Anticuchos
Anticuchos are a delicious Peruvian street food made with grilled beef heart skewers, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, and served with potatoes. This recipe brings the authentic taste of Peru right to your kitchen.
Prep
1 hour
Cook
15 minutes
Level
Medium
Serves
4
Plan and shop
Save this recipe for real-life cooking
Build a local shopping list or place this recipe into a weekly meal plan. No account is required.
Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Instructions
- 1
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the diced beef heart, vinegar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, cumin powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and aji panca paste. Mix well to coat the meat thoroughly and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- 3
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated beef heart cubes onto the soaked skewers.
- 4
In a separate pot, boil the potato wedges in salted water until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 5
Grill the beef heart skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until nicely charred and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- 6
Serve the hot anticuchos immediately with the boiled potato wedges. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
Tips
Use fresh beef heart from a reputable butcher for the best flavor.
Marinating the meat longer enhances the flavors even more.
Make sure to soak the skewers to avoid splintering and burning.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat skewers gently in the microwave or on a low grill before serving.
Substitutions
- Use chicken or pork if you don't want to use beef heart.
- For a vegetarian option, try marinated tofu or mushrooms as a replacement.
What to Serve With
- Serve with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with a refreshing beverage like chicha morada.
Common Mistakes
- Not marinating the meat long enough can result in less flavorful skewers.
- Skipping the soaking of skewers can lead to burnt sticks.
Recipe FAQ
What can I substitute for beef heart in this recipe?
You can use beef sirloin or steak if you prefer a different cut, but the flavor will differ.
How spicy is aji panca paste?
Aji panca paste is mild to medium in heat and adds more flavor than heat.
Can I make anticuchos in the oven?
Yes, if you don't have a grill, you can broil the skewers in the oven instead.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
A light, editable placeholder for future partner recommendations. No real affiliate links are enabled yet.
Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases when enabled. Read the Affiliate Disclosure.
Cook along weekly
Want more illustrated recipes like Anticuchos?
Join the World Recipe Letter for global home-cooking ideas and visual recipe guides.
Join the World Recipe Letter
Get 5 illustrated recipes every week.
No account needed. Unsubscribe when email delivery is connected.
Keep cooking
Related recipes
More flavors from the same country or nearby pantry style.
Lomo Saltado
A sizzling beef stir-fry with onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, vinegar, fries, and rice.
Classic Ceviche
Fresh white fish cured in lime with red onion, aji, cilantro, sweet potato, and corn.
Aji Amarillo Chicken
Juicy chicken in a creamy aji amarillo sauce with lime, garlic, and cilantro.