Navigating Corn-Free Dining at Brazilian Barbecues: Your Ultimate Guide

Brazilian barbecue, or churrasco, is a carnivore’s paradise, featuring succulent meats cooked over open flames. However, navigating this culinary tradition with corn allergies or dietary restrictions can be challenging due to hidden corn-derived ingredients in marinades, sides, and seasonings. Here’s how to enjoy a corn-free Brazilian barbecue experience with confidence.

Common Corn-Based Pitfalls

Corn is prevalent in Brazilian cuisine. Watch out for:

• Cornmeal in breading or coatings (e.g., fried items).
• Corn starch as a thickener in sauces or marinades.
• Corn oil in dressings or cooking.
• Cura quê? (a smoked cornmeal mixture) used in some regional dishes.

Corn-Free Staples to Savor

1. Pure Grilled Meats: Traditional cuts like picanha (sirloin cap), alcatra (top sirloin), and costela (beef ribs) are often minimally seasoned with rock salt only.
2. Pão de Queijo Variations: Ask if cheese bread is made with cassava flour (naturally corn-free) instead of cornmeal.
3. Farofa: Some versions use cassava flour instead of cornmeal—confirm with the restaurant.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are typically safe when cooked without corn oil.
5. Salads: Opt for fresh greens, tomato-onion salad (vinagrete), or heart-of-palm dishes (avoid creamy dressings).

Tips for Safe Dining

• Use the mm food app to scan menus for corn-derived ingredients.
• Ask servers about cooking methods and cross-contamination risks.
• Specify "sem milho" (Portuguese for "no corn") when ordering.

With careful planning and mm food’s AI-powered analysis, savor the bold flavors of Brazilian barbecue without compromising your diet.