Grilled Beef Picanha with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Juicy slices of Brazilian picanha steak grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs picanha beef roast, coarse salt, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a charcoal or gas grill to high heat, about 450°F. Score the fat cap of the 2 lbs picanha beef roast in a crosshatch pattern and season generously with 2 tbsp coarse salt.
  2. Step 2: Place the picanha fat side down on the grill and sear for 5-6 minutes until the fat renders and crisps. Flip and grill the other side for 4-5 minutes until medium rare, about 130°F internal temperature. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: To prepare chimichurri, combine 1 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp water in a bowl. Stir well until blended and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Slice the rested picanha against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices and serve topped with 3 tbsp chimichurri sauce per serving, allowing the fresh herbs and tang to complement the smoky beef.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Beef Picanha with Chimichurri Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Beef Picanha with Chimichurri Sauce?

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 picanha beef roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Beef Picanha with Chimichurri Sauce?

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 Grilled Beef Picanha with Chimichurri Sauce 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 Grilled Beef Picanha with Chimichurri Sauce?

Brazilian beef 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.

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