Authentic Peruvian Anticuchos Recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs beef heart, cleaned and cut into 2-inch cubes
1 cup red wine vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
2 ají panca chilies, deseeded and finely chopped
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 fresh yellow Peruvian corns, shucked
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, minced garlic, cumin, black pepper, salt, and finely chopped ají panca chilies.
Add the beef heart cubes to the bowl and mix until they are well coated with the marinade.
Let the beef heart cubes marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Prepare your grill for medium-high heat.
Remove the beef heart cubes from the marinade and thread them onto skewers. Remember to reserve the marinade.
Brush the skewers with vegetable oil and grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are done to your liking.
In the meantime, grill the shucked Peruvian corns until they are nice and charred.
While the anticuchos and corn are grilling, heat the remaining marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Continue boiling for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
When the anticuchos and corn are done grilling, brush them with the boiled marinade.
Arrange the anticuchos and grilled corn on a platter, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Tools for making

Skewers - Metal or bamboo skewers for threading the beef heart cubes.
Grill - A grill or barbecue for cooking the anticuchos and corn.
Large Bowl - A bowl for marinating the beef heart cubes.
Brush - A brush for brushing the anticuchos with vegetable oil and the boiled marinade.
Small Saucepan - A small saucepan for heating and boiling the marinade.

Recipe variations

Instead of beef heart, you can use chicken, pork, or shrimp as a substitute.
For a vegetarian option, you can marinate and grill tofu or tempeh cubes.
Experiment with different marinades using ingredients like lime juice, soy sauce, ginger, or paprika.
Add some heat by including chopped jalapeños or other spicy peppers in the marinade.
Try grilling vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini alongside the anticuchos for added flavor and variety.
Serve the anticuchos with a side of chimichurri sauce or salsa criolla for a tangy and refreshing twist.
For a different texture, you can lightly coat the skewered meat or vegetables with breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips before grilling.
If you prefer a smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add some wood chips to your gas grill for a hint of smoke.
If you can't find ají panca chilies, you can substitute with ají amarillo paste or a combination of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
For a gluten-free option, ensure that all the ingredients, including the spices and marinade, are gluten-free certified.

Recipe overview

Anticuchos are a popular street food in Peru that consists of small pieces of grilled skewered meat, typically beef heart. Marinated in a flavorful blend of red wine vinegar, garlic, cumin, and ají panca chilies, these skewers are grilled to perfection and served with charred Peruvian corn. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Anticuchos at home. Expect a delightful mix of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, complemented by the sweetness of the corn. This dish is perfect for a barbecue party or a family gathering. Don't let the use of beef heart intimidate you - when prepared correctly, it's incredibly tender and flavorful. Enjoy the authentic taste of Peruvian cuisine right at your home with this Anticuchos recipe!

Common questions

Can I use a different cut of meat instead of beef heart?
Yes, you can substitute beef heart with other cuts of beef such as sirloin or skirt steak. However, the traditional and authentic flavor of anticuchos comes from using beef heart.
Can I skip the marinating step?
Marinating the beef heart is crucial for tenderizing and infusing flavor into the meat. It is recommended not to skip this step for the best results.
What can I use as a substitute for ají panca chilies?
If you can't find ají panca chilies, you can use a combination of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to mimic the smoky and slightly spicy flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.
Can I cook the anticuchos in the oven instead of grilling?
While grilling is the traditional method for cooking anticuchos, you can also cook them in the oven under the broiler on high heat. Place the skewers on a broiler pan and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until they reach the desired doneness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill - A grill is essential for cooking the anticuchos and grilling the corn.
Skewers - Skewers are needed to thread the beef heart cubes for grilling.
Bowl - A large bowl is necessary for marinating the beef heart cubes.
Brush - A brush is helpful for brushing the skewers with vegetable oil before grilling.
Saucepan - A small saucepan is needed to heat the marinade for brushing onto the anticuchos and corn.
Platter - A platter is useful for arranging and serving the cooked anticuchos and grilled corn.

Origin stories

Anticuchos are a popular and traditional Peruvian street food that dates back to the time of the Incan Empire. The original recipe used llama meat, but with the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, the dish evolved into using beef heart, which was often discarded by the Spanish and left for the indigenous people. Today, Anticuchos are a symbol of Peruvian cuisine, enjoyed at local festivals or simply as a late-night snack. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this dish is the use of aji panca, a type of red Peruvian chili pepper, which gives Anticuchos a unique and distinctive flavor.

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.