How Long to Cook Beef Chorizo for Perfect Results

With its smoky, spicy flavor, chorizo sausage can add a kick of excitement to everything from breakfast tacos to pizza. However, cooking chorizo properly is key to bringing out its full potential. Undercooking leaves it with a raw, rubbery texture, while overcooking makes it dry and tough. So how long should you cook chorizo? Follow this guide for tips on the ideal chorizo cooking times whether pan-frying, baking, simmering in a stew or grilling.

What is Beef Chorizo?

Before diving into cooking times, let’s look briefly at what defines chorizo:

• Chorizo is a style of sausage originating from Spanish and Portuguese cultures.

• It contains a blend of ground pork and/or beef seasoned with garlic, paprika, herbs and spices.

• Beef chorizo specifically uses ground beef as the main ingredient rather than pork.

• The deep red color and smoky flavor come from paprika and chili powder.

• Chorizo can be found in links, bulk sausage or patties.

Knowing the characteristics of chorizo will help you determine when it’s cooked properly. Now let’s explore recommended cooking times.

Pan-Frying Chorizo Links

Pan-frying is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to cook chorizo links into crispy, flavorful sausage. Here are pan-frying guidelines:

• Cook over medium heat. High heat risks burning the outside before the interior cooks through.

• Add a small amount of water. This helps render fat and develop flavor without sticking.

• Cook covered for 10-12 minutes. Turning frequently, fry until browned on all sides.

• Finish uncovered for 5-7 minutes. Uncover to crisp the casings for completed pan-fried chorizo.

So allow 15-20 minutes total for pan-frying chorizo links to an internal temperature of 160°F.

Baking Chorizo in the Oven

Baking chorizo in the oven avoids the need for constant watching. Here are oven-baking tips:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. This moderate temperature prevents over-browning.

• Cook on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes. Turn sausages over halfway through bake time.

• Check internal temperature of 160°F. Insert an instant-read thermometer into thickest part.

Total baking time is typically 15-20 minutes for chorizo links to fully cook in a 375°F oven.

Grilling Chorizo Links

The smoky flavor of the grill complements spicy chorizo wonderfully. Follow these grilling recommendations:

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Direct heat helps sear and char the links.

• Cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes. Rotate sausages every few minutes to prevent burning.

• Verify 160°F internal temperature. Test doneness with an instant-read thermometer.

Plan for 12-15 minutes of grilling time per side to cook beef chorizo links on the barbecue.

Cooking Chorizo for Stews and Chili

When adding chorizo to braises, stews or chili, the cooking time varies. Keep these tips in mind:

• Sauté before simmering. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes to render fat.

• Simmer until fully cooked. Once incorporated into the dish, simmer for 40-60 minutes.

• Check doneness with a thermometer. Meat should reach 160°F minimum.

Factor in 5-7 minutes sauté time plus the total simmering time of your recipe.

Cooking Times for Chorizo Crumbles

For chorizo crumbles instead of links, use these guidelines:

• Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Break up any large chunks as the meat browns.

• Cook uncovered until browned and crispy. Another 2-3 minutes.

• Verify doneness at 160°F. Test temperature with a meat thermometer.

7-10 minutes total will sufficiently cook chorizo crumbles for tacos, eggs, pasta and more.

Tips for Preventing Under or Overcooked Chorizo

• Watch carefully if pan-frying – chorizo goes from perfect to overdone quickly.

• Cut links in half to test doneness if meat thermometer unavailable.

• Grill or bake larger batches at once for consistent cooking.

• Add crumbled chorizo at end of stews and braises to avoid overcooking.

• Microwave 15-30 seconds to finish links if unsure if fully cooked.

Mastering the ideal chorizo cooking times allows you to enjoy its signature flavor to the fullest. Follow these guidelines based on your preparation method. With the proper cooking, chorizo can transform ordinary meals into extraordinary cuisine.