12 Irresistible Peruvian Dishes That Feel 5-Star — All for Less Than $10!

 

🍽️ Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Beef Stir Fry with Fries and Rice)

Imagine the comforting sizzle of marinated beef strips tossed with onions and tomatoes, kissed by soy sauce, and served over golden fries with rice. This dish feels like a warm welcome home, blending bold Peruvian flavors with Chinese influence in a way that soothes the soul. Perfect for slow evenings when you want something hearty yet easy to pull together. Let the aroma bring calm into your kitchen and the taste remind you that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef (or 2 frozen beef patties, thawed and sliced)

• 1 cup frozen onion and pepper blend

• 1 medium tomato, sliced into wedges

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional)

• 2 cups cooked white rice

• 1½ cups frozen fries

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro (optional)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the frozen fries according to package instructions and keep them warm.

2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, sauté the onion and pepper blend for 3–4 minutes. Add the tomato wedges and cook gently.

4. Return the beef to the pan, add soy sauce and vinegar, and toss everything together. Let it heat through for another 2–3 minutes.

5. Serve over warm rice with a side of fries. Garnish with cilantro if desired.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

Frozen fries, frozen onions and peppers, white rice, soy sauce

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Add a splash of red wine vinegar while stir-frying and top with fresh chopped cilantro to brighten the dish beautifully.

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🍽️ Aji de Gallina (Creamy Peruvian Chicken Stew)

Creamy, comforting, and full of character—Aji de Gallina is Peru’s version of comfort food at its finest. Tender shredded chicken is enveloped in a golden, silky sauce made from bread, milk, and cheese, with a gentle heat that warms the soul. It's the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, curl up, and savor the richness of tradition in every bite. This is one of those dishes that feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket at the end of a long day.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 1 can (12.5 oz) chicken, drained and shredded

• 2 slices white sandwich bread

• ½ cup shelf-stable milk

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese or blend

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

• ½ cup frozen chopped onions

• 1 clove garlic (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)

• 2 tbsp chopped canned jalapeños (as a substitute for aji amarillo)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 boiled eggs, sliced (optional)

• 2 cups cooked white rice

🍳 Instructions:

1. Soak the bread in milk until softened. Blend or mash into a smooth paste.

2. In a saucepan, heat oil and sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add the jalapeños and cook for another minute.

3. Stir in the milk-soaked bread and cook gently, stirring until it thickens.

4. Add shredded chicken and cheese, mixing until creamy and heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve over warm white rice and top with sliced boiled eggs for a traditional touch.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

Canned chicken, white bread, shelf-stable milk, parmesan blend, frozen onions, canned jalapeños, white rice

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Blend in roasted yellow peppers or a splash of evaporated milk for extra richness, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil for a smooth, elegant finish.

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🍽️ Papa a la Huancaína (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce)

Soft, tender potatoes covered in a creamy, spicy cheese sauce… this dish is a quiet celebration of simple ingredients turned luxurious. Served chilled or warm, it's a perfect appetizer or light meal that brings balance, brightness, and comfort. This is a dish to enjoy slowly, with peaceful music and a grateful heart.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled

• ½ cup shelf-stable milk

• ¼ cup grated parmesan or cheddar blend

• 4 saltine crackers (or similar)

• 2 tbsp chopped canned jalapeños

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 clove garlic (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)

• Salt to taste

• Optional: lettuce leaves and sliced boiled eggs for serving

🍳 Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine milk, cheese, crackers, jalapeños, mayonnaise, and garlic. Blend until smooth.

2. Slice the boiled potatoes and arrange over a bed of lettuce.

3. Pour the sauce over the potatoes and garnish with sliced boiled eggs if desired.

4. Chill before serving or serve slightly warm.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

Potatoes, canned jalapeños, shelf-stable milk, crackers, mayonnaise

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Add a squeeze of lime juice and use queso fresco or feta for a richer, more authentic flavor.

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🍽️ Arroz Chaufa (Peruvian Fried Rice)

Peru’s version of fried rice is quick, delicious, and deeply satisfying. It’s the perfect use for leftover rice and comes together in one pan, giving you a chance to wind down while something delicious simmers. It’s easy, comforting, and ideal for quiet nights at home.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked white rice

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup frozen pepper and onion blend

• 1 can chicken or shrimp (drained)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: green onions or cilantro

🍳 Instructions:

1. In a hot skillet, scramble the eggs and remove from pan.

2. Sauté pepper/onion blend until soft. Add drained chicken or shrimp.

3. Add rice, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce. Stir until hot and combined.

4. Season with salt, pepper, and top with green onions or cilantro.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

White rice, eggs, canned chicken or shrimp, frozen onion/pepper blend, soy sauce

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Drizzle with sesame oil and add sliced scallions for added aroma and depth.

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🍽️ Causa Rellena (Layered Peruvian Potato Salad)

This beautiful, chilled potato dish is layered with tuna or chicken and kissed with lemon and avocado. It’s creamy, zesty, and stunning to look at—perfect for warm days or moments when you need a light, uplifting bite. Slow down and serve this with intentional joy.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 1 pack instant mashed potatoes

• ½ tsp turmeric or yellow food color

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 can tuna or chicken

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 small avocado, sliced

• Salt and pepper to taste

🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare mashed potatoes as directed. Add lemon juice, salt, and turmeric. Let cool.

2. Mix tuna or chicken with mayonnaise.

3. In a cup or mold, layer half the potato, filling, then top with remaining potato.

4. Chill and unmold. Serve topped with avocado slices.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

Instant mashed potatoes, canned tuna or chicken, mayonnaise, lemon juice

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Add chopped olives or use fresh mashed yellow potatoes for a traditional flair.

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🍽️ Anticuchos (Peruvian Grilled Skewers)

Bold, smoky, and full of flavor, anticuchos are street food perfection. Whether grilled or pan-seared, these meat skewers offer a moment of indulgence that's easy to make at home. Enjoy them hot off the pan with something cool to sip, and unwind with each juicy bite.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 2 frozen beef patties, thawed and cut into cubes

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Skewers

🍳 Instructions:

1. Combine vinegar, spices, and beef. Marinate for 20 minutes.

2. Skewer the meat and grill or pan-sear on medium heat until cooked through.

3. Serve with boiled potatoes or dipping sauce.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

Frozen beef patties, vinegar, skewers, spices

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Brush skewers with a smoky pepper sauce while grilling for depth and color.

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🍽️ Tallarines Verdes (Peruvian Pesto Pasta)

Creamy green spaghetti made with spinach and cheese? Yes, please. This Peruvian twist on pesto is both refreshing and comforting, offering a moment of peace in every twirl. Serve with garlic toast or grilled chicken for a dinner that feels fancy but stays simple.

🧂 Ingredients:

• ½ lb spaghetti

• 1 cup frozen spinach

• ¼ cup shelf-stable milk

• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

• 1 clove garlic

• 2 tbsp oil or butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and drain.

2. Blend spinach, milk, cheese, garlic, and oil into a smooth sauce.

3. Warm sauce in a pan and toss with cooked spaghetti. Season and serve.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

Spaghetti, frozen spinach, shelf-stable milk, parmesan blend

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Add fresh basil and walnuts to the blend for a deeper, earthy flavor.

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🍽️ Peruvian Chicken Empanadas

Golden, flaky, and filled with seasoned chicken and savory extras—these empanadas are handheld pockets of happiness. They’re perfect for cozy dinners or for sharing with friends on a relaxed weekend afternoon. The aroma from the oven alone feels like comfort and celebration.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 1 can chicken, drained

• ½ cup chopped olives

• 1 boiled egg, chopped

• ½ tsp cumin

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 pack biscuit dough or pie crust dough

• Salt and pepper to taste

🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Mix chicken, mayo, olives, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper.

3. Roll out dough and fill with 1–2 tbsp of mixture. Fold, seal edges with fork.

4. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

Canned chicken, biscuit or pie dough, olives, mayo, eggs

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Brush the tops with egg wash and dust lightly with smoked paprika before baking.

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🍽️ Chupe de Pollo (Peruvian Chicken Chowder)

This creamy soup is rich, soothing, and full of depth. With rice, corn, potatoes, and shredded chicken, it’s the type of meal that brings both nourishment and emotional warmth. Take your time sipping this one slowly—it’s designed to comfort.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 1 can chicken

• ½ cup white rice

• 1 medium potato, diced

• ½ cup frozen corn

• 1½ cups milk

• 1 tbsp oil

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

• Optional: poached egg or parsley

🍳 Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat oil and sauté potatoes and corn for 3–4 minutes.

2. Add rice and 2 cups of water. Simmer until rice and potatoes are tender.

3. Add chicken, milk, seasonings. Simmer 5–7 minutes.

4. Serve hot with an optional poached egg on top.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

Canned chicken, white rice, frozen corn, potatoes, shelf-stable milk

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Top with a soft-boiled egg and chopped parsley or mint for freshness.

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🍽️ Lentejas Guisadas (Peruvian Stewed Lentils)

Simple, filling, and full of heart—these lentils are a daily staple in Peruvian homes. Cooked with onions, tomato, and spices, they’re gentle and grounding. Pair with rice and enjoy every bite as a slow moment of self-care.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown lentils

• ½ cup frozen onion/pepper blend

• 1 clove garlic

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1 tbsp oil

• 2 cups water or broth

• Salt, cumin, and pepper to taste

• Cooked white rice for serving

🍳 Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat oil and sauté onion, garlic, and pepper blend.

2. Add lentils, tomatoes, and water. Simmer until lentils are tender (30–35 min).

3. Season to taste and serve over rice.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

Brown lentils, canned tomatoes, frozen onion/pepper blend, rice

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Add a splash of red wine vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

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🍽️ Peruvian Fish Escabeche

A bright, tangy dish that features flaky fish topped with marinated onions—this is comfort food with a citrusy kick. It’s simple to make and feels like a fresh sea breeze in your kitchen. Perfect for reflective moments or when you want something vibrant yet gentle.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 2 frozen fish fillets

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tbsp oil

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooked rice or sweet potatoes for serving

🍳 Instructions:

1. Bake or pan-fry fish until cooked through.

2. In a pan, sauté onions in oil, then add vinegar, paprika, and seasonings.

3. Pour warm onion mixture over fish and serve with rice or sweet potatoes.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

Frozen fish fillets, onion, vinegar, rice, sweet potatoes

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Marinate onions in lime juice and serve over roasted sweet potato rounds for added depth.

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🍽️ Pollo a la Brasa-Inspired Chicken

Inspired by Peru’s iconic rotisserie chicken, this oven-baked version is smoky, juicy, and bursting with flavor. It's a celebration of bold spices and simplicity, served best with a side of rice, fries, and a creamy green sauce. Let the oven do the work while you take a moment to unwind.

🧂 Ingredients:

• 4 chicken drumsticks or thighs

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp mayo

• 2 tbsp canned jalapeños or green sauce base

• Juice of ½ lime

🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Season chicken with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake 30–40 minutes until golden.

3. Blend mayo, jalapeños, and lime for sauce.

4. Serve chicken with rice, fries, and sauce on the side.

🛒 Dollar Tree Finds:

Chicken pieces, garlic powder, paprika, mayo, canned jalapeños, rice

🌟 Gourmet Twist:

Add cumin and vinegar to the marinade and roast with lemon slices for extra aroma.