Rodizio Grill Skewered Meats Recipe
Make Rodizio Grill Skewered Meats Recipe in just 2h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Beef Skewers (Picanha-style)
Pork Skewers (Alcatra-style)
Chicken Skewers (Lemon-Herb)
Lamb Skewers (Optional)
Chimichurri & Accompaniments
For Serving
Method
Prep & Marinades
Soak skewers (if wooden)
If using wooden skewers, place them in water to soak for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Prepare chimichurri
Combine chopped parsley, cilantro (if using), minced garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Taste and adjust salt or vinegar. Set aside at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
Season beef (Picanha-style)
Toss beef cubes with 2 tbs olive oil, minced garlic, 2 tbs coarse kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a large bowl. Let rest 15–30 minutes at room temperature to absorb seasoning. (Traditional rodizio often salts heavily during grilling — reserve remaining kosher salt for finishing while cooking.)
Season pork
In a bowl, combine pork cubes with vegetable oil, paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, 1.5 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and let rest 15 minutes.
Season chicken
Combine chicken pieces with lemon juice, 2 tbs olive oil, minced garlic, chopped oregano/parsley, 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss and marinate briefly for 15–30 minutes in the refrigerator (if longer, up to 2 hours).
Skewering
Thread the seasoned meats onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces so heat circulates. Make separate skewers for each meat type. For authentic rodizio presentation, form some skewers so meat is tightly packed and others with pieces laid flat. Reserve any remaining marinade juices to brush while grilling.
Grilling (Charcoal or Gas)
Preheat grill
Preheat grill to medium-high (about 425–500°F / 220–260°C). If using charcoal, bank coals to one side for direct and indirect zones. Oil the grates lightly before cooking.
Cook beef skewers
Place beef skewers over direct medium-high heat. Grill 3–5 minutes per side, rotating every 3–5 minutes so exterior chars and internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium. During grilling, sprinkle remaining coarse kosher salt over beef to mimic rodizio finishing and brush occasionally with reserved juices or a light coating of oil to encourage crust formation. Remove and tent with foil; rest 5–7 minutes before slicing from skewers.
Cook pork skewers
Grill pork skewers over medium heat, turning every 3–4 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and exterior is nicely browned, about 10–12 minutes total depending on skewer thickness. Let rest 3–5 minutes.
Cook chicken skewers
Grill chicken thighs over medium heat, turning frequently so they char evenly, until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10–12 minutes. Avoid overcooking; rest 3–5 minutes.
Cook lamb skewers (if using)
Grill lamb over medium-high heat, searing each side 3–4 minutes until desired doneness: 125–130°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium. Rest 5 minutes.
Finish & Serve
Slice or carve meat directly from skewers into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on finished slices to taste and offer lemon/lime wedges for squeezing.
Leftovers: store cooled sliced meats in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently on a grill or skillet to preserve juiciness.