Turkey Chorizo Recipe (2024)

A leaner, lightened up version of a highly seasoned and delicious Mexican-style chorizo! Made with ground turkey, a blend of herbs and spices and a punch of vinegar – this Turkey Chorizo is as easy as it is delicious. It’s perfect for adding to eggs, tacos, burritos, bowls and more! | Naturally low carb, keto friendly and dairy free

Smokey, spicy and generously seasoned – this turkey chorizo makes up in flavour what it lacks in added calories! While Mexican chorizo is typically made with various cuts of pork or ground beef, this chorizo uses ground turkey for a lighter and healthier option that’s perfect for everyday cooking.

How to Make This Turkey Chorizo

Altogether this recipe is entirely simple and straightforward. Summed up:

1. Blend herbs & spices. Mixing the spices together before adding it to the turkey ensures that you are able to evenly mix and distribute the spices all over the meat.
2. Mix it all up. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the meat, spices and vinegar together.
3. Marinate (optional). This step is totally optional. When time permits, I like to let my mince marinate in the fridge for at least an hour to a full day. Prepping this meat ahead of time makes the cooking process go by even fast since most of the work is already done. That extra time also helps to infuse a little extra flavour into the chorizo
4. Cook. Place turkey in large skillet with a little bit of olive oil and brown all over. Cook time will take about 7-10 minutes over a medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Alternatively, you could form the meat into patty or sausage shapes before cooking.

Tips, Questions & Substitutions

Substitutions

• Swap out the turkey for ground chicken.
• Instead of white vinegar you can use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or lime juice.
• Use 2-3 fat cloves of garlic in place of the garlic powder for an extra punch of flavour.
• When it comes to paprika – use whatever you have. Hot, smoked, sweet or regular paprika all work. Keep in mind that the overall flavours of this turkey chorizo will be influenced by the type of paprika you use so choose what you enjoy.

What type of chili powder is best?

• Typically Mexican style chorizo is made using ancho chili powder which is made with 100% ancho chili flakes. Most chili powders that you find in store is actually made up of a blend of spices as opposed to just one spice. If you have ancho chili powder on hand – use that. If don’t you can use a standard chili powder instead. It might not be the most authentic recipe, but then we’re already making a turkey chorizo recipe so why not?

Freeze for Later

If you don’t want to use this right away, you can pack up the seasoned raw-meat in a freezer safe bag or container and store in the freeze for up to four months. Technically you could safely keep this in the freezer for up to a year, but after about four months the meat is more likely to come out a little dry.

Serving Suggestions

• Chorizo con huevos: AKA – scrambled eggs with chrozio.
• Tacos, Tostadas Burritos: Use as a filling inside tacos and burritos or serve on top of crispy tostada shells along with your favourite taco toppings. Start the day off with some protein packed egg tacos or turkey chorizo breakfast burritos coming up so keep an eye out. This would also be a great time to make your own homemade corn tortillas!
• Nachos: Pile some chorizo over a bed of tortilla chips along with some fresh herbs and queso. Keep it dairy free with my vegan nacho cheese and whole30 compliant with sweet potato nachos.You can also easily make a queso fundido (chorizo cheese dip) by mixing this cooked chorizo in with melted cheese.
• Chilis & Stews: Swap out your typical, unseasoned ground meat with this turkey chorizo to make soups, chilis and stews even an more flavour packed dish!

More Turkey Recipes

• One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta
• Roasted Eggplant Lasagna With Turkey
• Turkey Chorizo Breakfast Burritos
• Gluten Free Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
• Sweet Potato Paleo Chili With Turkey
• Paleo Turkey Burgers With Spinach – Low FODMAP
• Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs