Anticuchos
Anticuchos are a traditional Peruvian street food consisting of small, marinated and grilled beef heart skewers, often served with potatoes and a spicy aji sauce. The dish is a staple of Peruvian cuisine, particularly popular in coastal regions like Lima, and has roots in both indigenous and Spanish culinary traditions.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Anticuchos are a high-protein, low-carb dish, with the beef heart providing a rich source of iron, B vitamins, and lean protein. A typical serving of two skewers with accompaniments contains roughly 300-400 calories, depending on portion size and added sauces.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 6.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 9.1 mg |
| Phosphorus | 290 mg |
| Selenium | 22 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, anticuchos are a beloved street food that reflects Peru's fusion of indigenous Andean ingredients with Spanish influences, and they are often enjoyed as a late-night snack or festive food. Nutritionally, beef heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat, offering more iron and B12 than many common muscle meats.
