Charcoal-Grilled Picanha with Farofa and Chimichurri

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Southern Brazilian barbecue featuring tender picanha steak grilled over charcoal, served with crunchy farofa and zesty chimichurri sauce. This brazilian-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 35 minutes pairs pounds picanha steak (top sirloin cap), tablespoons coarse salt, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 560 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 560 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat, approximately 450°F. Score the fat cap of the 2 pounds picanha steak in a crosshatch pattern and rub evenly with 2 tablespoons coarse salt.
  2. Step 2: Place the picanha steak fat side down on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes until the fat renders and becomes crispy. Flip and grill for an additional 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While the steak rests, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in 1 cup toasted cassava flour (farofa) and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes until golden and crumbly. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir well to make chimichurri sauce.
  5. Step 5: Slice the rested picanha steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve with a generous side of farofa and drizzle with chimichurri sauce for a classic Brazilian churrasco experience.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Picanha with Farofa and Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Picanha with Farofa and Chimichurri?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons coarse salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Picanha with Farofa and Chimichurri?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Picanha with Farofa and Chimichurri for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Picanha with Farofa and Chimichurri?

Brazilian bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes