🍳 Peruvian Tacu Tacu - 3 Ways to Prepare It | Afro-Peruvian Tradition

🇵🇪 Peruvian Tacu Tacu - Afro-Peruvian Tradition with 3 Variations

Tacu Tacu is one of the most emblematic dishes of Afro-Peruvian cuisine. It originated on the coast of Peru as a way to use up leftovers, where families would mix rice and beans from the previous day to create something new and delicious.

Its name comes from the Quechua word "taku taku," meaning "mixture" or "scrambled." What began as a humble dish has become a classic of Peruvian cuisine, now served in the finest restaurants.

📦 MAIN INGREDIENTS (Available in our kit)

✨ INGREDIENTS IN OUR KIT:

• 🫘 El Plebeyo Black Beans 500g - Available in our store!
• 🌶️ La Latina Yellow Chili Paste 225g - Available in our store!
• 🧄 Sibarita Garlic 250g - Available in our store!
• ✨ Ajinomoto 100g - Available in our store!

Save time and money with our complete Coastal Tacu Tacu Kit

Includes all 4 essential ingredients at a special price

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🍚 OTHER NECESSARY INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups of cooked white rice (leftovers are best)
• 2 cups of cooked black beans
• 1 chopped onion
• Vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

To accompany (depending on the variant):

• 🍳 Eggs (for fried egg)
• 🍗 Grilled chicken
• 🥩 Steak
• 🥗 Creole sauce (red onion, tomato, lemon, cilantro)
• 🌶️ Green chili pepper

👨🍳 PREPARATION OF THE TACU TACU BASE:

Step 1: Prepare the dressing

In a large bowl, mix the cooked black beans with 2 tablespoons of yellow chili paste, 1 tablespoon of garlic paste, a pinch of MSG, salt, and pepper. Lightly mash the beans with a fork.

Step 2: Mix with the rice

Add the cooked rice to the beans and mix well until fully combined. The mixture should be compact.

Step 3: Form the tortilla

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Form a large tortilla with the rice and bean mixture, pressing firmly to compact it.

Step 4: Brown

Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside. The secret is not to move it too much so that a golden crust forms.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the pan and serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

🍽️ 3 WAYS TO SERVE IT:

1️⃣ TACU TACU WITH FRIED EGG 🍳 (Traditional)

The most authentic and popular form

Preparation:

• Fry an egg leaving the yolk runny.
• Place the egg on top of the tacu tacu
• Serve with Creole sauce

Perfect for: Breakfast or lunch
Level: Easy
Time: 20 minutes

2️⃣ TACU TACU WITH GRILLED CHICKEN 🍗 (Premium)

The restaurant version

Preparation:

• Serve the tacu tacu on a plate
• Add juicy grilled chicken
• Serve with fries
• Serve with sauces (green chili, huancaína)

Perfect for: A special lunch or dinner
Level: Intermediate
Time: 30 minutes

3️⃣ TACU TACU WITH STEAK 🥩 (Classic)

The classic of Peruvian restaurants

Preparation:

• Prepare a breaded or grilled steak
• It's served over tacu tacu.
• Serve with Creole sauce and white rice (optional)

Perfect for: Lunch or dinner
Level: Intermediate
Time: 25 minutes

💡 CHEF'S SECRETS:

• 🍚 Rice from the day before: Cold rice compacts better and becomes crispier
• 🫘 Well-drained beans: They shouldn't have too much liquid so that the tacu tacu remains firm.
• 🔥 Medium-high heat: To achieve the perfect golden crust
• 🧈 Enough oil: Don't be afraid to use oil, it's what makes it crispy
• ⏰ Don't move it too much: Let it brown well on one side before flipping.
• 🌶️ Yellow chili pepper: It is the ingredient that gives it its characteristic flavor
• 🧄 Garlic: Essential for the flavor of the dressing
• 💪 Compact well: Press the mixture firmly so that it does not crumble
• 🍳 Runny yolk: If you serve it with egg, the yolk should be runny to mix.
• 🥗 Creole sauce: The perfect accompaniment that adds freshness

🇵🇪 AFRO-PERUVIAN TRADITION:

Tacu Tacu is a symbol of Afro-Peruvian culinary creativity. Families on the Peruvian coast transformed leftovers into a delicious and nutritious dish. Today, it's a classic served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and every family has its own special version.

The use of black beans is traditional on the coast, especially in Lima, where the Afro-Peruvian influence is strongest. The contrast of the dark tacu tacu with the yellow egg or golden chicken makes it visually appealing and delicious.

Enjoy this classic of Afro-Peruvian cuisine in the comfort of your own home!