Chorizo sausage is a flavorful and spicy delight that can elevate any meal, whether it’s breakfast tacos, hearty stews, or a sizzling skillet dinner. But if you’re wondering how do you cook chorizo sausage to get that perfect balance of juiciness, spice, and texture, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the best methods to cook chorizo, tips for getting it just right, and ideas on how to enjoy it.
What Is Chorizo?
Before diving into cooking, it’s helpful to know that there are two main types of chorizo:
– Mexican chorizo: Usually sold raw and fresh, this chorizo is spicy and crumbly, often packed in plastic casings that are not edible. It needs to be cooked thoroughly before eating.
– Spanish chorizo: This is a cured, dried sausage that can be eaten as is or cooked lightly. It has a smoky flavor and firmer texture.
Knowing which type you have will affect how you cook it.
How Do You Cook Chorizo Sausage? Three Easy Methods
1. Cooking Fresh Mexican Chorizo (Ground or Links)
Mexican chorizo is raw and must be cooked through. Here’s how to do it:
– In a skillet: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic if you like, then add the chorizo. Break it apart with a spatula or fork as it cooks. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until the meat is browned and no longer pink. The higher heat helps the chorizo brown nicely without swimming in grease.
– Grilling links: If you have chorizo links, grill them over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. Turn them every few minutes with tongs to get an even golden-brown color. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F to be safe.
– Roasting: You can also sear chorizo links in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 4 minutes per side until browned and crisp, then finish cooking them in the oven if needed.
2. Cooking Spanish Chorizo
Since Spanish chorizo is cured, it doesn’t need long cooking:
– Slice the chorizo into rounds.
– Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
– Add the chorizo slices and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
– You can also sauté it with onions and peppers for a tasty dish.
3. Making Your Own Chorizo Sausage
If you want to get adventurous, making chorizo at home is rewarding. Use pork shoulder with good fat content, mix with spices like paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and vinegar, then stuff into casings. After refrigerating overnight to dry the casings, cook as you would fresh chorizo.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chorizo
– Don’t overmix the meat when making chorizo to keep it tender.
– Cook aromatics first (onions and garlic) over medium heat to avoid burning, then add chorizo and increase heat for browning.
– Break up ground chorizo as it cooks for even texture.
– Use a meat thermometer if grilling links to ensure they reach 160°F.
– Avoid poking too many holes in sausage casings to prevent drying out.
– Add a splash of vinegar after cooking ground chorizo for a nice tang and flavor balance.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Cooked Chorizo
– Breakfast: Serve cooked chorizo with scrambled eggs or in breakfast burritos.
– Tacos: Use browned chorizo as a filling with fresh salsa and cilantro.
– Rice and beans: Mix chorizo into rice dishes for a smoky, spicy kick.
– Stews and soups: Add cooked chorizo to soups or stews for depth of flavor.
– Sautéed with veggies: Cook sliced chorizo with peppers and onions for a quick skillet meal.
Storage and Reheating
Cooked chorizo keeps well in the fridge for 3-5 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove for best flavor and texture, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. You can also freeze cooked chorizo for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Chorizo sausage is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that’s simple to cook once you know the basics. Whether you’re grilling links, sautéing ground meat, or experimenting with homemade recipes, the key is to cook it thoroughly and enjoy the rich spices that make chorizo so special.
Enjoy your chorizo cooking adventure!