Peruvian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, unique combinations, and diverse culinary traditions. Street food in Peru is particularly popular and offers a delightful array of dishes that showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage. From savory snacks to hearty meals, here are some street-style Peru food recipes that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Peru.
1. Anticuchos (Grilled Beef Heart Skewers)
Anticuchos are a classic street food staple in Peru. These mouthwatering skewers are made with marinated beef hearts, which are tenderized and then grilled to perfection. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious and protein-packed dish:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef heart
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– Juice of 2 limes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions:
1. Cut the beef heart into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the marinade over the beef heart pieces and let them marinate 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 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred.
7. Serve hot and enjoy the authentic Peruvian flavors!
2. Lomo Saltado (Stir-Fried Beef with Potatoes)
Lomo Saltado is a beloved Peruvian stir-fry dish that combines tender beef, onions, tomatoes, and French fries. This fusion of flavors creates a tantalizing combination that will leave you craving for more. Here’s how you can make this crowd-pleasing street-style favorite:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
– 4 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
– 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups French fries (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce and red wine vinegar. Add the sliced beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
3. Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet and stir-fry until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, tomatoes, green bell pepper, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. Add the French fries to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
7. Remove from heat and serve hot with a side of rice or crusty bread.
3. Ceviche (Citrus-Marinated Seafood Salad)
Ceviche is a refreshing and tangy seafood dish that is immensely popular in Peru. It is made by marinating raw fish or seafood in citrus juices, which effectively “cooks” the seafood. Here’s a simple yet delicious ceviche recipe that you can enjoy at home:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh white fish fillets (such as tilapia or sea bass), cubed
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sweet potatoes and corn on the cob (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the fish, red onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, lemon juice, cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well, making sure the fish is fully coated in the citrus juices.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the fish to “cook” in the citrus juices. Stir occasionally.
4. Serve chilled ceviche with boiled sweet potatoes and corn on the cob for a traditional Peruvian touch.
5. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the zesty kick of this classic street-style ceviche!
Conclusion
Peruvian street food is a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Peru. Whether you try the savory Anticuchos, the hearty Lomo Saltado, or the refreshing Ceviche, each dish represents a unique aspect of Peruvian culinary culture. So, put on your chef’s hat, gather the ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure with these street-style Peru food recipes. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and experience the true essence of Peru’s culinary heritage!
FAQ
Q: What is Anticuchos?
A: Anticuchos are grilled beef heart skewers, a classic street food staple in Peru. They are made with marinated beef hearts that are tenderized and grilled to perfection.
Q: What are the ingredients for Anticuchos?
A: The ingredients for Anticuchos include beef heart, garlic cloves, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, lime juice, salt, pepper, and wooden skewers.
Q: How do you make Anticuchos?
A: To make Anticuchos, you cut the beef heart into bite-sized pieces, marinate them in a mixture of minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, lime juice, salt, and pepper, thread them onto soaked wooden skewers, and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side.
Q: What is Lomo Saltado?
A: Lomo Saltado is a popular Peruvian stir-fry dish that combines tender beef, onions, tomatoes, and French fries. It is a flavorful fusion of ingredients that is loved by many.
Q: What are the ingredients for Lomo Saltado?
A: The ingredients for Lomo Saltado include beef sirloin, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, vegetable oil, red onion, tomatoes, green bell pepper, garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and French fries.
Q: How do you make Lomo Saltado?
A: To make Lomo Saltado, you marinate thinly sliced beef sirloin in a mixture of soy sauce and red wine vinegar, then stir-fry it with onions, tomatoes, green bell pepper, garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Serve it with French fries.