From the Streets of Lima: A Bold & Garlicky Sautéed Kidney (Riñones Saltado)

Details
A quick, fiery sauté that transforms humble kidneys into a garlicky, unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
For serving: French fries and cooked white rice
Instructions
Prepare the Kidney
The key to delicious kidneys is proper cleaning. First, remove the outer membrane and trim away any white parts from the center of the kidney. Slice the kidney into bite-sized pieces or strips. Place the pieces in a bowl and cover with water, the 1/2 cup of vinegar, and a generous pinch of salt. Let them soak for at least 2 hours, though some recipes suggest up to 4 hours to effectively remove the strong odor. After soaking, rinse the kidneys thoroughly under cold water several times until the water runs clear, then pat them dry.
Sauté the Kidney
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat with a small amount of oil. Once very hot, add the kidney pieces and sauté quickly for just a minute or two until they change color. Do not overcook them, as they will become tough. Remove the kidneys from the pan and set them aside.
Cook the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and heat over medium heat. Add the onion, minced garlic, ají panca paste, ají amarillo paste, and ají amarillo strips. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion begins to soften. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
Combine and Finish
Add the bay leaf and the remaining tablespoon of vinegar to the skillet, stirring to combine. Return the sautéed kidneys to the pan. Toss everything together for about a minute, just long enough to heat the kidneys through and coat them in the sauce. The goal is to keep the onions crisp.
Serve
Remove the bay leaf, stir in the fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately. This dish is traditionally served hot with a side of fluffy white rice and crispy french fries.
Recipe reviews
Leave a review
Sign in to share your review.
Reviews
More recipes

Authentic Doro Wat Recipe (A Rich & Spicy Ethiopian Stew)
Ready for a truly memorable meal? This Doro Wat recipe delivers the heart and soul of Ethiopian cooking to your table. A rich, spicy, and deeply savory chicken stew, it’s famous for a reason. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender in a luscious sauce of slow-cooked onions, garlic, and aromatic berbere spice. Perfect for a dinner party or a cozy night when you crave something extraordinary.

Authentic Turkish Haydari Recipe (The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Meze)
Stop scrolling. This is the creamy, tangy, intensely garlicky Turkish dip you've been dreaming of since your last holiday. Haydari is the queen of the meze table for a reason. Made from thick, strained yogurt, sharp garlic, and fresh dill, it’s a deceptively simple, no-cook recipe that feels both incredibly fresh and deeply indulgent. Perfect for scooping up with warm pita, serving alongside grilled meats, or just eating with a spoon when no one is looking.

