A former butcher with 20 years of experience has shared what he calls a “hidden gem” in Costco‘s meat department, claiming that a specific cut priced at approximately $10 per pound is the same as a more expensive item found at Brazilian steakhouses. The butcher, who uses the TikTok handle @meatdad, made these assertions in a video he posted online.
In the video, the creator, who identified himself as a butcher for two decades, explained that he makes videos about butchery because he believes it’s important to “know exactly what you’re talking about.” He offered advice to viewers on how to save money on meat purchases, suggesting that sealing items individually and freezing them can be beneficial, especially as prices continue to rise.
The butcher then focused on a particular cut of beef, identifying it as “picanha,” also known as “sirloin cap.” He stated that this is the identical cut served at Brazilian restaurants. He pointed out that while Costco offers this cut for around “$10 here,” customers might be charged “$25 somewhere else” for the same item at a restaurant.
Butcher’s tips for identifying and preparing the sirloin cap
The former butcher elaborated on the sirloin cap, describing it as “the most tender piece of the sirloin that they take off of there.” He indicated that it is considered the “highest quality thing you can get” when dining at a Brazilian restaurant. He offered guidance on how to prepare the cut, noting that if it is to be cooked “on a stick,” it should be cut with the grain. However, for those preparing it as individual steaks, he advised cutting “against the grain.”
Alternatively, the butcher suggested cooking the sirloin cap whole, similar to a tri-tip. He recommended leaving the fat on during this preparation method, stating that the melting fat “will just blow your mind.” He further explained that after cooking it whole, it can then be sliced into smaller steaks.
He then gestured towards the meat display in the store, directing viewers to find the sirloin cap. According to the butcher in the video, the cuts are located “right over there in the corner by the bulk meat over there.” He mentioned that each package contains “2 of them,” and they are separated, which he suggested makes the purchase “not that overwhelming.”
The butcher’s advice for preparing the meat involved looking for the “lines” of the muscle and cutting “across it,” or cooking the entire piece. He concluded his explanation by stating that this method yields “some of the most amazing beef you’ll have” and helps consumers “save some money.” He even admitted that while he typically prefers ribeye steaks, he would choose the sirloin cap “any day over ribeye for the price and for the flavor.” Costco shopping hacks keep surfacing well beyond the meat counter, such as a bride-to-be who exposed a trick that nearly cuts the bar bill in half.
The video concluded with close-up shots of large, vacuum-sealed beef cuts, which appeared to be the sirloin cap. The butcher’s hands were visible, demonstrating how to identify the grain of the meat and how to cut it. The final moments of the footage showed blurry close-ups of packaging.
The video’s public caption stated, “This is one of the biggest hidden gems you can find in the Meat department! I’ve been butcher for over 20 years and it’s one of my favorite cuts watch till the end to find out! #MeatDad #Butcher #ButcherTips.”
Comments from viewers discussed the potential cost savings and preparation methods. One commenter asked, “So, it’s cheaper to buy a big one for $200-$300 and slice it yourself. Would Costco charge if you ask them to slice for you?” Another viewer shared, “A gentleman that works at Costco told me to scan the barcode over the meat and it shows you how to cut the bulk meat. :).” A different user commented on the value, stating, “heck yeah, $180 for 1″ ny steak 18 peices.” Someone else expressed a desire for assistance, writing, “You wanna go shopping with me?? I can’t pick a steak to save my life.” Another commenter recounted their experience: “The sirloin cap/picanha is what we bought at Costco for my 4 year old bday. We just had to cut it up to 3 fingers thick, prep it with lemon & salt and grill it. It’s so good.” Finally, one viewer requested a demonstration, saying, “me trying topay attention but I need to see you cutting it actually and showing the process.”
