Authentic Mexican Chorizo Sausage
This homemade Authentic Mexican Chorizo Sausage brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right into your kitchen. Unlike many store-bought varieties that use beef byproducts, this recipe exclusively calls for ground pork, ensuring a richer and more satisfying taste. Infused with a delightful blend of New Mexico chiles and aromatic spices, this fresh sausage is full of flavor and perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you're adding it to breakfast burritos, stirring it into stews, or sautéing it for a scrumptious side, this chorizo will elevate your meals with its bold, spicy essence. Make a batch and keep it conveniently wrapped in the freezer to have a flavorful ingredient ready to enhance any meal any day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Pork
2 lbs (raw)
Dried New Mexico Chiles (or Mild Red Chiles)
3 large (broken into pieces)
Dried Chile de Arbol
4 small (whole)
Boiling Water
1/4 cup (for soaking)
Garlic
8 cloves (minced)
Dry Oregano Leaves
2 tablespoons (dried)
Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons (ground)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Dark Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon (packed)
Cider Vinegar
4 tablespoons (liquid)
Tequila
2 tablespoons (liquid)
Salt
3 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Mexican Chorizo?
Authentic Mexican Chorizo is a fresh, highly seasoned ground meat sausage, typically made with pork, vinegar, and a variety of dried chiles and spices.
What type of meat is used in this chorizo recipe?
This specific recipe uses two pounds of ground pork to ensure a richer and more satisfying taste compared to varieties using beef byproducts.
Which dried chiles are required for this recipe?
You will need 3 large dried New Mexico chiles (or mild red chiles) and 4 small dried chile de arbol.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 cloves of minced garlic to provide a robust, aromatic flavor.
Is this Mexican chorizo spicy?
Yes, it has a bold, spicy essence thanks to the inclusion of four dried chile de arbol peppers.
Can I freeze this homemade chorizo?
Absolutely. This chorizo is freezer-friendly and can be conveniently wrapped and stored to enhance future meals.
What role does cider vinegar play in the recipe?
Four tablespoons of cider vinegar are used to provide the signature tang and help preserve the fresh sausage.
Why is tequila included in the ingredients?
Two tablespoons of tequila are added to infuse the meat with traditional Mexican flavor and depth.
Is there sugar in this chorizo recipe?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of packed dark brown sugar to balance the heat and acidity of the chiles and vinegar.
What spices are needed for the seasoning blend?
The blend includes dry oregano leaves, ground cumin, fresh ground black pepper, and salt.
How do I prepare the dried chiles?
The New Mexico chiles should be broken into pieces and soaked in 1/4 cup of boiling water to soften them before use.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 teaspoons of salt, though this can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What are the best ways to serve Mexican chorizo?
It is perfect for breakfast burritos, stirring into stews, or sautéing as a flavorful side dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients total, including the meat, chiles, liquids, and spices.
Is this a cured sausage or a fresh sausage?
This is a fresh sausage recipe, meaning the meat is seasoned but remains raw and must be cooked before eating.
Can I substitute the New Mexico chiles?
Yes, you can use other mild red chiles if New Mexico chiles are unavailable.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of pork, but the specific serving size and nutritional information are not fixed, as it depends on how you divide the batch.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of dry oregano leaves.
What makes this version 'authentic'?
It is considered authentic because it uses whole dried chiles, traditional spirits like tequila, and avoids the fillers often found in commercial varieties.
Can I use ground beef instead of pork?
While this recipe specifically calls for ground pork for a richer taste, you could technically use ground beef, though the flavor profile will change.
How do I use the boiling water mentioned in the ingredients?
The 1/4 cup of boiling water is specifically for soaking the dried chile pieces to rehydrate them.
Is the chile de arbol prepared differently than the New Mexico chiles?
The recipe suggests keeping the 4 small chile de arbol whole while breaking the larger New Mexico chiles into pieces.
What is the preparation style for the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the pork mixture.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce the number of chile de arbol peppers to lower the heat level.
How much cumin is in the mix?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
What kind of vinegar is best for chorizo?
Cider vinegar is recommended for this recipe to provide the necessary acidity and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
With high protein and fat from the pork and minimal sugar, it is generally keto-friendly, though it contains 1 teaspoon of brown sugar for the entire 2 lb batch.
Should I use fresh or ground black pepper?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper for the best flavor.
What is the best way to store it in the freezer?
It is best to wrap the chorizo tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags, perhaps in smaller portions for easy use.
How long does the preparation take?
The recipe is a 'fresh' style, so once the chiles are soaked and everything is mixed with the pork, it is ready to be cooked or frozen immediately.