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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

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.

Questions

How long does Cuy Chactado keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Cuy Chactado?

Yes. As written it serves 2. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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