Picanha beef skewers with cheese-stuffed flatbreads

Name: Picanha beef skewers with cheese-stuffed flatbreads
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: South American
Ingredients: 1kg rump steak, cut into 3cm pieces; 60ml (¼ cup) red wine vinegar; 60ml (¼ cup) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to brush; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp paprika; 4 roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped; 1 eschalot (French shallot), finely chopped; ½ cup finely chopped curly parsley; 6 mini pita breads; 1 cup grated mozzarella

Fire up the barbie. We’re heading to Flavour Town.

Jessica Brook

May 3, 2024

Marinated beef skewers are an ideal match for these cheese-filled flatbreads.James Moffatt

easyTime:< 30 minsServes:4

In Brazil, this beef cut is called picanha. Here, it’s better known as rump cap, and it’s ideal for these tender skewers, served with a robust salsa and flatbreads filled with molten cheese.

Ingredients

1kg rump steak, cut into 3cm pieces
60ml (¼ cup) red wine vinegar
60ml (¼ cup) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to brush
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
4 roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 eschalot (French shallot), finely chopped
½ cup finely chopped curly parsley
6 mini pita breads
1 cup grated mozzarella

Method

Step 1
Mix 2 tablespoons each of the vinegar and the oil, along with the garlic, oregano, thyme and paprika in a non-reactive container and season with salt and pepper. Add the steak and toss to coat. Set aside at room temperature for 10 minutes to marinate.
Step 2
To make the salsa, combine the tomatoes, eschalot and parsley in a bowl. Add remaining vinegar and oil, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Step 3
Using a small knife, split the pita breads in half. Scatter with mozzarella and sandwich to seal. Brush with oil.
Step 4
Thread the marinated beef onto 8 metal skewers.
Step 5
Preheat a chargrill pan over high heat. Add the flatbreads and cook for 1 minute, turn and cook for a further minute, or until charred and the cheese is melted. Keep warm.
Step 6
Add the skewers to the pan and cook, turning, for 6-8 minutes, or until charred and just cooked through. Set aside to rest. Serve the flatbreads with skewers and salsa.