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Before knowing how to cut picanha, it is very important to know how to choose the best piece and to make sure that you are not being deceived, whether in a restaurant or a butcher. This is because the picanha must be a piece of about 1 kg to 1.2 kg, because if you exceed this weight, it may be that you are actually taking a piece of stiff leg.
Always remember that there is no piece of a single type of good quality meat weighing 2 kg or more.
One way to find out if the meat is good, is to check for the presence of the third vein of the protein. In addition, nerves and membrane are also indications that it may be low quality meat.
In the restaurant or steakhouse, take into account the aspect and texture, since the picanha is usually softer, without nerves and has a very characteristic flavor. Not to mention that in the steakhouse it is common for them to know how to cut steak!
Another relevant factor is the color of the picanha’s fat: if it is yellowed it means that it has been removed from an aged animal. Vacuum packed can also be a good choice, as the accumulation of blood is smaller and more controlled. And always be aware: it is mandatory and indispensable to have the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) seal.
Anyway, now that you have some tips on how to choose the perfect meat, follow our suggestions on how to cut picanha and top it off on the barbecue!
How to cut picanha: types of cut and the best for each preparation option
There is no doubt that the picanha is one of the most used and appreciated cuts in barbecues. However, there are other types of preparation that also favor the taste of this cut, and can be served at lunch or dinner. Check out some options!
Grilling the entire piece
In the type of preparation in which the entire piece of picanha is placed, grilling it lightly; O chef teaches you how to cut steak with a thickness of about 2 fingers, taking them back to the grill until they reach the desired point.
Usually the picanha is served to the point of evil and around 50 ° to 60 °, which leaves it with a reddish interior. But it is worth mentioning that the point of the meat always depends on the preference of those who will consume it.
In this first video we will also reinforce information about the ideal size and care for choosing a quality piece.
Cut for individual skewers
Learn now how to cut picanha for skewers! In this tutorial, options are presented to be served at barbecues or simple lunches, with individual, practical and elegant portions.
In this video it is possible to learn how to cut picanha with cuts of about 1 cm, in the shape of strips and then into cubes, to then accommodate them on skewers. O chef explains that the pieces of picanha should be stuck in such a way that the fat stays in contact with the next piece of meat, providing juiciness on the whole skewer.
How to cut steak: cut to grill
To grill the steak, the cut varies a little in size, respecting each preference. The most common is to cut into strips of 1 or 2 cm, never removing the fat, as this is the easiest and smartest way to maintain the juiciness and flavor of the steak when grilling. Without the fat, the picanha tends to get dry and hard.
Cut for barbecue skewers
You know those big skewers with the fat of the picanha very apparent and juicy? Let’s go to him!
To make steak skewers, notice that you should cut the pieces a little bigger – around 3 to 4 centimeters (or larger, if you prefer) and never remove the fat. Salt the meat with coarse salt and bake. This way of cutting picanha is a guarantee of a true steakhouse experience. Easy and accurate!
Butterfly cut
This cut is less known, however, it is a good choice for those who like the meat a little more past. Check out!
The video shows how to cut picanha to achieve this beautiful and different cut. This format allows a piece of the picanha’s fat to be served to all the guests, since it is around the whole piece.
Using the entire part
Here in Brazil it is very common to serve roasted meats and the picanha is an excellent choice for the oven. Because it has mild heat, preparing this meat in the oven allows it to roast evenly.
In the video above the chef shows you how to prepare picanha in a practical way, after all, an oven is easily found in any home and, also, you don’t need fancy spices and full of spices to prepare it. The golden tip of this tutorial is that the picanha is made with the fat upwards so that it melts, providing more juiciness.
How to cut steak in steaks
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is always good to have an option of meat in steaks to prepare. After all, this is a very practical cut to be served daily.
How about preparing a perfect steak today?
Since in social isolation it is not possible to go to your favorite steakhouse, use these tips that we brought here on how to cut picanha to prepare this delicious meat, and have an amazing meal!
Did you like the variety of picanha cuts? Leave your comment, doubts and / or suggestions.
