Pacumutu
Pacumutu is a popular Bolivian dish consisting of marinated meat (beef and/or chicken) and vegetables threaded onto skewers and grilled or pan-fried. It's often seasoned with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, and spices, making it a delicious and versatile option.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Beef sirloin or tenderloin (cubed)
- 250 g Chicken thighs or breast (cubed)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper (cubed)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper (cubed)
- 1 medium Red onion (cut into wedges)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- to taste Salt
- as needed Wooden or metal skewers
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
- 2
Marinate the meats: Add the cubed beef and chicken to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- 3
Prepare the vegetables: Cut the bell peppers and red onion into bite-sized pieces suitable for skewering.
💡 Tip: Ensure vegetable pieces are roughly the same size as the meat cubes for even cooking. - 4
Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated meat and vegetable pieces alternately onto the skewers. Leave a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
- 5
Cook the pacumutu: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 6
Alternatively, pan-fry: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook the skewers in batches, turning, until done. You can also remove the meat and vegetables from the skewers and stir-fry them in the pan.
- 7
Serve: Serve the pacumutu hot, often with a side of rice, yuca, or a fresh salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Don't overcrowd the skewers; leave space for even cooking.
- ✓Marinating time can be adjusted based on how much flavor you want.
- ✓Ensure the grill or pan is hot before adding the skewers for a good sear.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini.
- Include chorizo sausage on the skewers.
- Some recipes use a marinade with a touch of honey or brown sugar for a slight sweetness.