Prepare Picanha for Smoking

Trimming the Picanha is the first part of the prepping process. You don’t have to completely cut the thick fat cap off. Instead, it is best to make checkered cuts on the steak using a sharp knife. However, you will want to ensure the silverskin is cut off entirely.

Sprinkle seasoning or Kosher salt on the opposite side of the fat cap and let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Prepare the Smoker

Preheat the smoker to 180°F and choose your desired wood chunks or wood chips. For Picanha, the perfect choices are hickory or mesquite.

Smoke the Picanha

There are two ways to smoke this steak – either as a whole Picanha roast or by placing small cuts of beef on skewers.

If smoking whole, place the Picanha with the fat cap side facing up. Smoke the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 110°F and then apply the reverse-sear method by increasing the smoker’s temperature to 450°F and sear the Picanha on the grill grates for a few minutes on each side.

After searing, wrap the steak in aluminum foil or butcher paper, similar to brisket. Place it back in the smoker with the lid closed until it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium-rare doneness.

If you’re smoking small pieces of Picanha on a skewer, the process is similar, but you won’t need to foil-wrap them. Due to the smaller size, they will finish smoking directly on the grill grates.

Rest the Picanha

After reaching the desired internal temp, let the Picanha rest for about 15-20 minutes. While resting, the internal temperature will rise from 5°F to 10°F. The last step is to slice the Picanha against the grain to ensure the meat is fork-tender.

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What Temperature Should You Smoke Picanha?

You have to start by setting your smoker at a low temperature (180°F-225°F) and cooking it like this until it reaches an internal temp of 110°F. Then you’d have to increase the smoker’s temperature at the very end (450°F) until it reaches the desired doneness.

When it comes to smoking Picanha, both the temperature of the smoker and the internal temperature of the meat matter! The USDA recommends that you smoke your beef meat until it reaches an internal temp of 145°F, but things are more nuanced when it comes to this type of meat.

How Long Should You Smoke Picanha?

A 3lb piece of Picanha meat will take around 2 hours to smoke. When calculating the required cooking time, make sure also to include the prep time.

Can You Smoke Picanha Like a Brisket?

Yes, you can! Smoking Picanha can be a delicious and flavorful way to prepare this cut of beef, and it is an excellent alternative to smoking a brisket if you are looking for a change of pace.

Wrapping the Picanha helps to keep it moist and tender during the long smoking process. It also helps to prevent the exterior from becoming too charred or burnt.

Should You Smoke Picanha Fat Side Up or Down?

It’s recommended that you place Picanha with the fat cap up. This is because the fat on Picanha helps protect the meat from direct heat. By placing the fat side up, the meat is less exposed to heat, which can help to prevent it from becoming overcooked or burnt.

What Type of Wood to Use for Smoked Picanha

When it comes to smoking Picanha, there are a lot of choices. The classic options are Hickory and Mesquite, but Oak, Pecan, and Cherry also impart delicious and unique flavors!

What is the Difference Between Picanha and Skirt Steak?

Picanha and skirt steak are both cuts of beef popular in South American cuisine. Picanha is a cut of beef taken from the top sirloin cap and characterized by a thick fat cap on one side. It is a flavorful and tender cut of meat, typically grilled or roasted.

Skirt steak is a thin cut of beef taken from the cow’s underside near the plate and flank. It is a leaner cut of meat than Picanha and has a bold, beefy flavor. It is often marinated before grilling or pan-searing to help tenderize the meat.

One of the main differences between Picanha and skirt steak is the fat content. Picanha has a thick layer of fat on one side, while skirt steak is a leaner cut of meat. Picanha is also generally more tender than skirt steak, which can be chewy if not cooked properly. Picanha is typically sliced against the grain, while skirt steak is usually sliced with the grain.

Best Steakhouse Sides for Smoked Picanha

Smoked Picanha is a tender cut of beef often served in Brazilian steakhouses. If you’ve ever been to one, you know it’s not just about the meat—the sides are just as important!

Here are some of the best steakhouse sides for smoked Picanha:

1. Brazilian Roasted Vegetable Feijoada – Grilled vegetables such as potatoes, peppers, and onions are a tasty and healthy addition to the meal. But if you pair that with some black bean stew, it only gets better.
2. Farofa – Farofa is a Brazilian side dish made from toasted cassava flour. It is often served with grilled meats and can be seasoned with spices. It’s similar to cornbread in texture but has a nuttier flavor that goes great with the meat. 
3. Fried Plantains – Fried plantains can be served sweet or savory and are a staple throughout Brazil because they make an excellent pairing for any meat—especially if you have them right off the grill! They have a subtle sweetness that complements the smoky flavor of your steak perfectly.
4. Rice and Beans – Rice and beans are the classic accompaniment to grilled meat. Combining these two simple ingredients creates a hearty and delicious meal when eaten together.