If you've never cooked with coulotte steak before, you're in luck. This underrated cut of meat, also known as top sirloin cap or Picanha steak, grills up tender with a beautifully charred outer crust when done right. You can season it however you like, and the beefy flavor will still shine through. And if you're always on the lookout for new beef dinner ideas, I've got more favorites worth checking out, like my oven-baked chuck roast that's fall-apart tender, these smoky oven-baked beef back ribs, or a juicy tri-tip roast cooked low and slow in the oven.
This recipe was inspired by two of my most popular grilling recipes: succulent Grilled Flanken Short Ribs and these flavorful Grilled BBQ Pork Spare Ribs.
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What is Coulotte Steak?
It's actually a term that is commonly used in regions like Brazil and some parts of Europe whereas in the United States it's referred to as the Top Sirloin Cap or Sirloin Cap Steak. It can also be referred at Picanha or sirloin cap steaks.
Preferred Cooking Method
Beef coulotte steak is on the leaner side, so it doesn't have as much of the marbling running throughout the meat as you would see in a chuck roast, for example. But, don't let that fool you, these sirloin cap steaks taste amazing when cooked properly.
I highly recommend grilling these steaks over high heat with the lid open, and for the best flavor and texture, don't cook them past medium. If you prefer yours rare or medium-rare, just use my timing as a loose guide. My family and I don't eat ours that way, so your cook time may be shorter. The key is to watch your steaks closely while they're grilling so they don't overcook and end up dry.
Ingredients
Here's a list of the ingredients you'll need to make your dinner delicious and satisfying.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Grill Coulotte Steak (Top Sirloin Cap)
These are the steps to grill your beef coulotte steak to true perfection.
- Rinse steaks under cool water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Season generously with your prepared seasoning blend or your favorite store brand Cajun seasoning.
- Preheat grill.
- Place steaks on grill grates.
- Flip steaks over halfway through cooking process
- Remove steaks from grill and place on a baking sheet, cutting board or platter.
- Allow them to rest for 5 to 10 mins.
- Then, cut against the grain.
Note: Grill with the lid up, so the temperature of the grill stays high and watch closely to prevent overcooking.
Equipment
I used a charcoal grill. You can achieve the same great flavor using a gas grill. The most important point is to grill at a high temp for best results.
Storage and Reheat
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container with a tight fitting lid or in a ziploc bag and placed in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place your grilled coulotte steaks in a preheated 375 degree oven and heat until warm throughout. I recommend paying close attention, so it doesn't heat too much and dry out.
Grilling Tips for Coulotte Steak
- Make sure your coulotte steaks are at room temperature before placing on the grill, so it cooks evenly.
- Season generously and do not be afraid to experiment with complimentary flavors.
- Seeing that you're grilling at a high temperature. It's important to watch them closely to prevent them from overcooking and tasting dry.
- If you find that the outer surface is getting too charred, move them to the indirect heat side of your grill to continue cooking to your liking.
- Do not grill too far beyond medium, so your meat retains its juiciness.
- Allow your cap sirloin steaks to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, so the juices redistribute throughout your meat.
- When cutting, slice against the grain for tenderness.
FAQs
Yes, it's a good cut of meat but is under-appreciated. A couple of things to note is that it's best grilled and cooked at a high temp for best results. It's a delicious tasting cut of meat when cooked properly.
It's a term that is commonly used in regions like Brazil and some part of Europe whereas in the United States it's referred to as the Top Sirloin Cap or Sirloin Cap Steak. It can also be referred at Picanha or sirloin cap steaks.
It taste amazing on its own, but it can also be used to make steak fajitas, tacos, burritos, to make stir-fries, steak salads, sandwiches, and of course for grilling.
What to Serve With Grilled Coulotte Steak
Pair it with my fluffy sweet potato cornbread or a side of creamy baked mac and cheese. For a vegetable that holds its own, soul food green beans with smoked turkey necks brings so much flavor. And if you want something bright and cooling on the side, Southern cucumber and tomato salad adds just the right touch.
📖 Recipe
Grilled Beef Coulotte Steak
Grilled Beef Coulotte SteakEquipment
- Charcoal grill
- Charcoal
- Lighter fluid
- Paper towels to pat dry
- Baking sheet for transporting steaks to and from grill
- Grilling tongs
Ingredients
- 3 lbs coulotte steaks (or 6 (6-8oz) steaks)
Cajun Spice Blend
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus 2 teaspoons)
- ½ tablespoon dried thyme
- ½ tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/s teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Rinse steaks under cool water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season generously with your prepared seasoning blend or your favorite store brand Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
- Prepare grill (clean grates then spray grates to prevent meat from sticking) if you haven't already. Heat the grill to a high temperature of 450 degrees. NOTE: For the temperature of your grill to increase the lid must be up. This will allow your steaks to cook faster, so it's IMPORTANT that you stay on top of it, and watch your steaks closely to prevent them from overcooking and turning dry.
- Once temperature is set, place steak on the grill for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, flip steaks over halfway through the cooking process. Cook to your desired doneness, but I do not recommend cooking too far over medium.
- Once done, remove your steaks from grill and place on a serving tray, platter or baking sheet. Sprinkle the top of each steak with a dash of kosher salt. Rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Ensure that your coulotte steak is at room temperature before placing on the grill.
- Season generously and do not be afraid to experiment with complimentary flavors.
- Seeing that your grilling at a high temperature. It's important to watch them closely to prevent them from overcooking and tasting dry.
- If you find that the outer surface is getting too charred, move them to indirect heat to continue cooking to your liking.
- Do not grill too far beyond medium, so your meat can retain its juiciness.
- Allow your cap sirloin steaks to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, this will allow the juices to redistribute throughout your meat.
- When cutting, slice against the grain for tenderness.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For the most accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information using the specific ingredients and brands you use.
Kara says
I find this recipe uses too many seasonings for this flavorful piece of meat. I only used salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder. Also, the time is way too long! I cooked mine on the grill 3-4 minutes each side and it came out perfectly medium rare!
Cree says
Kara - My recipes are meant to serve as a guide. Too many ingredients… for who? If salt, pepper, onion, and garlic powder work for you, that’s great. For this recipe, I chose a more bold flavor and that’s how I cook. Same goes for the cook time. I prefer my coulotte steak cooked longer NEVER medium rare and 15–20 minutes is what works for my family. So, if you did it your way and liked the result, I’m not sure what the complaint is. Sounds like my recipe served its purpose—as a guide.