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December 10, 2024
Picanha, also known as top sirloin cap or rump cover, is a popular Brazilian cut of beef that has been gaining popularity worldwide. It is a tender and flavorful piece of meat, perfect for grilling. If you own a Traeger grill, you can easily cook picanha to perfection and impress your friends and family with this delicious dish.
Before you start cooking, it’s important to choose a good piece of picanha. Look for a cut with a thick fat cap, as this will help keep the meat moist and add flavor. Make sure to trim any excess silver skin or connective tissue before cooking.
One of the best ways to cook picanha on a Traeger is by using the reverse sear method. This involves slow-cooking the picanha at a low temperature until it reaches the desired internal temperature and then searing it over high heat to create a nice crust.
To start, preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C) and set it up for indirect cooking. Season the picanha generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Place the picanha on the grill and cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of about 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare, or 130°F (54°C) for medium.
Prepare the picanha
Before cooking the picanha on your Traeger grill, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Follow these steps to get the picanha ready for cooking:
- Remove the picanha from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Trim the excess fat cap on the top of the picanha, leaving a thin layer to help keep the meat moist during the cooking process.
- Score the fat cap with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This will allow the fat to render and melt more evenly.
- Season the picanha generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings or spices of your choice for additional flavor.
- Let the seasoned picanha rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the salt to penetrate the meat and enhance its flavor.
By properly preparing the picanha, you’ll ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes tender and delicious on your Traeger grill.
Trim excess fat
Before cooking picanha on a Traeger grill, it’s important to trim any excess fat. Picanha typically comes with a thick fat cap on one side, and while some fat is desirable for flavor, too much fat can lead to flare-ups and uneven cooking.
To trim the excess fat, start by using a sharp knife to cut away any large sections of thick fat. Trim the fat down to about ¼ inch thickness, leaving a thin layer to enhance the flavor and juiciness of the meat.
Make sure to remove any unwanted silver skin as well. Silver skin is a thin, silvery, connective tissue that can be tough and chewy when cooked. Use your knife to carefully separate the silver skin from the meat and trim it away.
Trimming excess fat not only improves the taste and texture of the picanha, but it also helps to prevent flare-ups and reduces the chances of the meat becoming too greasy.
Season with salt and pepper
Before cooking your picanha on the Traeger, it is important to season it properly with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavors of the meat and give it a delicious crust.
Start by generously sprinkling salt on all sides of the picanha. Use a coarse salt, such as kosher or sea salt, to really get the flavor into the meat. Make sure to cover the entire surface area.
Next, grind fresh black pepper over the picanha. The pepper will add a nice kick and complement the richness of the beef. Feel free to be generous with the pepper, based on your personal preference.
After seasoning with salt and pepper, let the picanha sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and ensure even cooking.
Note: Some people like to add additional seasonings to their picanha, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and spices to suit your taste.
Preheat the Traeger grill
Before you start cooking picanha on your Traeger grill, it’s important to preheat the grill. Preheating ensures that the grill reaches the desired temperature and allows for even cooking of the meat.
Here’s how to preheat your Traeger grill:
- Make sure your Traeger grill is plugged in and turned on.
- Set the temperature to the desired level. For picanha, a temperature of around 225-250°F (107-121°C) works well.
- Allow the grill to heat up for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches the set temperature. This preheating time may vary depending on your specific Traeger model.
Once your Traeger grill is preheated and at the desired temperature, you’ll be ready to cook your picanha to perfection!
Set the temperature to 225°F
When cooking picanha on a Traeger, it is important to set the temperature to 225°F. This low and slow cooking temperature will allow the picanha to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and tender final product.
Allow the grill to heat up for 15 minutes
Before cooking the picanha on your Traeger grill, it’s important to allow the grill to heat up properly. This will ensure that the grill reaches the desired temperature and that the meat cooks evenly.
Start by turning on your Traeger grill and setting the temperature to the desired level. For cooking picanha, a medium-high heat is recommended.
Once the grill is turned on, close the lid and allow it to heat up for about 15 minutes. This will give the grill enough time to reach the desired temperature and will also help to remove any excess moisture from the grill grates.
During this time, you can prepare the picanha by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Rub the seasoning onto the meat, making sure to cover all sides.
After 15 minutes, the grill should be sufficiently heated. You can now place the picanha directly onto the grill grates, fat side down. Close the lid and let the meat cook for the desired amount of time, usually around 20-30 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness.
Remember to keep an eye on the picanha as it cooks, and use a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches the desired internal temperature. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130-135°F (55-57°C).
Once the picanha is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and result in a more tender and flavorful meat.
Enjoy your deliciously grilled picanha!
Cook the picanha
Now that you have prepared the picanha and let it marinate, it’s time to cook it on your Traeger grill. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly cooked picanha:
1. Preheat your Traeger grill
Start by preheating your Traeger grill to a high temperature (around 450°F or 230°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will ensure that the grill is hot enough to sear the picanha and create a nice crust.
2. Sear the picanha
Place the picanha directly on the grill grates, fat side down. Allow it to sear for about 2-3 minutes, or until a golden brown crust forms. Flip the picanha and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Lower the temperature
After searing, reduce the temperature of your Traeger grill to around 325°F or 163°C. This lower temperature will allow the picanha to cook more slowly and evenly.
4. Cook to desired doneness
Cook the picanha until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F or 55-57°C. Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature.
5. Let it rest
Once the picanha reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender picanha.
6. Slice and serve
Slice the picanha against the grain into thin strips, as this will ensure a tender bite. Serve the picanha immediately and enjoy!
Now that you know how to cook picanha on your Traeger grill, you can impress your friends and family with this delicious Brazilian steak. Happy grilling!
Place the picanha fat-side down on the grill
When cooking picanha on a Traeger grill, it is important to start by placing the meat fat-side down on the grill grates. This allows the fat to render and baste the meat as it cooks, resulting in a juicy and flavorful final product.
The fat cap on picanha is an important component of the meat’s flavor and tenderness. By cooking it fat-side down, you ensure that the fat melts and infuses the meat, enhancing its taste and texture.
Make sure that the grill is preheated to the desired temperature before placing the picanha on it. The fat-side down position allows for optimal heat distribution and a nice sear on the meat.
Once the picanha is on the grill, close the lid and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to allow the fat to start rendering. This will also help create a caramelized crust on the exposed side of the meat.
Remember to keep an eye on the meat and monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired doneness. Flip the picanha over halfway through the cooking process to allow for even searing and cooking on both sides.
By following these steps and placing the picanha fat-side down on the grill, you will be able to achieve a perfectly cooked and delicious piece of meat that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
FAQ
What is picanha?
Picanha is a popular cut of beef that comes from the top sirloin area of the cow. It is known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
How do I cook picanha on a Traeger?
To cook picanha on a Traeger, start by seasoning the meat with salt and pepper. Preheat the Traeger grill to 225°F and place the picanha on the grill fat side down. Cook for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Can I cook picanha on a Traeger without marinating?
Yes, you can cook picanha on a Traeger without marinating. The beef itself has a lot of flavor, so a simple seasoning of salt and pepper is often enough to enhance it. However, marinating the meat can add additional flavors and help to tenderize it further, so it’s up to your personal preference.
What are some alternative seasonings for picanha?
While a simple salt and pepper seasoning is classic for picanha, you can also try different spice rubs to add more flavor. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.