Quick & Easy Grilled Whole Chorizo - Juicy and Flavorful!
Nutritional value per serving
Calories300kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat25gram
Protein15gram
Ingredients
- Whole fresh chorizo sausage (about 400 g) - Choose sausages with natural casing for the best texture and avoid any with broken or discolored casing.400 g
- Olive oil - Use extra virgin for better flavor.1 tbsp
- Optional: fresh lemon wedges for serving - Lemons should be firm and bright yellow for best juice.1 piece
This quick and easy grilled whole chorizo recipe is perfect for anyone wanting a flavorful and juicy sausage with minimal fuss. Grilling enhances the smoky, spicy flavors typical of chorizo, while the whole sausage stays juicy inside. The recipe requires simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Safe internal temperature guidelines and food handling tips are emphasized to guarantee your grilled chorizo is delicious and safe to enjoy. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $8 (around €7, £6, or 600 INR), serving 4 people with about 300 kcal per serving. This recipe is gluten-free and can fit into a keto diet. The preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is 15 minutes, with medium difficulty.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the grill
1Preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for about 175-200°C (350-400°F). This ensures even cooking and good browning without burning the chorizo skin. It takes about 5 minutes to reach this temperature.
Prepare the chorizo
2Pat the chorizo dry with paper towels. Brush the chorizo lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help the skin crisp up nicely during grilling. This step takes about 2 minutes.
Grill the chorizo
3Place the whole chorizo sausage on the preheated grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side until it has nice grill marks and a golden brown color. Then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes on the other side for even cooking.
Check internal temperature
4Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chorizo, avoiding the casing, to check the internal temperature. The chorizo is safe to eat once it reaches at least 71°C (160°F). This ensures it's fully cooked and safe.
Rest the chorizo
5Remove the chorizo from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute inside the sausage, making it more tender and flavorful.
Serve
6Slice the chorizo into pieces and serve warm. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over to add a bright contrast to the spicy sausage. Enjoy your delicious grilled chorizo.
Cooking Tips
-To avoid cross-contamination, always use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chorizo and other ingredients.
-If you do not have a grill, you can cook the chorizo in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat, turning often to cook evenly.
-Do not pierce the chorizo skin with a fork while cooking; this lets the juices escape and makes it dry.
-If you like spicier sausage, you can try spicy chorizo varieties or add a pinch of chili powder before grilling.
Equipment Needed
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Meat thermometer (recommended for food safety)
- Tongs for turning the sausage
- Brush for applying olive oil
- Plate for resting the cooked chorizo
- Knife and cutting board for slicing
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole fresh chorizo sausage - Approx $6. Choose fresh, well-encased chorizo with a nice reddish color.
- [ ] Olive oil - Approx $1 for small quantity required. Extra virgin olive oil adds best flavor.
- [ ] Lemon (optional) - Approx $1 each. Pick firm, bright yellow lemons for juiciness.
Total Approximate Cost: $8
FAQ
Can I grill frozen chorizo?
It's best to thaw chorizo completely in the refrigerator before grilling to ensure even cooking and safe internal temperature.
How do I know when the chorizo is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 71°C (160°F). The sausage should be firm and the juices run clear when cut.
Can I use pre-cooked chorizo for this recipe?
Pre-cooked chorizo can be grilled briefly just to warm through and add grill marks, but it doesn't need the full cooking time.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a grill pan or regular skillet on the stove over medium heat, turning the sausage often until cooked through.