Churrasco

What is Churrasco?

Churrasco is a way of cooking meat, most often beef, over hot coals or an open flame. In Brazil and much of South America, it can also include pork, sausage, chicken, and sometimes cheese or garlic bread. The meat is usually cut into large pieces or slices, sometimes threaded onto metal or wooden skewers, and cooked until browned and juicy. The result is smoky, savory, and often simply seasoned with salt. In some countries, churrasco refers to a specific cut like skirt steak, while in others it means a general barbecue of various meats.

Where does Churrasco come from?

Churrasco has roots in southern Brazil, where it became a social tradition among cattle herders. The custom spread across South America and to Portugal, with each place developing its own style. In Brazil, it is closely linked to the southern states like Rio Grande do Sul. Portuguese communities brought their grilled meat traditions to other countries, and Galician emigrants helped spread churrasco to the Americas. The word itself is Portuguese and Spanish for grilled meat, and its meaning varies from country to country.

How is Churrasco made?

To make churrasco, meat is seasoned—often just with salt—and cooked over hot embers or charcoal. In Brazil, a churrasqueira (barbecue grill) is common, sometimes with supports for skewers instead of a grill grate. Large cuts may be skewered and roasted near the coals, or placed directly on a hot grill. Other countries may use a skillet or pan for thinner cuts. Some versions include sausages, chicken, or cheese grilled alongside the meat. The cooking is usually done outdoors or in restaurants specializing in grilled meats.

How and when is Churrasco eaten?

Churrasco is often served at gatherings, both at home and in restaurants called churrascarias. In Brazil, servers may bring skewers of meat to the table and slice portions for each guest. In Ecuador and Guatemala, it comes with sides like rice, plantains, fried egg, or avocado. In Chile, it can be served in a sandwich with tomato, avocado, and mayonnaise, or with fries and a fried egg. Chimichurri sauce, made with parsley, garlic, and oil, is a common accompaniment in some countries. The meal is usually shared and enjoyed with family or friends.

Kinds of Churrasco

Each country has its own take on churrasco. In Brazil, many meats are used, and the rodízio style of all-you-can-eat service is popular. In Argentina and Uruguay, it usually means a thin steak grilled over coals. In Chile, churrasco can be a sandwich or a plate with fries and egg. In Portugal, frango de churrasco is grilled chicken with spicy piri piri sauce. In Galicia, pork or beef ribs are the main feature. In Puerto Rico, guava rum or ajilimójili sauces may replace chimichurri.

What Churrasco means

Churrasco is more than just food; it is a social event, especially in Brazil and the Southern Cone. Owning a churrasqueira is a point of pride in southern Brazil. Churrascarias, with their roaming servers and endless skewers, are a popular dining experience. In Galicia, churrascadas are gatherings for people of all backgrounds. The dish is tied to celebrations, family meals, and festive occasions throughout South America and Iberia. Its popularity has led to churrasco restaurants in many countries with Portuguese or Spanish-speaking communities.

Questions people ask about Churrasco

Good reading and sources

• Brazilian Food in the U.S. Is About to Get a Lot More ExcitingEater, Article

• Churrasco on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data