Tacu Tacu

  • Total Time - 20 minutes
  • Prep Time - 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time - 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Peru
A rich plate of Tacu Tacu, a fried patty of rice and beans, often served with steak and a fried egg.

Tacu Tacu is an iconic Peruvian dish of rice and beans that is a perfect example of how leftovers can be used to create a culinary masterpiece. The name Tacu Tacu is onomatopoeic, coming from the sound made when the dish is mixed in the pan. This makes the dish not only delicious but also an integral part of Peruvian culture.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Tacu Tacu

  • 2 cups cold cooked beans, mashed
  • 1 cup cold cooked rice
  • 1 pc onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon aji amarillo paste (or other spicy paste)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Base

In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and browned. Add the garlic and aji amarillo paste and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Creating the Mixture

Add the cooked beans to the pan and mash them thoroughly with a fork to form a thick paste. Add the cold rice and stir until both ingredients are perfectly combined. The mixture should be firm enough to be shaped into a patty. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3: Frying the Patties

Shape the rice and bean mixture into patties with a diameter of about 10-12 cm. In the same pan, heat the remaining oil. Carefully place the patties in the pan and fry on each side for about 5-7 minutes until a golden and crispy crust forms on the surface.

Step 4: Serving

Serve the finished Tacu Tacu hot, preferably with a slice of fried meat or egg. It is also traditionally served with salsa criolla.