5 tips to prepare a true "churrasco gaúcho" (gaucho-style barbecue)!

Gaúchos are very famous for their barbecues, so much so that the region became known as the State of BBQ. And the popularity is not for nothing! The Gaúcho barbecue is enough to make anyone's mouth water and put a smile from ear to ear after eating. They are specialists when it comes to good food. That's why, today, we, from Cutelaria Cimo, have brought special tips for you to learn how to prepare a traditional Gaúcho barbecue. Check it out now!

After all, what are the 5 tips for a true Gaúcho barbecue?

Preparing a barbecue, despite seeming like a simple task, requires a lot of attention, as any oversight can spoil the meat. So, follow our valuable instructions to avoid making mistakes!

Tip 1: Choose meats carefully

The quality of the meats is essential for a good barbecue. Choosing the cuts of meat carefully is very important for those who will be hosting family and friends.

If you choose to make ribs, check if they don't have a very thick layer of fat. Too much fat can cause you to serve less meat to your guests, not to mention that the taste of the fat can predominate after roasting. So, look for a piece with more meat.

If you prefer the more traditional barbecue cuts, such as picanha (sirloin cap), alcatra (sirloin), and contrafilé (strip loin), pay attention to the color and appearance of the meat, as many butcher shops try to sell them close to being past their prime to avoid losing money. This, by the way, is another tip: go to trusted places to buy the cuts.

It is important that the meats are red and have a clean appearance, without stains, opaque parts, or darkened colors. The smell is another way to check if the meat is not past its prime.

Tip 2: Have sharp and quality knives!

Our second tip concerns the instruments you will use to prepare your meats. Having specific barbecue knives is fundamental for making precise cuts.

Picanha, alcatra, and contrafilé need to have a thickness of two to three fingers to be at an ideal cut. And only a high-quality stainless steel knife will do the job.

Having an efficient blade also makes serving easier. And more than that, a beautiful barbecue knife commands respect, it shows that you know what you're doing. It's worth investing in a special model!

Tip 3: Salt in the right measure

Another important tip is the amount of salt. Meat without salt is bland, and too salty can be unpalatable. Gaúchos are fans of coarse salt, the most used in barbecues in almost all regions of Brazil.

Be aware of the amount of seasoning you will use. Our friends from Rio Grande do Sul always advise salting the meats just before putting them on the grill. Leaving them in salt for too long can be a real disaster. Be careful!

Measure the amount of coarse salt according to the size of the piece. If we are talking about whole pieces, we can use a palmful of salt on each side. Now, for fillets, a handful on each side is enough.

If you are not sure if you are using the right amount, grill a fillet first and let people try it. Leave the rest to season later. Taste to see if it's good!

Tip 4: Watch the grill height and the fire

Be careful not to burn the meat! Don't take too long to serve them. Fire and grill just right, that's the idea!

But how do I know if I'm doing it right?

Observe if the embers are well lit, feel if the heat is strong, put the meats on the fire and don't get distracted. Check if they are cooking evenly and keep an eye on the moment to flip.

If you notice that the meat is burning too fast, raise the grill a bit so that the fillets don't overcook. If it's cooking slowly, use something to fan and increase the embers!

Tip 5: Go all out with side dishes

A traditional Gaúcho barbecue cannot be stingy, abundance is the watchword. And Gaúchos know how to eat well, so they always present various side dishes.

Prepare for potato salad, farofa (toasted cassava flour), garlic bread, chicken hearts, in addition to the classic country sausage, made from beef sirloin, fat, garlic, onion, and green onion. It is very delicious when grilled over embers!

Want to surprise and please everyone? Go all out with the side dishes and serve the best Gaúcho barbecue!

So, did you like the tips from Cutelaria Cimo for preparing a real barbecue?

Here's an extra tip: check out the beautiful 420 stainless steel barbecue knives from Cimo and choose one to accompany you in these moments of celebration with family and friends! Follow our blog and see more related posts.