Anticuchos

Anticuchos – flavorful Peruvian grilled skewers
Peru
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Anticuchos are a beloved Peruvian street food, featuring marinated skewers of beef heart or sirloin grilled to perfection. Traditionally enjoyed at festivals and street fairs, these flavorful bites reflect Peru's rich culinary heritage and the influence of indigenous and Spanish cuisines. Often served with potatoes or corn, they are a must-try for any food lover visiting Peru.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~320 kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound beef heart or beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon aji panca paste (or red chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the Meat

In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, aji panca paste, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Add the meat cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Prepare the Skewers

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Thread the marinated meat cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, packing them closely together.

Grill the Anticuchos

Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

For extra flavor, you can brush the meat with additional marinade while grilling.

Serve

Serve the Anticuchos hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the meat.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Enjoy your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anticuchos?

Anticuchos are skewers of marinated meat, typically beef heart, grilled to create a smoky, tender dish popular in Peruvian cuisine.

Where does Anticuchos come from?

Anticuchos originated in Peru and have roots in pre-Columbian times, becoming a staple of street food culture.

What are the main ingredients in Anticuchos?

Key ingredients include beef heart or sirloin, vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, aji panca paste, garlic, cumin, paprika, and oregano.

How long does Anticuchos take to make?

Anticuchos take 18-25 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Anticuchos?

Anticuchos are often served with boiled potatoes, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.