25 Authentic Peruvian Dinner Recipes

Sharing is caring!

These 25 authentic Peruvian dinner recipes are worth prescribing because of their rich nutrient content. Each dish combines proteins, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet.

Many recipes include superfoods native to Peru, such as ají peppers (high in vitamins A and C), yellow potatoes (rich in antioxidants), and various herbs that offer medicinal properties.

1. LOMO SALTADO

 

(4 servings)

The taste is literally everything, it’s giving savory-sweet-tangy vibes with juicy meat, and those crispy fries soaking up all that saucy goodness are straight fire

Ingredients + costs (total ~$35):

• 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced ($15)
• 3 red onions, sliced thicc ($2)
• 3 plum tomatoes, wedges ($2)
• 2 cups french fries ($3)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce ($1)
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar ($2)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil ($1)
• 1 ají amarillo paste ($3)
• 2 cups white rice ($1.50)
• Fresh cilantro ($1)
• Salt & pepper ($0.25)

Cook time: only 30 mins.

Instructions:

• First things first, get your rice cooking in another pot, you’ll need it
• Heat that oil until it’s low key smoking in a large wok or skillet
• Season those beef strips with salt and pepper and sear them for like 5 mins until they’re serving brown realness
• Take the meat out and in the same pan throw those onions and garlic  let them do their thing for 3 mins
• Add tomatoes and cook for another 2 mins. We want them soft but not mushy, period
• Mix in the soy sauce, vinegar, and ají amarillo paste
• Put the meat back in with any juices bc that’s where the flavor is at
• Add those hot french fries right at the end
• Top with fresh cilantro and serve over rice.

2. AJÍ DE GALLINA

(6 servings)

It’s creamy, slightly spicy, and the shredded chicken is giving tender juicy excellence

Ingredients + costs (total ~$40):

• 2 lbs chicken breast ($12)
• 6 yellow potatoes ($3)
• 4 slices white bread ($2)
• 1 cup milk ($1)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese ($4)
• 4 yellow peppers (ají amarillo) ($6)
• 1 onion ($1)
• 4 cloves garlic ($0.50)
• 1/2 cup walnuts ($5)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs ($1)
• 10 black olives ($2)
• Fresh parsley ($1)
• 2 cups cooked white rice ($1.50)
• Salt & pepper ($0.25)

Cook time: About 1 hour, it needs patience for this slay

Instructions:

• Boil the chicken with some salt until fully cooked (25 mins)
• Meanwhile soak that bread in milk,  let it get soggy
• Blend the yellow peppers (remove seeds first unless you want it spicy)
• In a pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent
• Blend the bread mixture with walnuts and cheese until smooth
• Shred that chicken when it’s done
• Mix everything in the pan, the pepper paste, bread mixture, and shredded chicken
• Let it simmer until it’s thick and creamy (about 15 mins)
• Serve over boiled potatoes, topped with egg slices, olives, and parsley
• Rice on the side because we’re not playing.

3. CEVICHE

(4 servings)

It’s tangy, fresh, spicy, and the fish is giving butter-soft realness with that perfect citrus punch.

Ingredients + costs (total ~$32):

• 1 lb fresh white fish (sea bass/halibut) ($18)
• 8 limes for juice ($4)
• 2 red onions, sliced thin ($2)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50)
• 1-2 habanero peppers ($1)
• 1 cup cooked corn ($1)
• 1 sweet potato ($1.50)
• Fresh cilantro ($1)
• Salt & pepper ($0.25)
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced ($1)
• Ice-cold water ($0)

Cook time: 25 mins (plus 15 mins marinating)

Instructions:

• Slice that fish into even cubes, purr
• Soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 mins to remove bitterness
• Boil sweet potato, slice when done
• Mix fish with lime juice, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger
• Let it marinate for exactly 15 mins – we’re not trying to overcook it
• Drain those onions and mix into the fish
• Add chopped cilantro and habanero to taste
• Serve with sweet potato slices and corn
• Sip the leche de tigre (juice) after if you’re feeling extra.

4. ARROZ CON PATO

(6 servings)

The flavor? Immaculate. Dark beer makes it rich, cilantro gives that fresh moment, and the duck is literally falling off the bone.

Ingredients + costs (total ~$45):

• 1 whole duck, cut into pieces ($25)
• 3 cups rice ($2)
• 2 bottles dark beer ($6)
• 2 cups cilantro ($2)
• 4 garlic cloves ($0.50)
• 1 red onion ($1)
• 2 tbsp ají amarillo paste ($3)
• 1 cup peas ($1.50)
• 1 cup corn ($1)
• Cumin, salt, pepper ($1)
• Stock ($2)

Cook time: Period, this takes 90 mins

Instructions:

• Blend cilantro with beer, garlic, and ají – that’s your base
• Season duck with salt, pepper, cumin
• Sear duck until skin is golden (15 mins)
• In same pot, cook onions until soft
• Add rice, stir to coat with those duck fat moments
• Pour in cilantro mixture and stock
• Add duck back, simmer covered (45 mins)
• Throw in peas and corn at the end
• Let it rest 10 mins before serving (no skips)

5. CHUPE DE CAMARONES

(6 servings)

It’s the creamiest, richest seafood soup you’ll ever try, straight facts no printer.

Ingredients + costs (total ~$42):

• 1 lb large shrimp ($18)
• 2 cups rice ($1.50)
• 4 potatoes ($3)
• 2 corn on cob ($2)
• 1 cup peas ($1.50)
• 4 eggs ($2)
• 1 cup heavy cream ($3)
• 1 onion ($1)
• 4 garlic cloves ($0.50)
• Oregano, salt, pepper ($1)
• Ají panca paste ($3)
• Stock ($2)
• Fresh cheese ($4)

Cook time: 1 hour of pure slay

Instructions:

• Sauté onion, garlic in pot
• Add ají panca, oregano
• Pour in stock, add rice and potatoes
• When half-cooked, add corn and peas
• Add shrimp near the end
• Crack eggs directly into soup
• Finish with heavy cream
• Top with fresh cheese

6. ANTICUCHOS

(4 servings)

Not your average skewer.  It‘s tender, spicy, and the marinade ate and left no crumbs.

Ingredients + costs (total ~$25):

• 1 lb beef heart ($8)
• 4 tbsp ají panca paste ($4)
• 3 garlic cloves ($0.50)
• Cumin, oregano ($1)
• Red wine vinegar ($3)
• Vegetable oil ($1)
• Salt & pepper ($0.25)
• Potatoes for serving ($3)
• Corn for serving ($2)
• Wooden skewers ($1)

Cook time: 30 mins (plus overnight marinade)

Steps:

• Clean heart, remove fat, cube it
• Mix marinade ají, garlic, spices, vinegar
• Marinate overnight for max flavor
• Thread onto skewers
• Grill 3-4 mins each side
• Serve with boiled potatoes and corn
• That’s it bestie, you slayed

7. ROCOTO RELLENO

(4 servings)

Spicy on the outside, savory on the inside, and the cheese pull?

Ingredients + costs (total ~$30):

• 4 rocoto peppers ($8)
• 1/2 lb ground beef ($6)
• 1/2 lb ground pork ($6)
• 1 onion ($1)
• 2 garlic cloves ($0.50)
• Raisins ($2)
• Cheese slices ($3)
• Milk ($1)
• Eggs ($2)
• Salt & pepper ($0.25)

Cook time: 1 hour of iconic behavior

Steps (period):

• Soak rocotos in water/milk mixture
• Cook meat with onions, garlic
• Add raisins to meat mixture
• Drain peppers, remove seeds
• Stuff with meat mixture
• Top with cheese
• Bake until cheese melts

Serve immediately, no choice.

8. CARAPULCRA

(6 servings)

The dried potatoes hit different. Rich, meaty, and low key addictive

Ingredients + costs (total ~$35):

• Dried potatoes ($10)
• Pork belly ($12)
• Peanuts ($3)
• Ají panca ($3)
• Onion ($1)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Cloves, cinnamon ($2)
• Stock ($2)
• Salt & pepper ($0.25)

Cook time: 2 hours but worth every second

Steps (the moment):

• Toast dried potatoes
• Sear pork until golden
• Make peanut paste
• Sauté onions, garlic, spices
• Add everything to pot
• Simmer until meat tender
• Potatoes should be soft
• Season to taste, bestie

9. SECO DE CORDERO

(6 servings)

The cilantro sauce is everything, and that lamb? Butter soft and flavor packed

Ingredients + costs (total ~$40):

• 2 lbs lamb ($25)
• 2 cups cilantro ($2)
• Beer ($3)
• 2 onions ($2)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Ají amarillo ($3)
• Cumin ($1)
• Peas ($1.50)
• Potatoes ($2)

Cook time: 2 hours of pure excellence

Steps (slay the day):

• Blend cilantro into paste
• Brown meat in chunks
• Cook onions until soft
• Add cilantro paste, beer
• Simmer until tender
• Add potatoes, peas
• Serve when potatoes done
• Rice on the side, obvi

10. PAPA A LA HUANCAÍN

(6 servings)

The sauce? Creamy dreams. Spicy but make it luxe

Ingredients + costs (total ~$25):

• Yellow potatoes ($4)
• Queso fresco ($5)
• Saltine crackers ($2)
• Ají amarillo ($3)
• Onion ($1)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Evaporated milk ($3)
• Lettuce leaves ($2)
• Black olives ($2)
• Eggs ($2)

Cook time: 30 mins to serve looks

Steps (it’s giving easy):

• Boil potatoes until tender
• Blend cheese, crackers, ají
• Add milk until smooth
• Season to taste, bestie
• Slice potatoes when cool
• Arrange on lettuce
• Pour sauce over
• Top with eggs, olives

Serve cold, as you should.

11. CAUSA RELLEN

(6 servings)

Cold potato perfection. It’s giving layers of flavor, creamy avocado moment, and that yellow potato situation is everything.

Ingredients + costs (total ~$30):

• 2 lbs yellow potatoes ($6)
• 2 cans tuna ($8)
• 2 avocados ($5)
• Lime juice ($2)
• Ají amarillo paste ($3)
• Mayo ($2)
• Red onion ($1)
• Hard-boiled eggs ($2)
• Black olives ($1)

Cook time: 45 mins + chill time

Steps (the blueprint):

• Boil potatoes until tender
• Mash with ají paste, lime juice
• Mix tuna with mayo, onion
• Layer in mold: potato, tuna, avo
• Chill for 2 hours minimum
• Unmold onto serving plate
• Garnish with eggs, olives
• Serve cold, no other way

12. ARROZ CON MARISCOS

(6 servings)

It’s seafood rice but make it Peruvian, the flavors are unmatched.

Ingredients + costs (total ~$45):

• Mixed seafood ($20)
• Rice ($2)
• Ají panca ($3)
• Beer ($3)
• Peas ($1.50)
• Red pepper ($2)
• Onion ($1)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Cilantro ($1)
• White wine ($8)
• Stock ($2)

Cook time: 45 mins of pure magic

Steps (we’re about to slay):

• Sauté onions, garlic, pepper
• Add ají panca paste
• Toast rice until fragrant
• Add wine, let it reduce
• Pour in stock, beer
• Add seafood near end
• Finish with peas, cilantro
• Let rest 5 mins before serving

13. ESCABECHE DE PESCADO

(4 servings)

The pickled vibes hit different. It’s tangy, spicy, and the fish stays serving

Ingredients + costs (total ~$28):

• White fish fillets ($15)
• Red onions ($2)
• Vinegar ($3)
• Ají amarillo ($3)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Bay leaves ($1)
• Oregano ($1)
• Carrots ($1)
• Flour ($1)
• Oil ($1)

Cook time: 30 mins + marinate overnight

Steps (the method):

• Flour and fry fish until golden
• Sauté onions, carrots
• Add vinegar, spices
• Pour over fried fish
• Let marinate overnight
• Serve room temp next day
• Garnish with fresh herbs
• Side of sweet potato, iykyk

14. TALLARINES VERDES

(4 servings)

Peruvian pesto understood the assignment – creamy, fresh, and totally addictive

Ingredients + costs (total ~$25):

• Spaghetti ($3)
• Spinach ($3)
• Basil ($3)
• Evaporated milk ($3)
• Queso fresco ($5)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Onion ($1)
• Bread ($2)
• Parmesan ($4)

Cook time: 30 mins, no cap

Steps (the tea):

• Cook pasta al dente
• Blend greens with cheese
• Add milk until smooth
• Sauté garlic and onion
• Mix sauce with pasta
• Top with extra cheese
• Serve immediately
• Watch it disappear bestie

15. CUY CHACTADO

(4 servings)

Traditional delicacy – crispy outside, tender inside, served with all the sides.

Ingredients + costs (total ~$50):

• Guinea pig ($30)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Cumin ($1)
• Ají panca ($3)
• Oil ($1)
• Potatoes ($3)
• Corn ($2)
• Mint ($2)
• Hot peppers ($2)

Cook time: 1 hour of traditional excellence

Steps (respectfully):

• Marinate meat with spices
• Press under heavy stone
• Heat oil until very hot
• Fry until super crispy
• Serve with corn, potatoes
• Garnish with mint, peppers
• Add hot sauce on side
• It’s giving authentic vibes

16. TACU TACU

(4 servings)

Beans and rice but make it luxe – crispy outside, creamy inside, pure comfort

Ingredients + costs (total ~$20):

• Leftover rice ($1)
• Canary beans ($3)
• Onion ($1)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Cumin ($1)
• Oil ($1)
• Eggs ($2)
• Plantains ($3)
• Hot sauce ($2)

Cook time: 30 mins to perfection

Steps (the moment):

• Mash beans with rice
• Season with spices
• Form into patties
• Pan fry until crispy
• Fry eggs sunny side up
• Serve with plantains
• Add hot sauce to taste
• Chef’s kiss bestie

17. PACHAMANCA

(8 servings)

Earth oven realness – the flavors are literally insane

Ingredients + costs (total ~$60):

• Mixed meats ($30)
• Potatoes ($5)
• Sweet potatoes ($4)
• Corn ($3)
• Broad beans ($3)
• Herbs ($5)
• Banana leaves ($3)
• Hot peppers ($2)
• Huacatay ($5)

Cook time: 3 hours but worth it

Steps (ancient vibes):

• Marinate meats overnight
• Heat stones until hot
• Layer ingredients
• Cover with leaves
• Cook in earth oven
• Steam will indicate done
• Uncover carefully
• Serve family style

18. SUDADO DE PESCADO

(4 servings)

Steamed fish but make it Peruvian – the broth is everything

Ingredients + costs (total ~$30):

• White fish ($15)
• Tomatoes ($3)
• Onions ($1)
• Cilantro ($1)
• Beer ($3)
• Lime ($2)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Ají amarillo ($3)
• Cassava ($2)

Cook time: 30 mins of steamy goodness

Steps:

• Layer veggies in pot
• Place fish on top
• Add beer, seasonings
• Steam until done
• Don’t overcook bestie
• Serve with cassava
• Add lime juice
• That’s the tea

19. OLLUQUITO CON CHARQUI

(4 servings)

The texture combo is everything, dried meat meets tender tubers

Ingredients + costs (total ~$35):

• Olluco tubers ($15)
• Charqui ($10)
• Onion ($1)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Ají panca ($3)
• Stock ($2)
• Herbs ($2)
• Salt & pepper ($0.25)

Cook time: 45 mins to slay

Steps (trust):

• Slice Ollucos thin
• Rehydrate charqui
• Sauté onions, garlic
• Add ají panca
• Mix in Ollucos
• Add stock, simmer
• Season to taste
• Serve with rice obvi

20. ARROZ CHAUFA

(6 servings)

Peruvian-Chinese fusion that ate and left no crumbs

Ingredients + costs (total ~$25):

• Day-old rice ($1)
• Pork/chicken ($8)
• Eggs ($2)
• Green onions ($1)
• Ginger ($1)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Soy sauce ($2)
• Sesame oil ($3)
• Chinese chives ($2)

Cook time: 20 mins of fusion excellence

Steps (the blueprint):

• Heat wok until smoking
• Scramble eggs first
• Cook meat until done
• Stir fry rice
• Add sauces, eggs
• Mix in green onions
• Season to taste
• Serve immediately bestie

21. PESCADO A LO MACHO

(4 servings)

This seafood moment is literally everything – crispy fish crowned with creamy seafood sauce that’s giving main character energy

Ingredients + costs (total ~$45):

• White fish fillets ($15)
• Mixed seafood ($15)
• Ají panca paste ($3)
• Heavy cream ($3)
• White wine ($4)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Onion ($1)
• Flour ($1)
• Oil ($1)
• Lime ($1)

Cook time: 45 mins of pure slay

Steps (the moment):

• Season fish, coat in flour
• Fry fish until golden
• Make sauce with wine, cream
• Cook seafood in sauce
• Add ají panca
• Pour sauce over fish
• Garnish with lime
• Serve with rice bestie

22. ESTOFADO DE POLLO

(6 servings)

The chicken is giving tender excellence and that sauce? She understood the assignment

Ingredients + costs (total ~$30):

• Chicken pieces ($12)
• Potatoes ($3)
• Carrots ($2)
• Peas ($1.50)
• Red wine ($5)
• Tomato paste ($2)
• Bay leaves ($1)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Onion ($1)
• Stock ($2)

Cook time: 1 hour of comfort food realness

Steps (no skips):

• Brown chicken pieces
• Sauté veggies until soft
• Add wine, let it reduce
• Mix in tomato paste
• Add stock, simmer
• Throw in potatoes
• Add peas at end
• Season to perfection

23. PARIHUELA

(4 servings)

It’s seafood soup but make it luxe – spicy, rich, and literally healing

Ingredients + costs (total ~$50):

• Mixed seafood ($25)
• Fish heads for stock ($5)
• Ají panca ($3)
• Ají rocoto ($3)
• White wine ($4)
• Tomatoes ($2)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Ginger ($1)
• Cilantro ($1)
• Lime ($1)

Cook time: 1 hour of seafood excellence

Steps (the blueprint):

• Make fish stock first
• Sauté aromatics
• Add ají pastes
• Pour in wine, reduce
• Add stock, simmer
• Cook seafood in order
• Season, add lime
• Garnish with cilantro

24. PICANTE DE CUY

(4 servings)

Traditional dish that hits different – spicy, nutty, and totally unique

Ingredients + costs (total ~$45):

• Guinea pig ($30)
• Ground peanuts ($3)
• Ají panca ($3)
• Yellow potatoes ($3)
• Garlic ($0.50)
• Onion ($1)
• Stock ($2)
• Mint ($1)
• Rice ($1)

Cook time: 1.5 hours of cultural excellence

Steps (respectfully):

• Cut meat into portions
• Make peanut paste
• Blend with ají panca
• Brown meat pieces
• Add sauce, simmer
• Cook until tender
• Serve with potatoes
• Garnish with mint

25. JALEA MIXTA

(6 servings)

Fried seafood platter serving crispy excellence with that zingy sauce.

Ingredients + costs (total ~$55):

• Mixed seafood ($30)
• Fish fillets ($12)
• Yuca ($3)
• Corn ($2)
• Flour ($1)
• Lime ($1)
• Red onions ($1)
• Cilantro ($1)
• Hot peppers ($2)
• Oil for frying ($2)

Cook time: 45 mins of frying perfection

Steps (the serve):

• Make salsa criolla first
• Season seafood well
• Coat in seasoned flour
• Fry until golden crisp
• Drain on paper towels
• Fry yuca until crispy
• Top with salsa

Serve with lime wedges

Conclusion

From the coastal ceviche to the highland pachamanca, each dish tells a story while nourishing our bodies.

Their unique combinations of proteins, fresh vegetables,

And whole grains make them ideal for anyone seeking a balanced diet.