Cacique pork chorizo is a staple in Mexican cuisine. Its spicy garlicky smoky flavor adds vibrant authentic taste to tacos, burritos, breakfast scrambles and more. While chorizo sausage seems simple, proper technique is needed to achieve the perfect texture and avoid a greasy mess.
This step-by-step guide will teach you how to cook Cacique chorizo correctly for maximum flavor and juiciness every time. Read on for tips tricks and mouthwatering recipe ideas!
Cacique is one of the most popular brands for Mexican-style chorizo sausage. Their chorizo is made from a blend of pork, garlic, vinegar, chili peppers and spices. It comes in links, bulk-style logs or pre-cooked crumbles.
Compared to Spanish chorizo, Cacique chorizo has a soft, crumbly texture when cooked. Its flavor is intensely bold, packing a spicy, vinegary punch. A little goes a long way in terms of flavor impact!
When cooked right, the end result is lightly crispy, deeply seasoned sausage that makes an amazing taco filling, breakfast scramble addition, pizza topping and more.
Step 1: Get Your ingredients
To cook Cacique chorizo, you will need:
- Cacique fresh (not pre-cooked) chorizo sausage
- Vegetable or canola oil
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula for stirring and breaking up sausage
- Paper towels (optional for draining grease)
Start with links or bulk chorizo – not the pre-cooked crumbles, which just need heating. Pick your preferred size/amount depending on the recipe.
Step 2: Remove Casing (for links)
If using link chorizo instead of bulk, you’ll need to remove the casing first:
- Use a sharp knife to slice lengthwise down the sausage link.
- Peel away casing to release the raw chorizo inside.
- Break up sausage into smaller chunks using your fingers.
This allows for even cooking and the crumbly texture you want. Keep the chunks about 1/2 inch each.
Step 3: Heat Skillet & Add Oil
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cast iron or nonstick skillets work best.
- Add just enough oil to lightly coat the pan – 1 to 2 tsps. Vegetable, canola or olive oil will work.
The small amount of oil will help prevent sticking. Avoid adding too much or the chorizo may be greasy.
Step 4: Cook the Chorizo
Once skillet is hot, add your crumbled chorizo chunks. Use a spatula to spread them evenly in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring/flipping frequently.
- Break up any pieces that stick together for even cooking.
- Cook until chorizo is fully browned and crispy on the outside.
Cooking tip: Resist the urge to stir constantly. Let pieces sit for 1-2 minutes before flipping for the best texture.
Step 5: Drain Excess Grease
There will be some grease released when cooking chorizo. To remove:
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked chorizo to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Blot tops gently with more paper towels to soak up excess grease.
This optional step reduces calories and greasiness. But leave some fat for flavor and moisture!
Step 6: Add to Recipes & Enjoy!
Your perfectly cooked crumbled chorizo is now ready to add bold Mexican flavor to:
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Breakfast tacos or burritos – Add to scrambled eggs, potatoes, beans and cheese.
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Quesadillas – Sprinkle on tortillas with Oaxaca cheese and grill.
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Chorizo fundido – Melt with cheese for a dip, or stuff in bread rolls.
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Fajitas – Mix with sautéed bell peppers and onions.
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Pizza – Top pizzas with cooked chorizo, jalapeños, cilantro.
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Salads – Crumbled chorizo adds hearty texture to taco salads.
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Pasta – Toss with penne, tomatoes, spinach and Parmesan.
Let the spicy chorizo flavor shine through. Add other ingredients judiciously so they don’t overpower it. Enjoy this versatile Mexican sausage!
Cooking Tips for Cacique Chorizo
Follow these handy tips for chorizo success:
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Cook at medium heat. Higher heats may burn the outside before the center cooks.
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Stir frequently for even cooking. But let sit 1-2 minutes between stirs to brown.
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Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
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Add spices to taste. Chili powder, cumin, oregano all complement chorizo.
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Don’t over-drain fat. Leaving some behind adds moisture and flavor.
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Let rest 1-2 minutes before eating. Allows juices to reabsorb for juicier chorizo.
Common ChorizoCooking Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking Cacique chorizo sausage:
How long does it take to cook chorizo?
- Cook 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until fully browned and 160°F internal temperature.
Does chorizo need to be cooked?
- Yes, raw chorizo sausage always requires thorough cooking for food safety. Pre-cooked crumbles just need reheating.
Should you drain chorizo grease?
- Draining some grease is optional. Leaving a little adds flavor and moisture. Drain if you want to reduce fat/calories.
Can you eat chorizo raw?
- No, raw chorizo is unsafe. It must be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill harmful bacteria.
Chorizo Recipe Inspiration
Ready to enjoy Cacique chorizo? Try these amazing recipes:
Spicy Breakfast Tacos
Ingredients:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1⁄2 lb Cacique chorizo, cooked & drained
- 8 eggs, scrambled
- 1⁄2 cup cheddar, shredded
- Salsa, to taste
Directions:
- Warm tortillas in a hot skillet until soft.
- Cook chorizo and eggs separately.
- Assemble tacos by layering chorizo, eggs, cheese and salsa in tortillas.
Loaded Chorizo Fundido Dip
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 lb Cacique chorizo, cooked & drained
- 1 cup Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1⁄4 cup Mexican crema
- Corn tortilla chips, for serving
Directions:
- In an oven-safe skillet, layer cooked chorizo, cheese and crema.
- Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.
Chorizo & Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp oil, divided
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1⁄2 lb Cacique chorizo, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Flour tortillas
- Toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, cilantro
Directions:
- In a skillet, cook shrimp in 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat until pink. Remove shrimp.
- Add 1 tbsp oil and cook chorizo until browned. Add peppers & onions. Cook 5 minutes.
- Return shrimp to pan. Cook 1 minute more.
- Serve fajita mixture in tortillas with desired toppings.
Enjoy the Signature Taste of Cacique
Cacique chorizo is a flavorful staple in Mexican cooking. Follow this easy guide for tips to cook it to crispy, craveable perfection. From tacos to quesadillas, this chorizo takes dishes to the next level. ¡Buen provecho!
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- 1 Package (10 Oz. ) of Cacique® Chorizo Beef, Pork or Soy.
- ½ package (5 Oz.) Cacique® Queso Fresco, crumbled
- 8 large eggs
- 4 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. green onions, chopped
- 2 cups of Pico de Gallo (or store bought)
- PICO DE GALLO
- 3 ripe Roma tomatoes, seeded and cubed small
- 1/4 white onion, small dice
- 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Following the directions on the package, cook the Cacique® Chorizo in a skillet. Once done, set it aside.
- Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet and heat it over medium-low heat. Fry the corn tortilla for about one minute on each side. Using a spatula, move it to a wide dish.
- Put in one tablespoon of olive oil. Crack two eggs into the pan and carefully open them over it. Cook for two minutes. When the whites are set and the edges begin to toast, the eggs are done.
- With a spatula, take the tortilla out of the pan and put the eggs on top of it. Spread two tablespoons of the cooked chorizo on a plate. Top with Cacique® Queso Fresco and green onions. Serve with Pico de Gallo on the side. Enjoy while hot!.
- To make pico de gallo, put diced Roma tomatoes, diced onion, chopped jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Mix everything together and put it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
How I make chorizo and eggs *requested video*
FAQ
How long does cacique chorizo take to cook?
Is cacique pork chorizo already cooked?
What is the correct way to cook chorizo?
How to cook cacique pork chorizo?
To start, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the Cacique Pork Chorizo and cook for about 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. It is important to avoid adding too much heat to the skillet as this can cause the chorizo to burn and become unusable.
How do you cook chorizo in a frying pan?
To start, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook for about 10-15 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. If there is excess fat, drain it off. In a medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt, and pepper with a fork. Pour the egg mixture over the chorizo in the skillet and scramble until fully cooked.
Does cacique pork chorizo need to be refrigerated?
Cacique Pork Chorizo should be stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) to ensure its freshness. Once opened, it should be consumed within a week. Can I cook Cacique Pork Chorizo from frozen?
How do you cook chorizo in a crock pot?
In a medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt, and pepper with a fork. Pour the egg mixture over the chorizo in the skillet and scramble until fully cooked. This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch and can be served with warm tortillas or chips. For a deeper flavor, try cooking Cacique Pork Chorizo slowly over low heat.