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Main dishes · Peruvian cuisine

Peruvian Anticuchos (Beef Heart Skewers): An Easy Recipe to Enjoy

  • Total time2 h 50 min
  • Servings5
  • DifficultyEasy
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By Grace Saira · Updated on (published on ) · Leer esta página en español

Peruvian anticuchos with rachi from Perú Comidas

Introduction

Anticuchos are a delicious tradition of Peruvian cooking, especially popular on the streets of Lima. This dish, rooted in Andean cuisine, is made mainly with beef heart marinated in a blend of spices and seasonings. Besides being full of flavor, anticuchos are easy to make at home and ideal for sharing with friends and family on any occasion. In this article, we'll show you how to make exquisite beef heart anticuchos, perfect for a barbecue or as a main dish.

History and fun facts

The origin of anticuchos goes back to pre-Columbian times, when Indigenous communities already cooked meat on sticks. With the arrival of the Spanish, the recipe evolved and adapted, becoming a symbol of Peruvian food culture. Interestingly, beef heart used to be considered a cheap food, but today it has become a delicacy everyone wants to try.

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Peruvian Anticuchos (Beef Heart Skewers)

Prep time
30 min
Cook time
20 min
Resting time
2 h
Total time
2 h 50 min
Servings
5
Difficulty
Easy
Calories
600

Best season: All year round

Ingredients for Anticuchos

How to Make Anticuchos

Clean the heart

  1. Trim the excess fat and sinew from the beef heart. Use a very sharp knife so you don't lose any meat.

Cut the heart

  1. Cut the heart into even pieces of about 2 cm. Rinse well and let drain.

Prepare the rachi

  1. Clean the rachi and cut it into small pieces, similar to the heart.

Marinate

  1. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Add the heart and the rachi, making sure they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Get ready to cook

  1. Prepare a grill with hot charcoal. Thread the pieces of heart and rachi onto the skewers.

Grill

  1. Grill the anticuchos for 15–20 minutes, turning them and basting them with the leftover marinade to keep them juicy.

Serve

  1. Serve the anticuchos with boiled potatoes and rocoto sauce.

Keywords
anticuchos, Peruvian anticuchos, anticuchos recipe, beef heart skewers, grilled beef heart, Peruvian street food
Filed under
Main dishes
Cuisine
Peruvian

Note

Tips

  • Marinate the meat longer for a more intense flavor.
  • If you don't have access to a grill, you can cook them in a pan or on an electric grill.
  • Be sure to serve them with a good portion of rocoto sauce for a spicy kick.

More ideas

Anticuchos are perfect for family gatherings or parties. You can serve them with a fresh salad or a good wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another meat instead of beef heart?

Yes, you can use other cuts of meat, but heart is the most traditional and the tastiest.

How long should I marinate the meat?

At least 2 hours is recommended, but if you can leave it overnight, the flavor will be even better.

Which sauce goes best with anticuchos?

Rocoto sauce is an excellent choice, but you can also use any other sauce you like.

Can I cook anticuchos in the oven?

Yes, you can cook them in the oven at 200 °C, but the smoky flavor of the grill is hard to match.

What is the best way to light the charcoal?

Use a little oil on a piece of paper to light the charcoal; it helps it catch quickly.