I finally Cooked Steaks with My Culinary HERO!

I finally Cooked Steaks with My Culinary HERO! is a medium Brazilian recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Guga on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs | Cook: 12 min | Total: 2 hrs 32 min

Cost: $38.24 total, $19.12 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Picanha Steak (Brazilian cut with fat cap left on, trimmed of the central vein (koshandur))
  • 2 Tbsp Kosher Salt (Heavy coating for dry‑brining)
  • 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (Optional, added after sear)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Optional, added after sear)
  • 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (Base for herb‑infused fat)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme (Leaves only, finely chopped)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary (Minced)
  • 1 tsp Culinary Lavender (Edible, adds subtle aroma)
  • 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese (Finely grated, added after cooking)
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (Light coating on grill grates)
  • 1 roll Plastic Wrap (For wrapping steaks before freezing)
  • 1 piece Freezer Bag (Optional, to keep steak sealed in freezer)

Instructions

  1. Trim the Vein

    Locate the central vein (koshandur) in the picanha and cut it out with a sharp knife, leaving the fat cap intact.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Portion the Steak

    Slice the trimmed picanha into 2‑3 thick steaks, cutting against the grain for serving later.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Heavy Salt‑Dry Brine

    Generously coat both sides of each steak with kosher salt. Let rest on a rack at room temperature for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Fan‑Dry the Steaks

    Place the salted steaks on a wire rack. Use a fan (or cool‑setting hair dryer) to circulate air, turning the steaks every 5 minutes, until a dry, slightly tacky pellicle forms (about 1 hour).

    Time: PT1H

  5. Partial Freeze

    Wrap each steak tightly in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 30 minutes, until firm but not solid.

    Time: PT30M

  6. Slice Thinly

    Using a very sharp chef's knife, slice the partially frozen steak as thinly as possible (carpaccio‑style). Arrange slices on a plate.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Prepare Herb‑Infused Butter

    In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, thyme, rosemary, and lavender. Mix until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Preheat Grill

    Light the Weber grill and let it heat to high (about 500°F) for direct searing. Lightly oil the grates with olive oil.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 500°F

  9. Sear the Steaks

    Place each steak directly over the flame. Flip every 30 seconds, searing each side for a total of 2 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: 500°F

  10. Finish on Indirect Heat

    Move steaks to the cooler side of the grill. Brush with herb‑butter and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 120°F for rare (or 130°F for medium‑rare).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  11. Rest and Finish

    Remove steaks, tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. Drizzle remaining herb‑butter over the meat and sprinkle grated Parmesan.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Serve

    Slice the rested steak against the grain (if not already sliced) and serve immediately with any remaining herb‑butter on the side.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
48 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Keto, High-Protein

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 28, 2026

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I finally Cooked Steaks with My Culinary HERO!

Recipe by Guga

A Brazilian‑style picanha steak prepared with a heavy salt‑drying technique, quick‑freeze for ultra‑thin slicing, and finished on a hot Weber grill. Finished with a herb‑butter glaze and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this steak is seared, flipped constantly, and cooked to a perfect rare‑medium interior. The method was demonstrated by Guga and Alton Brown.

MediumBrazilianServes 2

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Source Video
2h 9m
Prep
15m
Cook
17m
Cleanup
2h 41m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$38.24
Total cost
$19.12
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Removing the central vein (koshandur) to avoid chewiness
  • Fan‑drying the steak until a pellicle forms
  • Partial freezing to enable ultra‑thin slicing
  • Frequent flipping during sear for even crust
  • Monitoring internal temperature to achieve desired doneness

Safety Warnings

  • Use the fan on a stable surface and keep cords away from water.
  • Handle the hot grill with heat‑resistant gloves.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of picanha in Brazilian cuisine?

A

Picanha is a prized cut in Brazil, traditionally cooked over open fire or on a rotisserie called a "churrasco." It is celebrated for its thick fat cap, which renders into a flavorful, caramelized crust, and is a staple at family gatherings and weekend barbecues.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of picanha in Brazil?

A

In the south, picanha is often skewered in a "espeto" and cooked over wood charcoal. In the southeast, it may be sliced thin and served as "carne de alcatra". Some regions season only with coarse salt, while others add garlic or herbs.

cultural
Q

How is authentic picanha traditionally served in Brazil?

A

Authentic Brazilian picanha is usually served whole, sliced against the grain at the table, and accompanied by farofa, vinaigrette salsa, and pão de queijo. The fat cap is left on to provide richness and flavor.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is picanha traditionally associated with in Brazilian culture?

A

Picanha is a centerpiece at churrasco parties, birthday celebrations, and Sunday family meals. It is also a popular choice for festivals like Festa Junina where grilling is central.

cultural
Q

What makes picanha special or unique in Brazilian cuisine?

A

The cut’s distinctive triangular shape and thick fat cap give it a juicy, buttery texture when properly rendered. Its simplicity—often just coarse salt—highlights the quality of the meat, making it a symbol of Brazilian barbecue mastery.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making picanha using Guga's fan‑dry method?

A

Common mistakes include not removing the central vein, which leads to a tough bite, and insufficient drying time, which prevents a proper pellicle and results in a soggy sear. Also, over‑freezing makes slicing difficult.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a fan‑dry step instead of traditional wet‑brining?

A

Fan‑drying removes surface moisture, creating a dry pellicle that enhances Maillard browning and yields a deeper crust. Wet‑brining adds extra water, which can inhibit that crisp sear.

technical
Q

Can I make the herb‑infused butter ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, prepare the herb butter up to two days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; bring it to room temperature before using or melt it briefly over low heat.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the picanha is properly seared?

A

A proper sear shows a deep, caramel‑brown crust with a slight char on the fat cap, while the interior remains pink‑red. The surface should feel slightly crisp to the touch but not burnt.

technical
Q

How do I know when the picanha is done cooking to rare versus medium‑rare?

A

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part; 120°F indicates rare, while 130°F signals medium‑rare. The steak will continue to rise a few degrees during resting.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Guga specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Guga focuses on meat science, experimental cooking techniques, and detailed breakdowns of grilling, smoking, and sous‑vide methods, often featuring collaborations with other culinary personalities.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Guga's approach to Brazilian steak cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Guga combines scientific explanations—like dry‑brining, pellicle formation, and precise temperature control—with hands‑on experimentation, whereas many channels rely on traditional recipes without delving into the underlying chemistry.

channel

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