Tacacho with cecina is a traditional dish from Peruvian cuisine, originating in the jungle region of the country and widely enjoyed across all its regions. The recipe for tacacho with cecina varies depending on the region, but it essentially consists of a portion of cecina, a type of dried meat...

Tacacho with Jerky recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
1hr

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 tacacho ball with cecina and chorizo)
  • jerky
    jerky
    1kg
  • chorizo
    chorizo
    500g
  • green plantains
    green plantains
    6
  • pork lard
    pork lard
    100g
  • diced and fried bacon
    diced and fried bacon
    4tbsp

How to make Tacacho with Jerky

Roast the Plantains

  1. Step 1

    Grill the green plantains over hot coals until they are cooked through. Once roasted, peel them using a sharp knife.

Mash the Plantains

  1. Step 1

    Mash the roasted plantains until they form a smooth purée. Add salt to taste, pork lard, and the diced and fried bacon, mixing thoroughly.

Cook the Cecina and Chorizo

  1. Step 1

    In a skillet, fry the cecina and chorizo, both cut into medium-sized pieces, until golden brown.

Form the Tacacho Balls

  1. Step 1

    Using the mashed plantains, shape them into balls and set them aside.

Presentation

  1. Step 1

    Once the cecina and chorizo are golden and cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels to absorb excess grease. Serve the tacacho balls alongside the cecina and chorizo for a complete dish.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

1816.7kcal (90.83%)

Protein

78.3g (100%)

Carbs

3.3g (1.21%)

Sugars

0.8g (1.66%)

Healthy Fat

91.8g

Unhealthy Fat

50.8g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a smokier flavor, grill the plantains over charcoal instead of using a regular grill.

  2. If you can't find cecina, you can substitute it with prosciutto or another type of dried meat.

  3. Make sure to mash the plantains while they are still warm for easier handling and smoother texture.

FAQS

  1. Can I use ripe plantains instead of green plantains?

    No, green plantains are essential for this recipe as they provide the starchy texture needed for the tacacho balls.

  2. What is cecina?

    Cecina is a type of dried and salted meat, similar to prosciutto, commonly used in Peruvian cuisine.

  3. Can I prepare this dish without pork lard?

    Yes, you can substitute pork lard with vegetable oil or butter, but the traditional flavor may be slightly altered.

  4. Is this dish gluten-free?

    Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.

  5. Can I make tacacho balls ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the tacacho balls in advance and reheat them before serving.

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