Chorizo Venezolano
Authentic Venezuelan chorizo, a flavorful and less spicy sausage compared to its Spanish counterpart, perfect for grilling and serving with traditional arepas.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) Pork shoulder(Trimmed of excess fat, but some fat is essential for flavor and texture.)
- 2 tbsp Sweet paprika(High-quality paprika is key for color and flavor. Adjust to your preference.)
- 1 tbsp Ground cumin
- 6 cloves Garlic(Minced or finely grated.)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground is best.)
- 1 tsp Oregano(Dried.)
- 1 set (approx. 3-4 meters) Pork casings(If using natural casings, ensure they are properly cleaned and soaked according to package instructions.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pork: Cut the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes. If you don't have a meat grinder, you can pulse the pork in a food processor until it has a coarse, ground texture. Avoid over-processing into a paste. For a finer texture, use a medium grinding plate on your meat grinder.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Mix the spice blend: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Combine pork and spices: Add the spice blend to the ground pork. Using your hands, thoroughly mix the spices into the meat until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be evenly colored and fragrant. For best results, cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 10 minutes (plus optional marinating time) - 4
Stuff the casings: Prepare your sausage stuffer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Carefully thread the pork casings onto the stuffer's nozzle. Fill the casings with the seasoned pork mixture, ensuring not to overfill them, which can cause them to burst during cooking. Twist the sausages into desired lengths, typically 4-6 inches long.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 5
Cook the chorizo: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 200-220°C / 400-425°F). Grill the chorizo sausages, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F). This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them over medium heat.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Venezuelan chorizo is known for being milder than Spanish chorizo, allowing the pork flavor to shine.
- ✓Serve hot off the grill with fresh arepas, a classic Venezuelan accompaniment.
- ✓For the best flavor and texture, use freshly ground spices and good quality pork.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier chorizo, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped fresh chili peppers to the spice mix.
- Increase the amount of paprika for a deeper color and more intense paprika flavor.