CarneAtlas

MaminhavsPicanha

beef · Approximate equivalent

These cuts are approximate equivalents — similar in character but with meaningful differences in preparation or exact cut.

Adjacent cuts on the same Brazilian alcatra primal — maminha is the lean tail, picanha the fat-capped rump cap next to it. Frequently sold and grilled side by side.

Translation takeaway

These are related cuts, but not perfect swaps. Use the table below to judge how close your local option is before buying.

Open MaminhaOpen PicanhaSee substitutes
Keep this comparisonSave Maminha and Picanha together for shopping, cooking notes, and future reference.
Maminha
Beef · Bottom Sirloin

The tail end of the top sirloin (maminha da alcatra) — a small, triangular, exceptionally tender muscle that sits between the picanha and the flank on the Brazilian alcatra…

TenderloinRoundBottom SirloinRibPlateChuckShort LoinBrisketFlankSirloinShankShank
Full details →
Picanha
Beef · Sirloin

Picanha is a triangular cut from the top of the rump, kept with its thick fat cap intact. It is the most celebrated cut in Brazilian churrasco culture and is growing in popularity …

TenderloinRoundBottom SirloinRibPlateChuckShort LoinBrisketFlankSirloinShankShank
Full details →

Names by country

CountryMaminhaPicanha
🇺🇸United StatesRump cap
🇬🇧United KingdomRump cap
🇫🇷FranceCœur de rumsteck
🇪🇸SpainTapa de cuadril
🇦🇷ArgentinaPicaña
🇲🇽MexicoPicaña
🇵🇹PortugalPicanha
🇧🇷BrazilMaminhaPicanha
🇮🇹ItalyCodone (picanha)
🇩🇪GermanyPicanha

Cook either one well

Unbranded charcoal grilling equipment

$$$ · picanha, steaks, skewers, and general charcoal grilling

Get a real charcoal crust at home

High-heat grilling, simple indirect cooks, steak, picanha, and burgers.

Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

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