Smoky Chorizo Rice Bowl with Zesty Cilantro-Lime Infusion
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Smoky Chorizo Rice Bowl. Featuring a rich and savory chorizo made right at home, this dish beautifully balances the smokiness of the sausage with the fresh brightness of cilantro-lime rice. Each bite offers a delightful combination of spices that warms the soul without overwhelming the palate. Perfect for any meal, this customizable rice bowl allows you to top it off with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile option for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend lunch. Savor the taste of Chipotle's famous chorizo while enjoying the freshness of home-cooked ingredients in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Paprika
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Hot Paprika
2 teaspoons (none)
Smoked Paprika
2 teaspoons (none)
Kosher Salt
2 tablespoons (none)
Dried Oregano
1/3 teaspoon (none)
Dried Chipotle Powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (fresh ground)
Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Granulated Garlic
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground Pork
2 lbs (none)
Red Wine Vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Water
3 cups (none)
Long-Grain Rice
1 1/2 cups (none)
Kosher Salt (for rice)
1 1/4 teaspoons (none)
Bay Leaf
1 (none)
Fresh Lime Juice
3 tablespoons (from one lime)
Fresh Cilantro
1/4 cup (washed thoroughly and roughly chopped)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Rice: In a medium-sized pot (2-3 quarts), combine 3 cups of water, 1 1/2 cups of long-grain rice, 1 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow it to boil uncovered until steam holes appear in the rice and the surface grains appear dry, about 8 minutes.
2
Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Let the rice cook for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the moisture to be absorbed. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
3
After resting, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
4
Prepare the Chorizo: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet paprika, hot paprika, smoked paprika, kosher salt, dried oregano, dried chipotle powder, black pepper, ground cumin, onion powder, and granulated garlic to create the Chorizo seasoning mix. Stir thoroughly until well combined.
5
Add 2 lbs of ground pork to the seasoning mix and mix gently with your hands or a spoon until the meat is evenly coated with the spices (be careful not to overmix).
6
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned ground pork to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat occasionally as it cooks. Allow it to brown evenly, cooking for approximately 12 to 15 minutes until fully cooked through.
7
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar to enhance the flavors.
8
Serve the smoky chorizo over a generous helping of cilantro-lime rice. Enjoy with your choice of toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, or shredded cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Smoky Chorizo Rice Bowl?
The main protein in this dish is ground pork, which is seasoned to create a homemade smoky chorizo.
Is the chorizo in this recipe store-bought or homemade?
The chorizo is made from scratch using ground pork and a blend of spices including three types of paprika, cumin, and chipotle powder.
What type of rice is recommended for this bowl?
The recipe calls for long-grain rice to achieve the best texture for the cilantro-lime infusion.
How do I prepare the cilantro-lime rice?
Cook the rice with a bay leaf and salt, then once steamed, fluff it and stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
What spices are used to flavor the homemade chorizo?
The seasoning includes sweet, hot, and smoked paprika, kosher salt, dried oregano, dried chipotle powder, black pepper, ground cumin, onion powder, and granulated garlic.
How long does it take to cook the ground pork chorizo?
The seasoned pork should be cooked in a large skillet over medium-high heat for approximately 12 to 15 minutes until fully cooked.
What is the purpose of adding red wine vinegar to the meat?
One tablespoon of red wine vinegar is stirred in after cooking to enhance and brighten the savory flavors of the chorizo.
Can I make this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is excellent for meal prep as the rice and chorizo store well and can be easily reheated.
What are some recommended toppings for this rice bowl?
Suggested toppings include diced tomatoes, fresh avocado, or shredded cheese to complement the smoky and zesty flavors.
How much water is needed for the rice?
You will need 3 cups of water for 1 1/2 cups of long-grain rice.
Do I need to cover the rice the entire time it cooks?
No, start by boiling it uncovered for about 8 minutes until steam holes appear, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
What kind of paprika should I use?
The recipe uses a specific combination of sweet paprika, hot paprika, and smoked paprika for a complex flavor profile.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish has a mild-to-moderate heat from the hot paprika and dried chipotle powder, balanced by the fresh lime and rice.
How much cilantro is used in the rice?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh, roughly chopped cilantro.
Should I wash the cilantro before using it?
Yes, the cilantro should be washed thoroughly before being chopped and added to the rice.
What is the role of the bay leaf in the recipe?
The bay leaf is added to the rice during the boiling process to provide a subtle aromatic base flavor.
Can I use granulated garlic instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses 1/4 teaspoon of granulated garlic for the chorizo seasoning.
How long should the rice rest after cooking?
After the 15-minute simmer, remove the pot from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
What should I do if the meat is sticking to the skillet?
Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and stir occasionally; the fat from the pork should help prevent sticking as it browns.
Is this recipe inspired by any specific restaurant?
The description mentions it allows you to enjoy the taste of Chipotle's famous chorizo at home.
How much lime juice is needed for the rice infusion?
Use 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, which is typically the amount found in one medium lime.
Can I substitute the pork with another meat?
While ground pork provides the traditional chorizo flavor, you could substitute it with ground turkey or beef if preferred.
What is the texture of the rice after following these instructions?
By letting it rest and fluffing with a fork, the rice should be light, airy, and well-separated rather than mushy.
Does the recipe require onion?
The recipe uses onion powder in the spice mix rather than fresh chopped onions.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is used both in the rice cooking water and in the chorizo seasoning mix.
Can I use dried cilantro?
Fresh cilantro is highly recommended for this recipe to provide the zesty, bright flavor required for the infusion.
How do I know when the rice is ready for the lid?
Wait until steam holes appear in the rice and the surface grains appear dry, which usually takes about 8 minutes.
What is the total amount of pork used?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of ground pork.
Is there cumin in the chorizo mix?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin is included in the seasoning blend.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, with a cooking time of about 25-30 minutes, it is a versatile option for a weeknight dinner.