Chorizo sausage is a flavorful, spicy delight that can elevate any meal from breakfast to dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, learning how to cook chorizo properly will unlock a world of delicious possibilities. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking chorizo sausage, with easy steps and tips to get it just right.
What Is Chorizo Sausage?
Before diving into cooking, it’s good to know that chorizo comes in two main varieties:
– Mexican chorizo: This is usually fresh, raw, and sold in casings or loose. It’s highly seasoned with chili powder, paprika, garlic, and other spices. It needs to be cooked thoroughly before eating.
– Spanish chorizo: This type is cured, smoked, and often ready to eat without cooking. It can be sliced and added to dishes or lightly heated.
This guide focuses mainly on cooking Mexican-style chorizo, which is the kind you’ll often find in raw sausage form and need to cook before eating.
How to Cook Chorizo Sausage: Step-by-Step
1. Choose Your Chorizo
Pick fresh Mexican chorizo links or loose ground chorizo from your grocery store. If you have links, you can cook them whole or remove the casing and crumble the meat as it cooks.
2. Prepare Your Cooking Tools
You’ll need:
– A skillet or frying pan
– Tongs or a wooden spoon
– A thermometer (optional but helpful)
3. Cooking Whole Chorizo Links
Pan-Cooking Method:
– Heat a pan over medium heat. Avoid high heat to prevent burning the outside before the inside cooks through.
– Add about 6 tablespoons of water to the pan along with the chorizo links.
– Cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning the links frequently to cook evenly.
– Remove the lid and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the chorizo is golden brown.
– Check the internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Grilling Method:
– Preheat the grill to medium heat.
– Grill the chorizo links for about 15-20 minutes, turning every few minutes until browned and cooked through.
4. Cooking Ground Chorizo
If you have loose chorizo or want to remove the casing from links:
– Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if desired (chorizo releases its own fat).
– Squeeze the chorizo out of its casing if needed and add it to the pan.
– Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
– Stir frequently and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
– Optionally, add diced onions, garlic, or other veggies for extra flavor as it cooks.
Tips for Perfect Chorizo Cooking
– Cook slowly over medium or low heat to allow the flavors to develop and prevent burning.
– Add a little water when cooking links to keep them moist and prevent sticking.
– Don’t over-poke the casing if cooking links; a few small holes are enough to release steam and avoid bursting.
– Use a meat thermometer to check doneness if unsure. The safe internal temperature is 160°F (71°C).
– Drain excess fat if you want a leaner dish after cooking ground chorizo.
Serving Ideas for Cooked Chorizo
Chorizo is incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:
– Scrambled with eggs for a spicy breakfast
– In tacos, burritos, or quesadillas
– Mixed into chili or soups for added depth
– Served with sautéed onions and peppers
– Added to pasta sauces or rice dishes
– Stuffed into empanadas or burgers
Bonus: Making Your Own Chorizo
If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade chorizo is surprisingly easy to make. It involves mixing ground pork (preferably fatty cuts like pork shoulder) with spices like paprika, cumin, garlic, and chili powder. After seasoning, you can stuff it into casings or cook it loose. This way, you control the flavor and spice level perfectly.
Chorizo sausage is a delicious ingredient that’s easy to cook once you know the basics. Whether you prefer it grilled, pan-fried, or crumbled, following these simple steps will ensure your chorizo is flavorful and perfectly cooked every time.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with chorizo!