Authentic Peruvian Anticucho Recipe: A Taste of Tradition

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of beef heart
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of aji panca paste
  • 2 tablespoons of vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 large potatoes
  • 1 large red onion
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the beef heart and cut it into 2-inch chunks.
  2. In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, cumin, aji panca paste, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the beef heart chunks to the marinade and let it marinate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  5. While the grill is preheating, skewer the marinated beef heart chunks.
  6. Brush the grill with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are cooked to your desired level.
  8. While the meat is grilling, boil the potatoes until they are cooked but still firm.
  9. Slice the red onion and mix with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt for a simple salad.
  10. Serve the anticuchos with the boiled potatoes and the salad. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tools for making

  • Grill - A grill is needed to cook the anticuchos to perfection.
  • Skewers - Skewers are used to thread the marinated beef heart for grilling.
  • Bowl - A bowl is needed to mix the marinade for the beef heart.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary to clean and cut the beef heart into chunks.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is needed to prepare and handle the ingredients.
  • Brush - A brush is used to coat the grill with oil to prevent sticking.
  • Pot - A pot is needed to boil the potatoes.
  • Tongs - Tongs are helpful for flipping and handling the skewers during grilling.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken instead of beef heart for a milder flavor.
  • Replace the beef heart with pork tenderloin for a different texture.
  • Experiment with different marinades, such as using soy sauce, lime juice, or different spices.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the skewers for a colorful twist.
  • Try grilling the skewers on charcoal for a smokier flavor.
  • Create a spicy chimichurri sauce to serve alongside the anticuchos.
  • For a vegetarian option, marinate tofu or tempeh and grill it instead of meat.
  • Make mini skewers using shrimp or scallops for a seafood variation.
  • Add a touch of sweetness by brushing the skewers with a honey glaze.
  • Serve the anticuchos on a bed of quinoa or rice for a heartier meal.

Recipe overview

Anticucho is a popular street food dish that originates from Peru. It typically features skewered beef heart that has been marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and grilled to perfection. This hearty, savory dish is often served with boiled potatoes and a simple red onion salad. While beef heart is traditional, this recipe can be adapted to use other meats if preferred. Expect a delicious, satisfying meal that's perfect for outdoor cookouts or family dinner. The recipe involves a few hours of marinating time for the best flavor, so be sure to plan in advance. Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors that Anticucho brings!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef heart?
    2. Answer: While beef heart is traditional for anticuchos, you can use other meats like chicken, pork, or even tofu as a substitute.
  2. How long should I marinate the beef heart?
    3. Answer: It is best to marinate the beef heart for at least 3 hours, but overnight marination will result in more flavorful anticuchos.
  3. Can I grill the skewers on a stovetop instead?
    4. Answer: Yes, if you don't have a grill, you can cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or even in the oven using the broil setting.
  4. What can I serve as a side dish with anticuchos?
    5. Answer: Anticuchos are commonly served with boiled potatoes and a simple red onion salad. You can also serve them with a side of rice or quinoa.
  5. Can I freeze the marinated beef heart?
    6. Answer: Yes, you can freeze the marinated beef heart. Just make sure to thaw it completely before grilling.
  6. Is there a vegetarian version of anticuchos?
    7. Answer: Yes, you can make vegetarian anticuchos by substituting beef heart with tofu or marinated vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini.
  7. What if I can't find aji panca paste?
    8. Answer: If you can't find aji panca paste, you can use aji amarillo paste or any other chili paste with a mild to medium heat level.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill - A barbecue grill or grill pan to cook the skewers.
  • Skewers - Metal or bamboo skewers to thread the marinated beef heart chunks.
  • Bowl - A bowl to mix the marinade for the beef heart.
  • Brush - A brush to oil the grill and prevent sticking.
  • Pot - A pot to boil the potatoes.
  • Knife - A knife to cut the beef heart and slice the onions.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board to chop the garlic and prepare the ingredients.
  • Tongs - Tongs to flip the skewers while grilling.
  • Serving Platter - A platter to serve the cooked anticuchos.
  • Garnish - Fresh parsley to garnish the dish.

Origin stories

Anticuchos, the beloved street food of Peru, have a history that dates back to the time of the Incan Empire. Yet, it wasn't until the Spanish Conquistadors arrived that beef hearts became the main ingredient. The Spaniards introduced cattle to the region and began to feast on choice cuts of beef, leaving the organs, including the heart, for the indigenous and enslaved cooks. These talented cooks took the disregarded beef hearts and marinated them in local spices and chilies, creating an irresistible charbroiled delicacy. This culinary innovation is seen in the modern Anticucho, a testament to resourcefulness and the rich culinary tradition of Peru. Though now enjoyed by all social classes, Anticuchos retain their humble beginnings, reminding us that deliciousness often emerges from necessity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.