Tacu Tacu
Tacu Tacu is a classic Afro-Peruvian dish, a savory cake made from leftover rice and beans, pan-fried until golden and crispy. It's a hearty and flavorful way to transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal, often served for breakfast or as a main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked rice(Day-old, cold rice works best as it's drier and holds its shape better.)
- 1 cup Cooked beans(Black beans or pinto beans are traditional. Ensure they are well-drained.)
- 1/2 medium Yellow onion(Finely chopped.)
- 2 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 1 tablespoon Ají amarillo paste(Adjust to your spice preference. This Peruvian yellow chili paste adds a unique fruity heat.)
- 2-3 tablespoons Vegetable oil or neutral oil(For sautéing and frying.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 4 large Eggs(For topping, fried sunny-side up or over easy.)
- for serving Salsa Criolla(Optional, but highly recommended for authentic flavor. Typically made with thinly sliced red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of ají amarillo.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the flavor base: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat (about 175°C / 350°F). Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ají amarillo paste, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Combine and mash: Add the cooked rice and cooked beans to the skillet with the onion mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, gently mash the rice and beans together. You want to break down some of the beans to help bind the mixture, but leave some whole for texture. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Form and fry the tacu tacu cakes: Divide the rice and bean mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a thick patty or cake, about 1 inch thick. Wipe out the skillet if necessary, or use a clean one. Add the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 190°C / 375°F). Carefully place the tacu tacu cakes into the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crispy on the exterior. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 4
Fry the eggs and serve: While the tacu tacu cakes are frying, fry the eggs in a separate pan to your desired doneness (sunny-side up or over easy is traditional). Once the tacu tacu cakes are crispy and golden, carefully remove them from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Place one tacu tacu cake on each plate. Top each with a fried egg. Serve immediately, optionally with a side of fresh Salsa Criolla.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the crispiest tacu tacu, ensure your rice and beans are cold and relatively dry. Day-old ingredients are ideal.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even crisping.
- ✓The ají amarillo paste is key to the authentic flavor. If unavailable, a small amount of other mild chili paste can be substituted, but the flavor profile will differ.
- ✓Tacu Tacu is a wonderful way to use up leftovers and is considered a staple of Afro-Peruvian comfort food.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve topped with lomo saltado (stir-fried beef strips).
- Add shredded chicken or seafood to the rice and bean mixture before frying.
- Incorporate other vegetables like finely chopped bell peppers or corn into the mixture.