Rolled Picanha with Smoked Bacon, Caramelised Plantain & Melted Cheese

Directions

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1. Butterfly the picanha by slicing it open horizontally to create a large, flat, even sheet of uniform thickness — like opening a book. Take your time here; an even thickness ensures the roll cooks uniformly.

2. Season generously with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

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1. Lay the smoked bacon slices across the entire inner surface of the butterflied beef, covering it completely.

2. Place the cheese in thick batons or slices evenly over the bacon layer.

3. Add the caramelised plantain slices in an even layer on top of the cheese.

4. Roll the beef up firmly and tightly into a cylinder, keeping the filling as compact as possible. Tie with butcher's twine at regular intervals (every 3–4 cm / 1.5 inches) to hold the shape during cooking.

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1. Set up the Big Green Egg for indirect cooking using the convEGGtor. Stabilise at a medium temperature — approximately 150–170°C / 300–340°F.

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1. Place the roll directly on the cooking grid over indirect heat.

2. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 40°C / 104°F, then continue cooking to 45°C / 113°F.

3. Remove from the Egg at 45°C / 113°F — this is rare to medium-rare, which is ideal for picanha. Carry-over heat during the rest will bring it to 48–50°C / 118–122°F.

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1. Remove the roll from the Egg and allow it to rest uncovered for 10–15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set just enough to hold its shape when sliced.

2. Remove the butcher's twine. Using a sharp knife, slice into thick medallions — approximately 3–4 cm / 1.5 inches thick.

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1. Arrange the medallions on a serving board or platter, cut-side up to show the spiral of beef, bacon, and melted cheese.

2. Serve alongside grilled or caramelised sweet plantain.

3. The sweetness of the plantain, the smokiness of the bacon, and the richness of the melted cheese against the juicy beef is a combination that is deeply Colombian — a dish made for passing around the table and eating together.