How Long to Cook Chorizo

How long to cook chorizo in a pan on the stove or in the oven. This seasoned pork takes only a few minutes for Mexican or Spanish chorizo. Served with eggs, inside tacos, in bean soup or paella it is a popular sausage roll style meat with tons of flavor.

How Long Does Chorizo Take to Cook

Chorizo is a highly flavorful and spicy sausage that originates from the Iberian Peninsula in Spain and Portugal. It has also become popular in many other parts of the world, including Latin America and the United States. This comes in various forms and can be made from different types of meat, but it is most commonly associated with pork.

It takes about 8 minutes once it has been broken down into small chunks in your cast iron skillet. There are two methods for cooking chorizo though. You can bake it in the oven broken up too like our Ground Beef in Oven which is handy if you’re baking something else on a sheet pan with it. Since it is pork you do need to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 160 degrees F before serving and eating it.

How to Know When Chorizo is Done?

Mexican chorizo will turn from its raw pinkish-red color to a deep reddish-brown when it’s fully cooked. It should also have a crumbly texture and no longer appear raw or greasy. Spanish chorizo is already fully cooked when purchased, so it only needs to be heated through.

A few minutes of heating in a pan, Cooking Sausage in Oven or incorporating it into a recipe is sufficient as it just needs to be warmed to your liking.

How Long to Cook Chorizo in Pan?

Known for its bold and spicy flavor. It is often seasoned with paprika, garlic, chili peppers, and other spices that give it a distinctive taste and aroma. You could in fact make this in casings yourself if you had the time and desire. You’d follow this homemade chorizo recipe if you want to go all the way….

It can have a soft, crumbly texture (such as Mexican chorizo) for our Chorizo Taco Recipe or a firmer texture (such as Spanish chorizo). Mexican is typically ground, while Spanish is often sliced. Ranging in color from bright red to deep red, this aspect depends on the type of paprika and chili peppers used in the seasoning.

• If your chorizo has a casing, slice and remove it and discard. 
• Place the meat in a large skillet over medium high heat.
• With a spatula, break it up into small chunks as it cooks. 
• Be sure to stir frequently so that meat does not burn. 

Continue to cook for 8-10 minutes (depending on how large your chunks are) or until it has more of a brown color and is crumbly (similar to ground beef, but smaller crumbles). It should no longer be wet or sticky. Should reach 160 F. when done.

Chorizo Nutrition Facts

Mexican Chorizo (Raw, Cooked) is as follows. Of course brands will vary slightly depending on the fat content etc. but typically this holds true;

• Serving Size: 2 ounces (57 grams) cooked
• Calories: Approximately 170-180 calories per serving
• Protein: Approximately 8-10 grams
• Total Fat: Approximately 14-16 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 5-7 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 1-2 grams

Spanish Chorizo is cured sausage and a bit higher in calories, but higher in protein a bit. All of these amounts will vary depending on the brand you bought, whether you added oil to your pan, and is a bit unlikely you would measure out 1 ounce unless it is already portioned out as such.

• Serving Size: 1 ounce (28 grams)
• Calories: Approximately 130-150 calories per serving
• Protein: Approximately 6-7 grams
• Total Fat: Approximately 11-13 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 4-5 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-3 grams
• Fiber: Minimal

How to Cook Chorizo in a Pan

You can see the printable recipe card below to follow. Remember that one is precooked and the other, this one, Mexican style is raw and should be sauted until at a safe temperature. Then add into Crockpot Haluski which is what we love, add into quesadillas, add into soups, stews, and here are a few other ideas;

What can you make with chorizo?

1. Air Fryer Empanadas wrap this meat into a savory pastry. Its spicy and savory flavor pairs well with other ingredients like potatoes, onions, and cheese.
2. Chorizo and Eggs is a classic breakfast dish, where crumbled chorizo is cooked with scrambled eggs, creating a spicy and satisfying breakfast.
3. Chorizo Tacos are a popular street food in many regions. The chorizo is often paired with fresh salsa, cilantro, onions, and lime for a burst of flavor.
4. Paella has this meat as a key ingredient in paella, a traditional rice dish. It adds depth of flavor and a rich, smoky quality to the dish.
5. Chorizo Soup or stew is great, as well as making inside our Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup or lentil dishes.
6. Chorizo and Cheese Platter served as a flavorful and spicy accompaniment to various cheeses.
7. At the beginning of the day, this is how to cook chorizo and eggs together.

Chorizo Beans

This is a popular dish in America. I would use our Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe. Cooking meat on as directed and fold in when both are done to incorporate.

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