Grilled Peruvian Beef Skewers with Aji Amarillo Sauce

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes 1.5 lbs (680g) beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• For the Aji Amarillo Sauce: For the Aji Amarillo Sauce:
• 2 Aji Amarillo peppers, seeded and deveined 2 Aji Amarillo peppers, seeded and deveined
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 3g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, red wine vinegar, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the beef cubes to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers.
5. 5.
   Grill the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   While the beef is grilling, prepare the Aji Amarillo Sauce. In a blender, combine the Aji Amarillo peppers, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Serve the Grilled Peruvian Beef Skewers with the Aji Amarillo Sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Aji Amarillo peppers — Handle with caution as they can be quite spicy. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
• Wooden skewers — Soaking them in water prevents them from burning during grilling.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the grilled skewers before serving.
• If you can't find Aji Amarillo peppers, you can substitute with a combination of yellow bell pepper and a small amount of habanero pepper for heat.
• Serve the Anticuchos with a side of Peruvian-style roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
• If using metal skewers, be cautious as they can get very hot during grilling.
• To achieve a smokier flavor, you can grill the beef skewers over charcoal instead of a gas grill.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Peruvian Beef Skewers as an appetizer or as a main course alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Drizzle the Aji Amarillo Sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve with a small bowl of the vibrant Aji Amarillo Sauce. The bright yellow color of the sauce against the charred beef will create an enticing visual appeal.