Skewered Flame-Grilled Picanha with Chimichurri

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

Juicy Brazilian-style picanha beef sirloin skewers flame-grilled and served with a vibrant herbaceous chimichurri sauce. This brazilian-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 27 minutes pairs sea salt, black pepper, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat (around 450°F). Season 2 lbs picanha beef sirloin cubes generously with 1 tbsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Thread the beef cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until the outside is charred and the inside reaches medium-rare (about 135°F).
  3. Step 3: While the beef cooks, combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp dried oregano in a bowl. Stir well and season with salt to taste.
  4. Step 4: Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve the grilled picanha skewers drizzled with the fresh chimichurri sauce for a bright, herbaceous contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Skewered Flame-Grilled Picanha with Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Skewered Flame-Grilled Picanha with 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 sea salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skewered Flame-Grilled Picanha with 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 Skewered Flame-Grilled Picanha with 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 Skewered Flame-Grilled Picanha with 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.

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