Smoky Peruvian Anticuchos with Aji Sauce

Name: Smoky Peruvian Anticuchos with Aji Sauce
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Beef heart; Olive oil; Red wine vinegar; Ground cumin; Garlic; Salt and pepper; Aji amarillo peppers; Mayonnaise; Lime juice; Garlic; Salt; Wooden skewers; Sea salt; Fresh cilantro; Lime wedges

Grilled Beef Heart Skewers with a Spicy Peruvian Kick

Delight in the authentic flavors of Peru with these marinated beef heart skewers, perfectly paired with a zesty aji sauce.

4 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

Beef Heart Marinade

Beef heart

1 lb — cut into 1-inch cubes

Olive oil

1/4 cup

Red wine vinegar

3 tbsp

Ground cumin

1 tbsp

Garlic

2 cloves — minced

Salt and pepper

to taste

Aji Sauce

Aji amarillo peppers

2 — seeded and chopped

Mayonnaise

1/2 cup

Lime juice

1 tbsp

Garlic

1 clove — minced

Salt

to taste

Skewers

Wooden skewers

soaked in water for 30 minutes

Sea salt

for finishing

Garnish

Fresh cilantro

1 tbsp — chopped

Lime wedges

for serving

Preparation

Marinating the Beef Heart

Combine marinade ingredients

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, ground cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Coat the beef heart

Add the beef heart cubes to the marinade, ensuring they're fully coated.

Ensure the marinade covers all the beef cubes to maximize flavor infusion.

Marinate

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.

Preparing the Aji Sauce

Blend peppers

In a food processor, blend the aji amarillo peppers until smooth.

Use latex gloves when handling aji peppers to avoid irritation.

Add remaining ingredients

Add mayonnaise, lime juice, and minced garlic, and continue blending until creamy.

Season and chill

Season with salt to taste, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cooking Process

Preheat and skewer

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, then thread marinated beef heart cubes onto skewers.

Grill the skewers

Place skewers on the grill, grilling each side for about 3-4 minutes until nicely charred.

Rest before serving

Remove skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Plating & Serving