Spit-Roasted Picanha with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Tender Brazilian-style picanha roast cooked on a spit and served with a fresh, tangy chimichurri sauce. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes blends picanha beef roast, coarse sea salt, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 560 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 560 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F. Score the fat cap of the 2 lbs picanha beef roast in a diamond pattern and rub it all over with 2 tbsp coarse sea salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the chimichurri sauce by combining 1 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes in a bowl; stir well and let it sit to develop flavors.
  3. Step 3: Place the picanha on the grill or in the oven and cook for 40-45 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
  4. Step 4: Remove the picanha from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve sliced picanha drizzled generously with chimichurri sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spit-Roasted Picanha with Chimichurri Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spit-Roasted Picanha with Chimichurri Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spit-Roasted 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 Spit-Roasted 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 Spit-Roasted 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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