So, picanha, right? This cut of beef is pure magic. It’s juicy, tender, and just knows how to party on our plates. We can’t get enough of it!
Now, the big question is: what do we serve with it? There are tons of side dishes that turn our picanha into a feast fit for royalty. From classic flavours to unexpected twists, we’ve rounded up our faves.
Remember those family barbecues where we’d argue over the best sides? Let’s spill the tea on what to whip up next to that beautiful hunk of meat. Get ready for some mouthwatering ideas that will have our guests begging for seconds!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Picanha
Here are our picks for the 13 best side dishes to serve with picanha.
1 – Brazilian Vinaigrette Salad
Who knew salad could be so refreshing? This Brazilian vinaigrette salad is a game-changer.
It’s all about the chopped tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, leaving us with a crunchy mix.
The vinegar dressing adds a nice zing. Toss in some olive oil for richness.
We can serve it cold or at room temperature, so it fits right in at any gathering.
This salad provides a light and vibrant side. It pairs beautifully with picanha, making our meal complete.
2 – Garlic Butter Rice
Who knew we could amp up plain rice with some garlic butter? This dish is easy.
Simply toss rice in melted butter with minced garlic. We can feel those delicious aromas filling the air.
Add a sprinkle of parsley for freshness. It’s a small touch that makes a difference.
Serving this next to picanha? A win. It soaks up juices and complements the beef perfectly.
We can also play around with it by adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon.
3 – Farofa (Toasted Cassava Flour)
Farofa, huh? It’s like the little sidekick that gets all the credit in Brazilian cuisine.
Toasted cassava flour makes it crunchy and fun. We can mix in different goodies like bacon, onions, or veggies for a twist.
It adds a salty, nutty flavor alongside picanha. Just sprinkle it on top and watch it shine.
We can store it easily. No fuss! It’s like those snacks we pull out for parties, always a hit.
Simple to make. Just pan-roast the flour until golden. That’s it!
4 – Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon
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Grilled pineapple with cinnamon? Yes, please!
This sweet and spicy combo surprises us every time. Grilling caramelizes the sugars, making the pineapple juicy and flavorful.
Cinnamon brings that warm kick we didn’t know we needed. Serve it warm as a side or use it as a topping for desserts.
We can get creative with it, adding a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
It pairs surprisingly well with meats, especially picanha! Just slice fresh pineapple and toss it on the grill. Enjoy that charred goodness!
5 – Feijão Tropeiro
Next. Feijão tropeiro is like the life of the party on our plates.
This dish combines beans with bacon, onions, and crunchy farofa. It’s a combo we didn’t think we needed.
It’s hearty and filling. We can serve it hot or at room temperature, making it flexible.
Toss in some greens for freshness. Trust us, those greens brighten it up in a snap.
Skip the plain old rice. This adds texture and flavor alongside picanha.
Feijão tropeiro doesn’t take ages to whip up. Simple steps make it doable.
6 – Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri sauce is like the spicy dance partner to picanha.
It’s fresh, tangy, and wildly herbal. We mix parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil for a zesty kick.
Adjust the garlic to our taste—is more really better?
This sauce is meant for drizzling, but we might end up swimming in it.
Make it early so the flavours meld well together.
Serve it cold or at room temperature. Chimichurri raises the bar for any meat dish.
7 – Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)
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Cheese bread? Count us in. Pão de queijo is chewy goodness with a cheesy punch.
It’s made with tapioca flour, giving it that unique texture.
We can eat these warm, right out of the oven, for the ultimate snack experience.
They’re easy to whip up and disappear quickly.
Try adding different cheeses for a fun twist. Having a bag of these on hand is a must for any gathering.
They’re like little cheese clouds. So addictive, we always want more.
8 – Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary
Roasted potatoes with rosemary? A classic! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. We toss them with olive oil and fresh rosemary for that fragrant hit.
A pinch of salt makes all the difference.
Use small potatoes for quicker cooking. We can get fancy with garlic or lemon zest for extra flavor.
These bad boys disappear fast at any gathering. Pair them with picanha for a hearty meal.
They’re a solid side that complements almost anything. Plus, they’re easy to make in big batches.
9 – Sautéed Garlic Spinach
Sautéed garlic spinach? It’s the leafy green every meal needs.
We sauté spinach with garlic in olive oil. This combo wins every time. It cooks quick but packs in flavor.
Add a pinch of salt for seasoning. We can toss in red pepper flakes if we’re feeling spicy.
Fresh spinach wilts down fast. Using baby spinach makes it even easier.
This side dish compliments picanha without stealing the show. We can whip it up in a flash for that extra pop.
10 – Palm Heart Salad
Palm heart salad is a refreshing twist on the usual greens.
Palm hearts add a crunchy texture. They’re delicate yet flavorful.
Let’s toss them with some olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
Simple seasonings take this dish up a notch. Pair it with picanha for a colorful plate.
We can also add diced tomatoes and avocado for creaminess.
Eating this salad is like taking a mini vacation. It’s bright and zesty without being overwhelming.
A great option for lightening things up.
11 – Black Beans and Rice
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Black beans and rice? Simply a classic combo. It’s hearty and filling without being overly heavy.
This side dish is a staple in many kitchens. We can tweak the spices to amp up the flavor.
Using fresh herbs can make it pop. Black beans add protein, so it’s not just a filler.
Pairing with picanha takes our meal to another level.
Feel free to mix in some veggies for extra crunch.
Kid-approved and easy to whip together.
12 – Grilled Asparagus with Lemon
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Grilled asparagus with lemon? It’s a simple side that shines on any table.
We season with olive oil and zest it up with lemon juice.
Chop off the tough ends, so we enjoy the good parts.
The grill gives it those nice char marks. Add garlic for an extra zing.
We can enjoy it hot or at room temperature.
Pairs well with picanha or any summer dish. Clean-up? A breeze. Just one pan to wash.
13 – Fried Polenta Sticks
Fried polenta sticks? Oh, we’re in for a treat! These golden goodies are crispy on the outside and soft within. They make for a fun finger food.
Dipping sauces are a must. Marinara or garlic aioli can amp up the flavor. We can even sprinkle some cheese on top before serving.
These sticks are easy to whip up. It’s all about getting that nice golden brown. Adding spices to the polenta mix adds depth and flair.
Try them with any main dish. They’re a versatile side. Fun and tasty, surely a crowd favorite.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.