If you’re a meat lover, you’ve probably heard of picanha, a popular Brazilian cut of beef that’s gaining popularity worldwide. Known for its tender texture and rich flavor, picanha can be cooked in various ways, but today we’ll be focusing on how to cook it in the oven. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of preparing and cooking picanha in the oven, step by step.
Preparing the Picanha
Before we begin, it’s crucial to select the right cut of picanha. Picanha is a triangular cut of beef that comes from the top of the rump, and it’s essential to choose a well-marbled piece with a thick layer of fat.
Once you’ve got the right cut, trim the fat to about ¼ inch thickness, leaving a thin layer to keep the meat moist during cooking. Next, season the meat with your favorite spices, herbs, or a simple rub of salt and pepper.
If you’re cooking more than one picanha, you can tie them together with kitchen twine to keep them in shape during cooking.
By preparing the picanha correctly, you’ll ensure a delicious and juicy result. In the next section, we’ll look at how to set up your oven for cooking picanha.
Setting up the Oven
To cook picanha in the oven, you’ll need to preheat your oven to 425°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking picanha since it allows the fat to render and create a crispy crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
While the oven is preheating, you can prepare a roasting pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper. Place a rack on top of the pan to elevate the meat and allow the fat to drip away.
Once the oven is preheated, it’s time to start cooking the picanha. In the next section, we’ll guide you through the process of cooking picanha in the oven.
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Setting up the Oven
To cook picanha in the oven, you’ll need to preheat your oven to 425°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking picanha since it allows the fat to render and create a crispy crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
While the oven is preheating, you can prepare a roasting pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper. Place a rack on top of the pan to elevate the meat and allow the fat to drip away.
Cooking the Picanha
Now that you’ve prepared the picanha and set up the oven, it’s time to start cooking. Place the picanha on the rack in the roasting pan with the fat side up.
Cook the picanha for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature by inserting it into the thickest part of the meat.
To achieve an even cooking and a crispy crust, baste the meat with the rendered fat every 10-15 minutes. This will also help keep the meat moist during cooking.
Once the picanha is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and create a more tender and juicy meat.
Now that the picanha is ready, it’s time to slice and serve. In the next section, we’ll discuss the best way to serve picanha and some tips for making it even more delicious.
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