Homemade Turkey Chorizo Recipe

"I make this often instead of buying regular pork chorizo, as it's healthier and lower in calories. If you have a meat grinder/sausage maker, use it. I don't, so I have to make due with my hands!"

Ingredients

Add to Shopping List

1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons vinegar

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon oregano (Mexican, if you can get it)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper, freshly cracked

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (123.6 g)
Calories 215.8
Total Fat - 14.7 g
Saturated Fat - 4 g
Cholesterol - 88.5 mg
Sodium - 401.8 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 1.9 g
Dietary Fiber - 1.2 g
Sugars - 0.2 g
Protein - 19.7 g
Calcium - 53.5 mg
Iron - 2.3 mg
Vitamin C - 0.2 mg
Thiamin - 0.1 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Place meat in a bowl. Add every following ingredient one at a time, stirring well with your hands after each addition.

Step 2

Once everything is incorporated, cover and store in fridge for at least 24 hours before using.

Step 3

I use this for breakfast burritos, tacos and savory stews/pozoles. Pan-fry it until it's nice and crispy.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

For best flavor, use freshly cracked pepper.
If Mexican oregano is not available, you can use regular oregano instead.

Ingredient substitutions

Ground chicken instead of ground turkey: This substitution is a great way to reduce the fat content of the chorizo and make it even healthier. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Smoked paprika instead of chili powder: This substitution will add a smoky, earthy flavor to the chorizo and give it a unique twist. The heat level will be slightly lower, but still flavorful.

Variations

Vegetarian Option Substitute the ground turkey with 1 pound of crumbled firm tofu and omit the salt.

Mexican Option Substitute the ground turkey with 1 pound of ground beef, and add 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the turkey mixture.

Serve with

Mexican Rice Pilaf: This flavorful side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the spicy turkey chorizo. The rice is cooked with onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomatoes, and cilantro, and then seasoned with a blend of Mexican spices. The dish is a great way to add a touch of Mexican flavor to your meal.

Black Bean Salad: This delicious black bean salad is a great way to add a fresh, healthy side dish to your meal. The salad is made with black beans, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing. It is the perfect complement to the Mexican Rice Pilaf, providing a crunchy and flavorful contrast to the spicy chorizo.

FAQ

Q: What is the best way to cook the turkey chorizo?

A: The best way to cook the turkey chorizo is to pan-fry it until it is nice and crispy.

Q: What is the difference between regular chorizo and turkey chorizo?

A: Regular chorizo is made from pork and is usually spicier and more flavorful than turkey chorizo, which is made from turkey and tends to be milder in flavor.