Looking to spice up your family meals? Look no further than homemade chorizo tacos! 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.
Exploring the bold flavor of chorizo tacos: A family-friendly 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.
Step-by-step instructions to prepare chorizo tacos at home
Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients
- 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 taco recipe to perfection
- 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 mastering homemade chorizo tacos
Take a closer look at the top tips to keep in mind for perfect homemade Spanish or Mexican chorizo tacos:
Helpful hints for cooking
- 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.
- After cooking chorizo, drain any excess fat to keep your tacos from becoming too greasy.
- Whether microwaving or using a skillet, warm your flour or corn tortillas before assembling tacos for the best texture and flavor.
- Enjoy chorizo tacos fresh off the skillet to savor their full flavor and prevent soggy tortillas.
- Don't forget to squeeze fresh lime juice over your tacos for a burst of citrusy freshness.
- Feel free to get creative with toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro and salsa to personalize your tacos.
Recipe variations to consider
You can explore a variety of recipe variations to put your own spin on chorizo tacos and suit your family's preferences. Experiment 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.
Storing your leftovers correctly
- 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
Here are a few ideas of what you can pair with flavorful Mexican or Spanish chorizo tacos:
- 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 tacos
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!
