Looking to spice up your family meals? Look no further than a homemade chorizo taco recipe! Perfect for lunch or dinner, these flavorful delights offer a smoky, spicy kick that'll leave everyone's taste buds tingling.
Dive into our step-by-step guide to preparing this main dish and making sure every taco is packed with bold flavor. Plus, we'll cover some of the top tips and tricks to keep in mind along the way. Get ready to impress your loved ones with every savory bite and watch chorizo tacos become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Why a recipe for chorizo tacos is the ultimate family meal
Chorizo, a savory sausage renowned in Spanish and Mexican cooking, adds depth to any recipe with its appetizing flavor. Perfect for the whole family, this meal offers a delightful twist on a traditional taco night. Robust taste and simple preparation make this main dish ideal for busy households in search of a new mealtime adventure.
Even if you're a novice in the kitchen, you can rest assured that minimal ingredients and easy cooking methods mean you can whip up a chorizo taco recipe in no time. Plus, the versatility of tacos ensures everyone at the table can customize the meal to their preferences and find something to savor — making chorizo sausage tacos a surefire hit for family dinners.
How to make a chorizo tacos recipe
Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients for chorizo tacos
- 1 pack Hatfield® Chorizo Ground Sausage.
- 24 tortillas, corn or flour.
- 2 tsp. vegetable or olive oil.
- 1 large white onion, diced.
- 1 poblano pepper, diced.
- 2 Tbsp. chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced.
- 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream.
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco.
- 1 avocado, sliced.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped.
- 2 limes, cut into 12 wedges.
- Salsa verde, optional.
Preparing a homemade chorizo tacos recipe
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your vegetable or olive oil and let it heat up for a minute.
- Step 2: Add the diced onion, poblano pepper and chipotle pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften — about three to four minutes.
- Step 3: Add the ground chorizo sausage to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the chorizo mixture is browned and cooked through, or about eight to 10 minutes.
- Step 4: While the chorizo is cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel and microwaving them for about 30 seconds, or by heating them on a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Step 5: Once your spicy chorizo is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Step 6: To assemble the tacos, spoon some of the cooked chorizo onto each corn or flour tortilla. Top each taco with a dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream, crumbled queso fresco, sliced avocado and chopped cilantro.
- Step 7: Serve the tacos warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, and salsa verde if desired.
Ready to get started? Head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!
Essential tips for preparing chorizo taco recipes
Here are pro tips for perfect chorizo tacos every time:
- Prep ingredients first: Before getting started, be sure to chop all of your toppings and prepare your workspace. This will simplify the street taco-making process and minimize stress in the kitchen.
- Drain excess fat: After cooking chorizo, drain any excess fat to keep your tacos from becoming too greasy. This helps balance the flavors and ensures your tacos aren't weighed down by unwanted oil.
- Warm the tortillas: Whether microwaving or using a skillet, warm your flour or corn tortillas before assembling the tacos for the best texture and flavor. Warm tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them easier to fold and enjoy.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy chorizo tacos fresh off the skillet to savor their full flavor and prevent soggy tortillas. The crispy edges of the tortilla and the hot chorizo make for the ultimate taco experience!
- Add fresh lime: Don't forget to squeeze fresh lime juice over your tacos for a burst of citrusy freshness. Lime's acidity cuts through the richness of the chorizo for a better overall taste.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro and salsa to personalize your meal. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste, making each taco uniquely flavorful.
Chorizo taco recipe variations and toppings to try
Put your own spin on this street taco recipe by experimenting with different types of chorizo, from spicy to mild. Or, mix in other proteins like diced chicken or shrimp for a unique twist. Vegetarian options are also possible by substituting chorizo with seasoned tofu or mushrooms. You can even try swapping traditional tortillas for lettuce wraps or corn cups for a lighter alternative.
For toppings, get creative by adding creamy avocado or guacamole for a smooth texture and fresh cilantro and onions for a burst of flavor. Sweet and tangy pineapple salsa or mango salsa can bring a tropical twist, while shredded cabbage or crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch. Looking for a bit of heat and creaminess? Try chipotle sauce or a dollop of sour cream.
Customize your chorizo tacos to suit your family's tastes, and they'll be a hit every time!
How to store leftovers
- Store: Place leftover chorizo tacos in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
- Freeze: To freeze, wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Label with the date and freeze for up to two to three months.
- Reheat: When ready to eat, thaw frozen tacos overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave, oven or skillet until heated through.
The best sides to serve with chorizo tacos
Pair flavorful chorizo street tacos with:
- Mexican rice seasoned with tomatoes, onions and spices.
- Creamy refried beans.
- Charred and buttery grilled corn on the cob, seasoned with chili powder, lime and cotija cheese.
- Cilantro lime coleslaw.
- Guacamole made with ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions and lime juice.
- Pico de gallo made with diced tomato, onion, jalapeños, cilantro and lime juice.
- Mexican street corn salad, combining corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder and lime juice.
Answering chorizo taco FAQs
Discover answers to some of the most commonly asked questions you may run into along the way:
What's the difference between Mexican and Spanish chorizo? Which one is better for tacos?
Mexican chorizo is typically ground and seasoned with chili peppers. Spanish chorizo, on the other hand, is cured and seasoned with smoked paprika. While both offer a uniquely delicious taste in tacos, Mexican chorizo is often preferred for its crumbly texture and spicier flavor.
Should I use flour or corn tortillas for my tacos?
The choice between tortillas is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, while corn tortillas offer a slightly nutty flavor and a firmer texture when heated. You might even warm up some of both, so your family can opt for a flour or corn tortilla as they please.
How do I know when the sausage is fully cooked?
Chorizo sausage is fully cooked when it's browned and no longer pink, but it's essential that you don't rely solely on its color. For safety, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is the best way to guarantee it's thoroughly cooked and safe to consume.
How spicy is chorizo? Can I adjust the heat level?
The spiciness of your chorizo tacos depends on the type of sausage you choose and the ingredients you add. With hot and mild chorizo options available, you can adjust the heat level by opting for the one that meets your family's preferences and dietary needs.
If chorizo is too spicy for your loved ones, you can also consider Hatfield® Recipe Essentials Ground Pork or Hatfield® Sweet Italian Ground Sausage to achieve a milder flavor profile overall. Then, you can use other peppers or spices to give the meal an extra kick — without making it overwhelming for those who are more sensitive to heat.
Hatfield: The choice for quality ingredients in chorizo street taco recipes
When it comes to family meals, chorizo tacos stand out as a delicious and satisfying choice. Choosing high-quality ingredients is important to ensure a safe dining experience for your family. At Hatfield, we're committed to quality, so you can trust that your chorizo tacos will always exceed expectations. Our pre-seasoned pork products make meals simple, safe and successful. That way, you and your loved ones enjoy an unforgettable experience every time.
If you're ready to make delicious homemade street tacos, you can head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!
