What is chorizo? It’s sausage. It’s delicious. Just about everyone loves chorizo right? Read more Chorizo nutrition facts below!
However, it can be difficult to navigate the various types of Chorizo and figure out when and how to use them. Here are ten things you need to know about chorizo.
Chorizo Nutrition Facts!
1. It’s Pork-Based
Chorizo, a spicy chopped or ground pork sausage that is used in Mexican and Spanish cuisines, can be described as chorizo. Mexican chorizo is made from fresh, uncooked pork while Spanish chorizo is typically smoked.
2. It’s spicy
Mexican chorizo is usually seasoned with vinegar, chile peppers, and Spanish chorizo with garlic and pimenton (Spanish-smoked paprika that can be sweetened or hot). This gives Spanish chorizo its brick-red color, and smokey flavor. (Authentic Spanish, deeply smoky and tangy chorizo is a revelation–but there’s also nothing like a spicy, beautifully greasy-in-the-best-way chorizo taco.)
3. Chorizo is available in Semi-Cooked or Fully-Cooked versions
The United States offers Spanish chorizo in two forms. It can be prepared fully cooked and dried (to be sliced as salami/pepperoni) or fully cooked, soft (semicured). La Tienda offers both hot and mild versions.
4. Mexican Chorizo and Spanish Chorizo are not interchangeable
Mexican chorizo and Spanish Chorizo have very distinct flavors, and behave differently. They are not interchangeable in recipes, people. Anya von Bremzen, a culinary expert, says that you should not substitute semi-cured chorizo for fresh chorizo. However, you can use dry chorizo in its place if you have it.
5. Chorizo and eggs are not the only options
Chorizo is a well-known ingredient at breakfast tables. It can be used with eggs and chorizo. You can serve it as an hors-d’oeuvre with Manchego or olives. It can be crisped and tossed into salads, especially spinach. For a hearty meal, you can warm it up and add it to any pasta with olives, dried chile flakes, and kale. You can also think of it as a seasoning: Render the paprika-and-garlic-rich fat and it can flavor anything from braised green beans to seared cod to dull cannellini.
Here are some of our favourite ways to cook Chorizo, which showcases the versatility of the sausage.
Also, read Pho Nutrition Facts | Is Pho Healthy?
Antipasto Pasta With Sausage, Artichoke Hearts and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Chorizo Bolognese and Buffalo Mozzarella
- Brussels Sprout Leaves With Chorizo and Toasted Almonds
- Cornbread, Chorizo and Cherry Stuffing
- Charred Octopus Taco With Harissa, Chorizo Crushed Potatoes, And Picked Ramps
- Chorizo Lemon Butter
- Grilled Chorizo and Goat Cheese Pita Pizzas
- Breakfast Tacos with Chorizo and Scrambled eggs
- One-pot Chicken and Chorizo
- Calzones with Chorizo, Kale and Chorizo
- Sheet Pan Paella with Chorizo and Mussels.
- Image may include Dish Food Meal or Plant
- You can also make beer-steamed mussels and spicy chorizo to enhance the flavor of the broth. Photo by Chelsea Kyle. Food styling by Joanna Keohane
6. Before cooking with Chorizo, remove the outer wrapper
This tip is for those who are new to cooking with Chorizo: Before you start cooking, remove the casing.
7. Chorizo lasts for 1-2 weeks
Are you curious about how long your Chorizo will last? It can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks. It is good for one week after being sliced.
8. Chorizo is not a health food
Chorizo, as delicious as it may be, is high in calories, fat, and high in sodium. However, it is low in carbs and can be used as a part of a ketogenic diet.
9. Chorizo originated in Catalonia
Scholars believe that Chorizo originated in Catalonia. Chorizo is used in Mexican and Spanish cuisines, as well as Portuguese, Puerta Rican and Panamanian cooking.
10. It’s so good, there’s even a vegan version
Soyrizo, a vegan version of spicy pork sausage, is so popular that vegans created it.
