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Picanha is a fresh cut of beef that's especially popular and highly prized in Brazil. In the US, it's called sirloin cap, and in the UK, it's known as the rump cap. Picanha is situated on the back side of the animal, above the butt, where it sits on a fat cap.
It's mostly used for churrasco – the meat is first grilled, then sliced off of a skewer. This cut holds very little fat in the meat, so it must be cooked perfectly in order not to make it tough. In Brazil, every churrasco has picanha, and all of the best churrascarias feature picanha on their menus.
MOST ICONIC Picanha
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Considered probably the most popular and "noble" Brazilian beef cut, maminha is a beef cut from Brazil that best corresponds to the mix of the US flank and bottom sirloin. However, some sources will also say it corresponds to the US tri-tip cut.
In any case, it is a very versatile cut, and in Brazil and South American countries, it is typically barbecued but can also be roasted whole, cubed and stewed, or cut into steaks and pan-fried. Also, besides being versatile, it is one of the leanest beef cuts as well, which is why it got the title "the filé mignon for the grill", meaning it's lean and tender as the filé but suitable for grilling.
Maminha should be grilled only until medium done, or it will turn tough.
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Fraldinha is a meat cut that's traditionally used for churrasco and is made up of part flank, part short loin, and part bottom sirloin. This beef cut is long and thin, full of connective tissue. This strong marbling is the reason why the meat is traditionally cut against the grain before it's grilled.
The name fraldinha is a diminutive for fralda, meaning flap or diaper in Portuguese. When prepared for churrasco, it usually has a browned crust at the edges, while the middle remains pink. It's recommended to top this meat cut with a sharp and vinegary salsa.
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In the American, French, German, Brazilian, and Korean systems of primal beef cuts, the tenderloin is a cut from the loin, which is located towards the back of the cow, nestled under the ribs, next to the backbone. It spans two primal cuts: the short loin and the sirloin.
The tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of beef as it comes from a muscle that doesn't get much exercise. It is also one of the most highly prized and correspondingly expensive cuts of beef, due to its tenderness and flavor. Given the tenderness of this cut, the tenderloin is often cooked quickly over high heat, with methods such as grilling or broiling.
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In Brazilian cuisine, costela refers to a specific cut of beef known as ribs in English, although it differs from the American style ribs as it encompasses both ribs (costela do dianteiro) and ponta de agulha (plate ribs). It's a popular and essential component of Brazilian barbecue culture (churrasco).
Ribs are often skewered and grilled over an open flame to create flavorful and tender meat. It's seasoned with minimal ingredients like salt to enhance the natural flavors of the meat. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and develop a delicious smoky flavor.
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Alcatra is a special cut of top sirloin. Large, long, and lean, this steak is prized for its succulence and a hearty beef flavor. The cut is often used for churrasco, the traditional Brazilian barbecue method. Alcatra is one of the largest cuts that's served as a part of churrasco.
It should be perfectly seasoned with salt, then grilled with a layer of fat until most of it melts away, and the remaining fat becomes crispy. Before serving, it's usually expertly carved in respectable churrascarias.
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In Brazilian cuisine, contrafilé refers to a specific cut corresponding to parts of the boneless strip loin and the ribeye. The term comes from Portuguese and literally translates to "against the grain," indicating the way the meat is typically sliced for cooking and serving.
Contrafilé is characterized by its marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. The marbling of fat throughout the meat contributes to its juiciness and delicious taste when cooked. In Brazilian churrasco, the contrafilé is often skewered and grilled to perfection over an open flame.
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Filé de costela (sometimes called ponta do contrafilé) refers to a specific cut of beef known as the ribeye cap or spinalis dorsi in English. Filé de costela translates to "rib filet" or "ribeye fillet" in Portuguese, indicating its connection to the rib area.
Filé de Costela is a highly prized and flavorful cut that comes from the cap muscle of the ribeye steak. It's considered one of the most tender and marbled portions of the ribeye, making it exceptionally flavorful and juicy. In Brazilian churrasco (barbecue), filé de costela is often sought after due to its rich marbling and intense flavor.
Cupim or beef hump of the Brazilian Zebu cattle is a tender, rich, and marbled cut of meat. This meat cut is found almost exclusively in Brazilian cuisine and has no blood and juice. It's usually stewed or roasted in churrascos. When served in churrascarias, the meat is described as very rich, fatty, and with a tender and stringy texture.
It's usually seasoned with rock salt, then grilled low and slow for a few hours. If it's cooked in stews, the fat will disperse, making cupim less greasy.
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In Brazilian cuisine, patinho refers to a specific cut of beef known as the top round steak or round steak in English. Patinho translates to "little foot" or "little leg" in Portuguese, describing its location in the hind leg of the animal.
Patinho is a lean and relatively tender cut that comes from the round, which is the hind leg of the animal. It's less tough compared to some other cuts from the same region, and it's often used for dishes that require shorter cooking times or that benefit from marinating to enhance its flavor.
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