Easy Chorizo Street Tacos Recipe

Name: Easy Chorizo Street Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 chorizo sausage link, casing removed and meat crumbled; 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 4 corn tortillas; 2 tablespoons chopped onion, or to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was originally created for 2 servings. Adjustments to ingredient quantities are automatic, but cooking times and method remain the same. Note that scaling recipes may not always produce perfect results.

1 chorizo sausage, casing removed and crumbled
2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
4 corn tortillas
2 tablespoons chopped onion, or to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled chorizo and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, mixing until evenly distributed.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo mixture and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is crisp and fragrant. Remove the mixture and set aside, keeping the rendered grease in the skillet.
Warm the corn tortillas in the reserved skillet grease over medium heat, 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pliable and lightly toasted.
Stack two tortillas for each taco. Spoon the cooked chorizo onto the tortillas, then sprinkle with chopped onion and fresh cilantro, if using. Serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 262
Total Fat: 13g (17% DV)
Saturated Fat: 5g (23% DV)
Cholesterol: 26mg (9% DV)
Sodium: 466mg (20% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 26g (9% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% DV)
Total Sugars: 1g
Protein: 10g (21% DV)
Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
Calcium: 49mg (4% DV)
Iron: 1mg (7% DV)
Potassium: 246mg (5% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information may not be available for all ingredients. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian if following a medically restrictive diet.

Chorizo tacos are a beloved street food in Mexico, offering a burst of rich flavors and spices in every bite. These Easy Chorizo Street Tacos bring together the smoky richness of chorizo, the heat of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and the freshness of cilantro and onion, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas. This simple yet delectable dish is quick to prepare and is sure to become a family favorite. But the story of chorizo tacos goes far beyond their mouthwatering taste.

History and Origins

Chorizo, a type of sausage made from ground pork, garlic, paprika, and other spices, has its roots in Spain. The Spanish introduced chorizo to Latin America during colonization, where it evolved to suit local ingredients and tastes. The Mexican version of chorizo is often spicier and more flavorful, incorporating chili peppers like chipotle or pasilla. Chorizo tacos, specifically, are thought to have originated from Mexico's vibrant street food culture, where vendors (or taqueros) serve an array of taco fillings that cater to diverse tastes. Over time, chorizo tacos became a staple street food, loved for their bold flavors and satisfying nature.

Regional Variations

In Mexico, tacos are as varied as the regions themselves, and chorizo tacos are no exception. In northern Mexico, chorizo is often paired with beef or mixed with other meats, while in the southern regions, it is more likely to be combined with potatoes or vegetables to create a heartier filling. The use of corn tortillas is standard throughout the country, though in some areas, flour tortillas might be used instead. Additionally, some regions of Mexico serve their chorizo tacos with toppings like avocado slices or a side of salsa verde for an extra layer of flavor.

What Makes Chorizo Tacos Different?

Chorizo tacos are distinct from other taco varieties, particularly due to the sausages unique blend of spices and its high-fat content, which imparts a deep, savory flavor. This makes chorizo tacos more indulgent compared to tacos filled with grilled meats, which may be leaner and lighter. The crispy texture of the chorizo when its cooked to perfection is another key feature that sets it apart. The addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, often included in many chorizo taco recipes, adds a smoky and spicy depth of flavor that elevates this dish above your standard taco filling.

Where Are Chorizo Tacos Typically Served?

Chorizo tacos are most commonly found on the streets of Mexico, sold by taco vendors who serve them fresh from sizzling grills. They are a popular breakfast or lunch option, but they are enjoyed at any time of day, often accompanied by a refreshing drink like agua fresca. In the United States, chorizo tacos have gained popularity in cities with large Mexican-American populations, such as Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago. They can be found in taco trucks, Mexican restaurants, and at various festivals celebrating Mexican cuisine.

Fun Facts About Chorizo Tacos

Chorizo was initially created as a way to preserve pork during the Spanish colonial period. The spice mix helped to cure the meat and extend its shelf life.
In some regions of Mexico, chorizo is cooked with potatoes, making the dish heartier and offering a different texture.
Although chorizo is most often made from pork, beef and even chicken versions can be found, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
In Spain, chorizo is typically served in slices, but in Mexico, it's often crumbled and cooked to a crispy texture before being added to tacos.

Whether you're enjoying these tacos at a street stand in Mexico or preparing them in your own kitchen, chorizo tacos offer a flavorful glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. With their spicy, smoky filling and fresh toppings, they remain a fan favorite worldwide.

FAQ about Easy Chorizo Street Tacos Recipe

Store leftover chorizo tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm the tortillas in a skillet and heat the chorizo filling on the stove or in the microwave.

Yes, you can freeze the chorizo taco filling. Place the cooked chorizo and chipotle pepper mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reduce the heat, use less chipotle in adobo sauce or substitute with a milder chili sauce. You can also add toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado to help balance the heat.

For authentic street tacos, use soft corn tortillas. They provide a better flavor and texture compared to flour tortillas, but if you prefer, flour tortillas can be used as well.

You can experiment with additional toppings like cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a drizzle of lime crema. Some people also like to add a tangy slaw for crunch and extra flavor.

Yes, you can substitute the chorizo with ground beef, pork, or chicken for a different flavor profile. However, you might want to add more spices or chili for extra heat if you choose a milder meat.

These tacos are quite spicy due to the combination of chorizo and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. If you're sensitive to spice, consider adjusting the amount of chipotle and adobo, or use a milder pepper.

Yes, you can cook the chorizo and chipotle mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the filling before serving with freshly heated tortillas.

Side dishes like Mexican rice, refried beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh corn salad pair wonderfully with chorizo tacos. You can also serve a side of guacamole or salsa for extra flavor.

To make these tacos vegetarian, replace the chorizo with a plant-based protein such as crumbled tempeh, tofu, or a vegetable mixture. You can still use the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for flavor.

Comments

Mrs WyoFish

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

These were AMAZE. I devoured them within minutes of plating them... But of course, me being me, I added my own touches: 1) I made a nice slaw to go with, for added color (as my plates are not as colorful as the ones in the main picture for this recipe) and honestly it goes well with any taco or tostada recipe... red cabbage, sliced radishes, cilantro + juice of 1 lime & 1 tablespoon-ish brown sugar... usually I add siracha, 2 or so garlic cloves, cumin, coriander, etc to this slaw—but as the main dish was already anticipated to be pretty spicy, I stopped at the brown sugar. Serve on top of the tacos or on the side. 2) Lime-sour cream to top it all off. Again, this goes well with any taco recipe; simply take juice of 1 lime and add sour cream and fresh cracked pepper. Add as much as you want to get it to a consistency you like... this makes a really delightfully creamy appeal to counter the spiciness.

Darci Herl

05/04/2018 10:06:06 PM

This was great! We made this with pork butt and chorizo because my daughter doesn't like the texture of ground meat, I'm glad I did because it would have been too spicy. We also added cheese because cheese. The second time I made this I cooked everything together in an instapot and added black beans and it was the bomb!

Yoly

04/18/2017 04:25:15 PM

I loved these tacos! But then again, I love anything and everything with Mexican Chorizo. I like the concept of dipping the tortilla in the chorizo grease. A little messy but delicious.

Kelly Revoir

12/30/2021 01:47:59 AM

I mixed 2 of the 9oz Beef Chorizo tubes along with 1 lb package of ground beef. Only used 1 Tbsp of the Adobo sauce and it was still pretty spicy. I would only do 1/2 Tbsp if you want it mild. Cooking the tortillas in the leftover grease was a huge hit for the flavor! This made a lot of meat, enough for a family dinner and leftovers for the next day. Would definitely make this again!!

many bees in an apron and chef hat

09/29/2024 11:30:24 PM

the bees did not realize how spicy chipotle and adobo is. we added sour cream to offset it as well as cheese. also cooked the onions, the queen does not appreciate raw onions

DREGINEK

01/05/2022 01:17:13 AM

These are easy and delicious! They are a little spicy but still very good! Made as written! To “mild” it down a little, took Mrs WyoFish tips on making a slaw; 1/4c lime juice, TBLS brown sugar, tsp Siracha, 1/4 tsp cumin, dash of garlic powder. Let sit in half bag pre-chopped slaw 20+ minutes before starting. Wish I had avocado! Would absolutely make again! Thank you!!

yekibe

11/01/2023 12:20:58 AM

This was easy and quick to prepare. It was flavorful and spicy. So, I added, shredded cheese, lettuce, mango salsa and bbq ranch dressing and guacamole to cool it down.

Matthew Weber

07/31/2019 12:58:24 AM

Amazing. I could eat just the chorizo/chipotle/adobo without any of the toppings it’s so good. Added avocado slice, lime, and chihuahua cheese

E96

11/14/2021 05:58:50 PM

Good recipe! As is, it is VERY hot/spicy! If you're not used to spicy foods, I recommend 1/2 tablespoon of sour cream per taco; this will help cool spices down and make it more enjoyable. I also added Mexican cheese blend and 1 teaspoon of lime juice to each taco!

MPEBLE

01/13/2021 03:01:57 AM

No need to mix the peppers and the chorizo in a bowl beforehand. Just brown the chorizo in the pan, then add the peppers and sauce for an additional minute. Quite spicy! If you're not sure, start with half the amount of pepper and adobo.

Rachael Harrison

09/15/2018 03:10:16 PM

These are totally authentic except one thing: the heat is about twice what I typically experience in NY, Brooklyn, and Queens. I reduced the peppers in adobo to 1/4 of the recommended amount, and they are totally perfect!!!

Kar

05/06/2025 01:39:55 PM

So easy, so simple, so delicious. It's always amazing to me how so few ingredients can taste so good. We did add extra toppings like chopped tomatoes and avocado, but otherwise followed the recipe as written. Don't skip the corn tortillas. The corn adds another dimension to the flavor that I don't believe flour can. I know this because I finished off the filling without the corn tortilla and it just didn't have the same flavor punch.

Angela Turner

04/15/2025 03:29:30 AM

This one’s staying in my weekly rotation.

UniqueGrape9928

03/31/2025 11:46:58 PM

Spicy Baby! Made slaw to go with it. Nice!!

Ron D

03/05/2025 04:26:19 AM

Talk about easy to make. I'd never used the peppers in Adobo sauce previously. Really made a difference to the chorizo. I used red onion and cilantro as directed. Always a good decision. Oh... also made fresh guacamole and added that as well. Winner Winner...

Kechia Giraud

12/08/2024 10:01:57 PM

Delicious

Jason Hill

09/01/2024 01:10:28 AM

Everyone complimented it — I felt like a boss.

FeistyJuice8222

08/01/2024 06:43:18 PM

Very easy, and absolutely mind blowing! It is SO good!!!

JoyfulStove5210

07/28/2024 07:38:28 PM

It's a great recipe! Love it Thanks.

SaucyTaro4552

07/29/2023 09:10:43 PM

Amazing tacos our go to recipe. We add some shredded cheese and squeeze a lime slice over them and it’s perfection.

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Easy Chorizo Street Tacos Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

History and Origins

Regional Variations

What Makes Chorizo Tacos Different?

Where Are Chorizo Tacos Typically Served?

Fun Facts About Chorizo Tacos

FAQ about Easy Chorizo Street Tacos Recipe