Grilled Beef Heart Skewers with Peruvian Marinade

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef heart, cut into 1-inch cubes 500g (1.1 lb) beef heart, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons aji panca paste 2 tablespoons aji panca paste
• 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

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 2g (Sugars: 0g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, red wine vinegar, aji panca paste, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the beef heart cubes to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Allow the meat to marinate 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 heart cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Grilled Beef Heart Skewers hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and accompanied by traditional Peruvian sauces such as aji amarillo or huacatay.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef Heart — Make sure to trim any excess fat and tough membranes from the beef heart before cutting it into cubes. This will ensure a more tender and flavorful result.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find aji panca paste, you can substitute it with a mixture of smoked paprika and a small amount of cayenne pepper for a similar smoky and spicy flavor.
• Soaking the wooden skewers in water before grilling will prevent them from burning during cooking.
• Serve the Grilled Beef Heart Skewers with a side of Peruvian corn and a refreshing salsa criolla for a complete Peruvian dining experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Beef Heart Skewers as a main course alongside traditional Peruvian sides such as white rice, boiled potatoes, and a fresh salad. The skewers can also be enjoyed as part of a larger Peruvian feast, accompanied by other classic dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Grilled Beef Heart Skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve them with the wooden skewers intact to add a rustic touch to the presentation. Pair the dish with vibrant Peruvian sauces and condiments to enhance the visual appeal.