Quirky Foodster
  1. Back

Anticuchos de Corazón Callejero

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)

3
Servings

Ingredients

  • Beef heart, cleaned and cut into cubes — 600 g (1.3 lb)
  • Garlic, minced — 4 cloves
  • Aji panca paste — 3 tbsp
  • Red wine vinegar — 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin — 1 tsp
  • Oil — 3 tbsp
  • Small potatoes, boiled whole — 4
  • Corn cob, cut into pieces and boiled — 1
  • Salt — to taste

Method

  1. Combine the garlic, aji panca paste, vinegar, cumin, oil and salt into a marinade.
  2. Toss the beef heart cubes in the marinade and let marinate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
  3. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers.
  4. Grill over hot charcoal, basting with any remaining marinade, for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked to preference.
  5. Serve hot alongside the boiled potato and corn.

Introduction: Street-style grilled beef heart skewers, served with a whole roasted potato and corn, a favourite evening street food across Peru.

Cultural Background: Anticuchos sold from street carts in the evenings are a beloved Peruvian tradition, the smoky, charred skewers cooked to order over hot coals and served with simple, satisfying accompaniments.

Tips: Marinate for as long as possible, ideally overnight, for the deepest, most characteristic flavour. Grill just until nicely charred and tender, as beef heart can toughen if overcooked.

Variations: Serve with a side of aji sauce for extra heat. Use beef sirloin as a milder alternative to heart.

Storage: Refrigerate cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a hot dry pan for 2–3 minutes per side, or briefly under a hot grill.

FAQs:

Q: Where are anticuchos typically sold?

A: Street carts and stalls, especially in the evening, found throughout Peru's cities and towns.

Q: What is the traditional accompaniment?

A: A whole boiled potato and a piece of corn, simple sides that balance the rich, smoky meat.