Mexican Chorizo is gaining popularity in the United States and all around the world. But is chorizo pork or beef? Keep reading to learn this and other interesting facts about chorizo and Mexican cuisine.
Is Chorizo Pork or Beef?
Traditional Mexican chorizo is made with pork. And while it’s not uncommon to find chorizo made with beef or even chicken, pork chorizo is the best choice if you want to taste authentic Mexican-style chorizo.
As we explained in a previous post, chorizo is a descendant of Spanish chorizo. While both products are made from pork, they are not exactly the same. Here’s how to tell each type of chorizo apart:
- First off, Spanish chorizo is a cured and aged meat, so you can eat it without cooking it; Mexican chorizo isn’t cured so it needs to be cooked.
- Also, Mexican chorizo owes its color and taste to a combination of chili peppers, while one of the main ingredients of Spanish chorizo is Spanish paprika, a combination of different varieties of dried and ground red peppers.
It’s worth noting that there are other types of chorizo besides Mexican and Spanish chorizo. Argentine, Uruguayan, Chilean, Peruvian, and Bolivian chorizos are also great!
Is Chorizo Spicy?
Yes, all types of chorizo are spicy, and Mexican chorizo is no exception.
In the case of Mexican chorizo, the spiciness comes from a combination of chili peppers (such as chile guajillo and chile ancho), vinegar, and spices such as pepper, marjoram, thyme, clove, oregano, and laurel.
From the list above you can tell that chorizo is a feast of flavors. Not for nothing chorizo is one of the most popular taco fillings in Mexico together with other classics such as al pastor meat, carne asada, and chicken.
To learn more about Mexican food, check out our previous posts, “What Are Some Mexican Dishes for Christmas Eve?”, “What Is Mexican Flan Made Of?” and “What Goes in a Traditional Taco?”
El Pollo Norteño: Authentic Mexican Food
Craving delicious, authentic Mexican food? At El Pollo Norteño we’ve got you covered!
Visit any of our five locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and Lake Forest), order online, get in touch through Facebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our vast selection of authentic Mexican dishes.