# Charcoal-Kissed Anticuchos (Peruvian Beef Heart Skewers)
*Bold, mineral-rich beef hearts seared over high heat with a smoky chili glaze.*

## Headnote
If you have ever walked the streets of Lima at twilight, the scent of *anticuchos*—smoke, vinegar, and toasted chilies—is what pulls you toward the flickering charcoal grills of the street vendors. Beef heart is the ultimate carnivore’s secret: it possesses the deep, metallic soul of a dry-aged ribeye but with the lean, muscular texture of a filet mignon. Because it is an active muscle, it lacks the "mushy" quality people often fear in organ meats; instead, it offers a satisfying, clean snap when bitten.

The secret to this recipe lies in the marinade. The acidity of the red wine vinegar doesn't just flavor the meat; it breaks down the dense fibers, ensuring the skewers remain tender through a blistering sear. Do not be tempted to cook these past medium-rare. Like a good steak, beef heart toughens significantly if overexposed to heat. You want a charred, crusty exterior and a juicy, purple-pink center.

**Prep time:** 30 min (plus 4–12 hours marinating)
**Cook time:** 10 min
**Total time:** 40 min (active)
**Yield:** 4 servings
**Difficulty:** Medium

## Ingredients
**For the Skewers:**
* 2 lbs beef heart, trimmed of all white silverskin and external fat
* 12–16 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 1 hour

**For the Marinade:**
* 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
* 3 tbsp Aji Panca paste (Peruvian mild smoky red chili paste)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced into a fine paste
* 1 tbsp dried oregano, crushed between your palms
* 1 tsp ground cumin
* 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
* 2 tsp kosher salt
* 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as avocado or grapeseed)

**For the Basting Oil:**
* Reserved marinade
* 2 tbsp neutral oil

## Method
1. Slice the trimmed beef heart into uniform 1-inch cubes or thin 1x2-inch rectangular strips.
2. Whisk together the red wine vinegar, Aji Panca paste, garlic, oregano, cumin, pepper, and salt in a large glass bowl.
3. Slowly stream in the 1/4 cup of neutral oil while whisking until the marinade is emulsified and thick.
4. Submerge the beef heart pieces in the marinade, tossing to ensure every surface is coated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight (up to 12 hours) provides the best texture and depth.
6. Thread 3 to 4 pieces of meat onto each soaked bamboo skewer, piercing them through the center so they sit flat.
7. Prepare a charcoal grill for high-heat direct grilling; the coals should be glowing red with a thin layer of grey ash.
8. Pour the leftover marinade from the bowl into a small saucepan and whisk in the additional 2 tablespoons of oil for basting.
9. Place the skewers directly over the hottest part of the coals. 
10. Sear the first side for 2–3 minutes until the edges are blackened and the meat releases easily from the grate.
11. Flip the skewers and liberally brush the charred side with the basting oil using a pastry brush.
12. Grill the second side for another 2 minutes until the meat feels springy to the touch but still has a slight "give" (medium-rare).
13. Remove from the heat immediately and let the skewers rest on a warm platter for 3 minutes before serving.

## Variations
**The Spicy Kick:** Increase the heat by adding 1 tablespoon of Aji Amarillo paste (yellow chili) or 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a sharper, brighter sting.
**The Cast-Iron Method:** If a grill isn't available, heat a cast-iron griddle until wisps of smoke appear. Sear the skewers in batches to avoid crowding the pan, which would cause the meat to steam rather than char.
**Herb-Forward Variation:** Replace the cumin and Aji Panca with a chimichurri-style marinade using 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, and red pepper flakes.

## Storage & Reheating
Anticuchos are best enjoyed immediately from the grill. If you have leftovers, slide the meat off the wooden skewers and store in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, flash-sear the pieces in a hot skillet with a teaspoon of butter for 60 seconds; do not use a microwave, or the meat will become rubbery.

## Pairing Suggestion
Serve these skewers alongside a cold glass of sparkling water with lime to cut through the richness and mineral intensity of the heart.