Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, diverse ingredients, and unique cooking techniques. One particular aspect that sets Peruvian food apart is its exceptional grilled dishes. The art of grilling in Peru dates back centuries, and today it continues to be a beloved culinary tradition. In this article, we will explore some mouthwatering grilled Peru food recipes that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

1. Anticuchos de Corazón (Beef Heart Skewers)

Anticuchos de Corazón are a quintessential Peruvian street food delicacy. These succulent beef heart skewers are marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices and cooked to perfection on the grill. Here’s a simple recipe to recreate this traditional dish:

Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef heart, cut into bite-sized pieces
– ¹⁄₄ cup red wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons aji panca paste (Peruvian red chili paste)
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, aji panca paste, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the beef heart pieces to the marinade and mix well, ensuring all the pieces are coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Thread the marinated beef heart pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers.
6. Grill the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
7. Serve the anticuchos de corazón hot off the grill, accompanied by a creamy huacatay (Peruvian black mint) sauce or a spicy rocoto (Peruvian red chili) sauce.

2. Pollo a la Brasa (Peruvian Grilled Chicken)

Pollo a la Brasa, also known as Peruvian grilled chicken, is a beloved dish that has gained international recognition. This flavorful and juicy chicken is marinated in a mixture of spices and roasted on a rotisserie grill. Here’s how you can prepare it at home:

Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken
– 4 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the whole chicken in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
5. Place the chicken on the grill, breast side down, and cook for about 30-40 minutes.
6. Flip the chicken over and continue grilling for an additional 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
8. Serve the Pollo a la Brasa with a side of golden and crispy French fries and a refreshing salsa criolla (Peruvian onion and tomato relish).

3. Causa Rellena de Mariscos (Seafood Stuffed Potato Terrine)

Causa Rellena de Mariscos is a delightful Peruvian dish that combines the creaminess of mashed potatoes, the freshness of seafood, and the tanginess of lime. This colorful and flavorful terrine is perfect for special occasions or as an impressive appetizer. Let’s dive into the recipe:

Ingredients:
– 4 large yellow potatoes, boiled and mashed
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 tablespoons yellow chili paste (aji amarillo)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ¹⁄₂ pound mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, and scallops), cooked and diced
– ¹⁄₄ cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
– 1 avocado, sliced

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, lime juice, yellow chili paste, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked and diced seafood, mayonnaise, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Mix gently to combine.
3. Line a rectangular dish or loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
4. Spread half of the mashed potato mixture evenly into the lined dish.
5. Layer the seafood mixture on top of the mashed potatoes.
6. Cover the seafood with the remaining mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
7. Fold the plastic wrap over the terrine and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
8. To serve, remove the terrine from the dish, slice it into individual portions, and garnish with slices of avocado.
9. Enjoy the Causa Rellena de Mariscos chilled, accompanied by a zesty rocoto sauce or a tangy golf sauce.

These grilled Peru food recipes are just a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Peru. Whether you’re a meat lover, a seafood enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates bold flavors, these dishes will surely satisfy your cravings and transport you to the vibrant streets of Peru. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and embark on a gastronomic journey filled with deliciousness.

FAQ

Q: What is Anticuchos de Corazón?
A: Anticuchos de Corazón are succulent beef heart skewers that are marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices and cooked on the grill.

Q: What are the ingredients for Anticuchos de Corazón?
A: The ingredients for Anticuchos de Corazón include beef heart, red wine vinegar, aji panca paste (Peruvian red chili paste), garlic cloves, cumin, salt, pepper, and wooden skewers.

Q: How do you prepare Anticuchos de Corazón?
A: To prepare Anticuchos de Corazón, you marinate the beef heart pieces in a mixture of red wine vinegar, aji panca paste, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Then, thread the marinated beef heart pieces onto soaked wooden skewers and grill them until cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Q: What is Pollo a la Brasa?
A: Pollo a la Brasa is Peruvian grilled chicken that is marinated in a mixture of spices and roasted on a rotisserie grill.

Q: What are the ingredients for Pollo a la Brasa?
A: The ingredients for Pollo a la Brasa include a whole chicken, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic cloves, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

Q: How do you prepare Pollo a la Brasa?
A: To prepare Pollo a la Brasa, you combine soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, marinate the whole chicken in the mixture and roast it on a rotisserie grill.