What To Serve With Picanha? 16 BEST Side Dishes

When it comes to juicy, flavorful steaks like picanha, the Brazilian culinary gem, the right side dishes can make all the difference. Elevating the succulent and savory notes of picanha, the chosen accompaniments should offer a well-rounded palate that matches or contrasts the main dish in just the right way.

Here you can find 16 amazing sides that make your picanha meal a true feast to remember.

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The best side dishes to serve with picanha are french fries, baked beans, pineapple salsa, blooming onion, fried plantains, guacamole, garden salad, ranchero sauce, Brazilian vinaigrette salsa, garlic bread, black beans and rice, collard greens, coleslaw, grilled pineapple, Brazilian cheese bread, and farofa.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. French Fries

This classic side dish is always a winner. The crispy, golden exterior of the fries and their fluffy interior make for a textural contrast to the juicy picanha. Sprinkle some sea salt or truffle oil for a gourmet twist. A simple yet undeniably satisfying choice, French fries are truly universal in their appeal.

2. Baked Beans

Baked beans offer a blend of sweetness and tanginess that cuts through the richness of the picanha. The hearty texture of the beans, coupled with a robust, savory sauce, pairs wonderfully with the meat. Plus, they add an element of traditional comfort food to the plate.

3. Pineapple Salsa

Tropical, sweet, and tangy pineapple salsa adds a refreshing contrast to the savory picanha. The natural sweetness of the pineapple, combined with the sharpness of onions and a zesty lime kick, creates a delicious balance. It's a side dish that introduces an element of exotic freshness to your meal.

4. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion, with its impressive presentation and irresistible taste, makes a spectacular side dish. The deep-fried onion opens up like a flower, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a sweet, tender interior. Its rich, sweet flavor and unique texture complement the picanha beautifully.

5. Fried Plantains

These sweet and crispy treats bring a touch of Latin American cuisine to your picanha meal. Their caramelized exterior and tender interior provide a delightful texture, while their natural sweetness offers a nice counterpoint to the savory meat. Fried plantains are a truly delicious, yet simple, side dish.

6. Guacamole

Rich, creamy guacamole is a great accompaniment to picanha. The creaminess of the ripe avocados, combined with the tanginess of lime and the heat of jalapeños, offers a flavorful contrast to the meat. Additionally, its fresh, vibrant taste brings a nice balance to the dish.

7. Garden Salad

A fresh garden salad is a light and refreshing side that perfectly offsets the rich picanha. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing create a side that's as nutritious as it is delicious. It's a great way to add some fresh vegetables to your meal.

8. Ranchero Sauce

This traditional Mexican sauce offers a spicy, tangy addition to your picanha. Tomatoes, jalapenos, and a medley of spices come together in a sauce that's bursting with flavor. It's an excellent way to add a bit of kick to your meat, enhancing the picanha's taste with its vibrant zest.

9. Brazilian Vinaigrette Salsa

This tangy, zesty salsa is the traditional accompaniment to Brazilian barbecued meats like picanha. Its refreshing mix of tomatoes, onions, vinegar, and herbs adds a sharp contrast to the rich meat. The freshness of the ingredients perfectly balances the robust flavors of the picanha.

10. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread, with its warm, crispy exterior and soft, garlic-infused interior, offers a beautiful texture contrast to the juicy picanha. The intense, aromatic flavors of the garlic and butter further accentuate the taste of the meat. It's an uncomplicated yet satisfying side dish.

11. Black Beans and Rice

This staple of Brazilian cuisine works wonderfully with picanha. The rice provides a neutral base that soaks up the juices of the meat, while the rich, flavorful black beans add depth and heartiness. It's a side dish that brings a taste of Brazil to your plate.

12. Collard Greens

Sautéed collard greens, prepared with a hint of garlic, are a deliciously nutritious side dish. Their slightly bitter taste and chewy texture add a unique contrast to the rich, succulent picanha. Plus, they introduce a welcome touch of green to the plate.

13. Coleslaw

Crispy, creamy coleslaw offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that complement the picanha. The creamy dressing, crunchy cabbage, and zesty undertones provide a refreshing contrast to the meat. It's a classic side dish that never fails to please.

14. Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple slices are a surprising yet effective side dish for picanha. The grilling process enhances the fruit's natural sweetness, while the caramelization adds a depth of flavor. Its sweet, tangy taste cuts through the richness of the meat, offering a delightful palate cleanser.

15. Brazilian Cheese Bread

These little cheese puffs are a popular Brazilian snack and make a tasty side dish for picanha. Their crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior are a treat for the taste buds. Plus, they offer a lovely, gluten-free alternative to traditional bread.

16. Farofa

This Brazilian side dish, made of toasted cassava flour and typically mixed with bacon, eggs, and sometimes bananas, has a unique texture and flavor. It offers a nice crunch and a slightly smoky flavor, making it a distinctive side dish to serve with picanha.

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