Skewered Picanha with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Grilled Brazilian-style picanha beef skewers served with a bright and herbaceous chimichurri sauce that complements the smoky meat perfectly. This Brazilian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs picanha beef steak, coarse sea salt, black pepper 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: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1.5 pounds of picanha beef steak into 1-inch thick cubes and thread onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Season all sides with 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (about 450°F). Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and medium-rare, turning once.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the chimichurri sauce by mixing 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano, and 4 minced garlic cloves in a bowl.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled picanha skewers hot, drizzled generously with the fresh chimichurri sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skewered Picanha with Chimichurri Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Skewered 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 steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skewered 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 Skewered 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 Skewered 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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