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Cuy Chactado

A classic Andean fried guinea pig marinated with garlic, chili, and cumin, pressed flat under a heavy weight for exceptionally crispy skin.

50 minMediumServes 2620 cal/serving

PeruvianDinnerStovetopHigh ProteinLow CarbGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 whole dressed guinea pig, flattened
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp aji amarillo paste
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup fine cornmeal
  • 2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp aji amarillo paste, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper in a bowl to form a smooth paste.

  2. 2

    Rub paste thoroughly over 1 flattened whole dressed guinea pig and rest for 15 minutes.

  3. 3

    Coat 1 flattened whole dressed guinea pig with 1/2 cup fine cornmeal on all sides, shaking off excess.

  4. 4

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

  5. 5

    Fry 1 flattened whole dressed guinea pig skin side down under a heavy weight for 12 minutes per side until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

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Questions

What is Cuy Chactado?

A classic Andean fried guinea pig marinated with garlic, chili, and cumin, pressed flat under a heavy weight for exceptionally crispy skin. This reference files it under Peruvian dinner: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 50 minutes start to finish.

What internal temperature should Cuy Chactado reach?

For Cuy Chactado, the target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What can I use instead of aji amarillo in Cuy Chactado?

The entry for Cuy Chactado calls for 2 tbsp aji amarillo paste. In its place: Blend a roasted orange or yellow bell pepper with a little habanero or serrano. It approximates both the fruitiness and the heat.

Is Cuy Chactado keto-friendly?

A serving of Cuy Chactado carries 14 g of carbohydrate, 1 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 70 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 14 percent.

How much protein is in Cuy Chactado?

One serving (the recipe makes 2) has 52 g of protein in about 620 calories, alongside 14 g carbohydrate and 40 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 680 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list. More like it: the high-protein dinner collection.

Serve it with

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