Main Course · Latin American · Dinner ·

Zesty Ecuadorian Cuy Asado with Chimichurri

Name: Zesty Ecuadorian Cuy Asado with Chimichurri
Prep time: 90 min
Cook time: 270 min
Total time: 360 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 whole guinea pigs, cleaned; 1 cup white wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons oregano, dried; 1 tablespoon cumin, ground; Salt and pepper, to taste; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1/2 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 lemon, sliced; 4 sprigs rosemary

Experience a traditional Ecuadorian delicacy with tender, flavorful roasted guinea pig paired with a zesty chimichurri sauce.

4.1(566 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 21, 2025

Zesty Ecuadorian Cuy Asado with Chimichurri — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h 30 min

Cook

4 h 30 min

Difficulty

Advanced

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Marinade

For the Chimichurri Sauce

For the Roasting

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 865 kcal
Protein: 34.1 g
Carbs: 6.5 g
Fat: 76 g
Fiber: 2.3 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3459 kcal
Protein: 136.5 g
Carbs: 25.8 g
Fat: 304.1 g
Fiber: 9.3 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 whole guinea pigs cleaned	1840	130	0	140	0
1 cup white wine vinegar	43	0	0.6	0	0
2 tablespoons oregano dried	12	0.4	2.1	0.4	1.8
1 tablespoon cumin ground	22	1.1	2.7	1.3	1.4
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
5 cloves garlic minced	22	0.9	5	0.1	0.3
1/4 cup olive oil	477	0	0	54	0
1 cup fresh parsley chopped	22	2	3.8	0.4	2
5 cloves garlic finely chopped	22	0.9	5	0.1	0.3
1/2 cup olive oil	954	0	0	108	0
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar	6	0	0.1	0	0
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes	6	0.3	1.1	0.3	0.9
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 teaspoon black pepper	6	0.2	1.4	0.1	0.6
1 lemon sliced	17	0.6	5.4	0.2	1.6
4 sprigs rosemary	4	0.1	0.7	0.2	0.4

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Cuy

1
Prepare marinade
In a large bowl, mix white wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2
Marinate guinea pigs
Place cleaned guinea pigs in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
3
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
Tip: Allow the guinea pig to marinate overnight for deeper flavors.

Preparing the Chimichurri

1
Combine ingredients
In a small bowl, combine parsley, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2
Chill sauce
Stir until well mixed, then cover and refrigerate for flavors to meld.
3
Adjust seasoning
Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Tip: For an extra kick, add a dash more red pepper flakes.

How to Make Zesty Ecuadorian Cuy Asado with Chimichurri

Total time: 6 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Roasting the Cuy
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the marinated guinea pigs with salt and pepper before placing them in a roasting pan. Lay lemon slices and rosemary sprigs on top for added aroma.
2
Preparing the Sauce
As the guinea pigs roast, let the chimichurri come to room temperature.
3
Carving and Serving
Remove the guinea pigs from the oven once golden brown and juices run clear. Let rest for a few minutes before carving.