A picanha steak taco is the perfect example of the magic that happens when different culinary traditions blend.

The fusion of this rich Brazilian meat and Mexican street food results in a mouthwatering taco version that’s really worth it to taste.

In this article, we'll explore everything about picanha steak taco: how to prepare and marinate the steak, the cooking techniques, toppings ideas, flavorful side dishes, a DIY picanha taco recipe, and even how to search for the best restaurants serving picanha steak tacos. 

Discover the Mouthwatering Delight of Picanha Steak Taco

A picanha steak recipe combined with Mexican toppings really makes for a mouthwatering experience: Brazilian-inspired picanha steak tacos, a delicious fusion of culinary traditions.

Picanha is a flavorful and quite inexpensive meat that is very popular in Brazil. It consists of a triangular cut of beef from the top sirloin cap that is surrounded by a thick layer of fat.

The Art of Crafting Brazilian Steak Tacos 

The star of a picanha steak taco is, obviously, the Brazilian picanha steak.

Traditionally, picanha is seasoned with simple ingredients like coarse salt and grilled, which results in a juicy, tender steak with a crispy crust.

This meat is then combined with Mexican taco's traditional ingredients such as corn tortillas, onion, ground cumin, cilantro, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Isn't it tantalizing? If you’re wondering how to make it in your own kitchen, keep reading as this article will provide you with a delectable picanha steak taco recipe later on.

The Perfect Blend of Brazilian and Mexican Cuisine in One Bite

Picanha steak tacos are a perfect example of fusion cuisine where two different culinary traditions blend (in this case Mexican and Brazilian food) so that we can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Traditional Mexican tacos often feature marinated meats like carne asada or al pastor. When including picanha steak, it brings a unique twist that results in tender meat with a smoky char that complements Mexican toppings wonderfully. 

Brazilian flavors in tacos, with the rich marbling and robust flavors of picanha, effortlessly meld with the traditional taco elements, resulting in a Latin American food experience like no other.

If you’d like to experience the perfect balance of succulent picanha steak, the warmth of freshly grilled tortillas, and the flavors from Mexican toppings, visit Rreal Tacos in Atlanta. Rreal Tacos offers a picanha steak taco with chimichurri sauce topped with pickled red onions that will transport you to the streets of São Paulo and the markets of Mexico City simultaneously.

The Art of Preparing and Cooking Picanha Steak for Tacos

Knowing how to prepare and cook picanha steak is crucial to achieving the fusion of flavors that makes these tacos so irresistible. 

Marinating Picanha for Tacos

Picanha is naturally flavorful, but marinating it with a blend of spices and herbs helps infuse the steak with additional layers of flavor. 

You can use a marinade that includes olive oil, coarse salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and garlic powder. 

Allow the picanha steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.

Picanha Cooking Techniques

Picanha steak’s triangular shape and layers of fat require specific techniques.

• Grilling Picanha Steak to Perfection

Brazilian grilling methods play a pivotal role in achieving the succulence and smoky flavor that make this steak stand out. 

The key is to grill the picanha over high heat, allowing the fat cap to create a crispy crust while keeping the interior juicy and tender. 

Grill your picanha steak for about 2-3 minutes per side (for medium-rare doneness, but you can adjust the cooking time to your preference).

• Roasting in Your Oven

Picanha can also be roasted in the oven. 

Preheat the oven to 375º F and place the picanha in a roasting pan. Make sure to put the steak fat side down. 

Roast for about 25 minutes until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 135º F for medium-rare.

Slicing and Serving

Once the picanha steak is cooked, the final step is to slice it thinly against the grain. This ensures that the taco is easy to bite into and showcases the tenderness of picanha.

Now you're ready to assemble your tacos!

Delicious Toppings and Sides to Complement Your Picanha Steak Taco

Taco Toppings Ideas

• Salsa: A classic tomato, onion, and cilantro salsa. It adds freshness and acidity that complements the richness of the picanha steak. 
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole for steak tacos is a must-have. The buttery texture of ripe avocados goes very well with the smoky flavors of the grilled steak.
• Pickled Red Onions: They add a delightful crunch and a touch of acidity. 
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or queso fresco adds creaminess. 

Salsa Recipes for Tacos

• Pico de Gallo: Combine diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, and salt. 
• Roasted Tomato Salsa: Roast tomatoes, garlic, onions, and jalapeños until they're charred, and then blend them with cilantro and lime juice.
• Mango Salsa: Dice ripe mangoes and mix them with red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of chili.

Flavorful Side Dishes for Picanha Tacos

• Elote (Grilled corn on the cob coated in a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese.)
• Mexican rice (White rice, garlic, tomatoes, onions, and spices.)
• Cilantro-lime rice
• Black beans
• Chips and salsa
• Chimichurri sauce 
• Yuca fries
• French fries

Where to Find Authentic Picanha Tacos or How to Make Them at Home?

If you’re already tantalized by the descriptions of picanha steak tacos, you can seek out restaurants that serve authentic tacos or follow our DIY picanha taco recipe:

Restaurants Serving Picanha Steak Tacos

There are now some restaurants featuring picanha steak tacos on their menus. These establishments usually specialize in Latin American or fusion cuisine. 

Do this online search: "picanha steak tacos" restaurant usa

TIP: Use the inverted commas around the phrase "picanha steak tacos" to make sure these terms are searched as a phrase, that is, to make Google search for an exact match, including all of those words, in that specific order.

Once you find a result, make sure to check the menu to confirm that picanha steak tacos are actually on offer and read reviews. 

P.S. If you are in Georgia, visit us!

DIY Picanha Taco Recipe at Home (with step-by-step instructions)

This is a step-by-step DIY picanha taco recipe to guide you to easily make your own tacos at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of picanha steak, thinly sliced
• 8 flour or corn tortillas
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to high heat. 
2. In a bowl, create a marinade by mixing the olive oil, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and garlic powder.
3. Rub the picanha steak slices with the marinade. 
4. Grill the slices until cooked to your desired level of doneness. 
5. Warm the tortillas on the grill for a minute on each side.
6. To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled picanha on each tortilla. Then, top the steak with red onion, red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and additional toppings of your choice.
7. Serve immediately. You can add a dollop of sour cream and a lime wedge for extra flavor. Enjoy!

Savor Every Bite: The Ultimate Pleasure of Enjoying Picanha Tacos

So now you know that if you’d like to experience the perfect blend of Brazilian and Mexican flavors, Picanha steak tacos are your perfect choice.

We provided you with simple ways to prepare your tacos at home; and if you’re in Georgia, you can visit Rreal Tacos to enjoy authentic picanha steak tacos and much more!

Locations:

• MIDTOWN, GA 100 6th St NE #110, Atlanta, GA 30308;
• WEST MIDTOWN, GA 1000 Northside Dr NW STE 600, Atlanta, GA 30318
• CHAMBLEE, GA 5070 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30341
• SANDY SPRINGS, GA 227 Sandy Springs Pl NE #506, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
• CUMMING, GA 410 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30041