11 Best Chorizo Substitutes

Who doesn’t love chorizo? It’s spicy, full of flavor, and has a wonderful texture. Chorizo is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including breakfast!

You can use Chorizo in tacos, omelets, quesadillas, and more! Some varieties even come pre-cooked so they’re ready for cooking immediately.

But some people may find the flavor too strong or spicy for their liking, for others it can be difficult to find or too expensive. Fear not!

There are plenty of chorizo substitutes that can deliver on savory flavors without sacrificing spice. 

I’ve compiled this list of 11 different substitutes for chorizo so you can find one that fits right into your menu. From mild to spicy, there’s sure to be a type on here for everyone!

Keep reading to understand how you can use these handy substitutes in your recipes.

What is Chorizo?

Chorizo is a type of sausage that has its origins in Spain. It is made from ground pork and beef, along with garlic, Pimenton (a dried chili pepper), and other spices.

Chorizo is a spicy sausage with bold flavors. The list of ingredients makes it incredibly flavorful, while still being savory and not overwhelming to even the most sensitive palette.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Chorizo can be used in a variety of dishes including tacos, omelets, quesadillas, and more.

This type of sausage is usually sold pre-cooked so it’s ready for use immediately after it’s prepared.

The appearance of Chorizo depends on the type, but it’s usually pink or red in color with visible spices mixed into the meat.

11 Best Chorizo Substitutes

1. Mexican Chorizo

Mexican Chorizo

Mexican Chorizo is a spicy pork sausage that is seasoned with cumin, oregano, chili powder, and garlic. It’s commonly used in Mexican cuisine but it also goes great on pizza.

Mince up some chorizo for an Italian twist to your pie or use them as-is to give your next taco night an extra kick!

2. Other Sausages Types

If you don’t want to use Mexican chorizo or pork chorizo, another type of sausage will also work.

You can try Italian sausages, Polish kielbasa, and andouille for a unique taste with different textures.

Alternatively, you can try any other sausage you’d like and season it with spices and chili powder to get a similar result.

3. Ground Pork

Ground pork is a versatile type of sausage that works well in a variety of dishes.

It has a milder flavor than chorizo and with flavors from herbs and spices, it will add the same extra kick without the spiciness or intense taste.

Ground pork is an excellent alternative to chorizo for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s easy to find at most grocery stores and it has a mild flavor perfect for all sorts of dishes.

Use ground pork in omelets or quesadillas instead of beef or chicken sausage to keep your meal interesting.

P.S. It’s important to make sure that pork is fresh and healthy to use. Here are a few ways you can tell if pork has gone bad.

4. Pepperoni

Pepperoni

Pepperoni is a spicy and meaty type of sausage that is heavily seasoned with garlic and spices like fennel and red pepper flakes.

It can be used in a variety of dishes including pizzas, pasta, chicken dishes, and more!

Give your pasta an extra kick by adding ground pepperoni to the sauce or into the meatballs for a hint of spicy flavor that will make your family fall in love with it all over again.

5. Linguica

Linguica is a type of Portuguese sausage that is heavily seasoned with garlic and paprika, giving it a spicy but slightly sweet flavor.

You can slice up linguica for your breakfast omelets to give them an extra zing each morning or use it as a pizza topping to enjoy its distinctive flavors.

6. Bacon

If you’re looking for a meaty type of sausage, look no further than bacon! This classic pork product is delicious on its own or mixed with other ingredients to create something new.

Using bacon as a chorizo substitute can take your favorite dishes up a notch without having to change the flavors too much at all.

7. Chickpeas

Chickpeas

So you’re looking for something out of the ordinary? Swap out chorizo for chickpeas.

Yes, that’s right, this sausage substitute is made from ground-up pulses like lentils and garbanzo beans.

Chickpeas might sound unusual but they actually have a pretty neutral flavor so you won’t taste the difference with each bite. You can use them in tacos, burritos, and more.

8. Kielbasa

Kielbasa is a Polish sausage that is made from pork, beef, or veal with garlic added for flavor.

It’s very popular in Southern parts of America because of its spicy and garlicky flavor.

Sausage made from kielbasa is usually pre-cooked so it’s ready to use immediately, which makes it an easy alternative for chorizo recipes no matter what you’re cooking up.

9. Salami

Salami is a type of cured sausage that can be spicy or sweet depending on the spices used.

Salami is a type of sausage that can be sliced up and added to sandwiches, cheese plates, or even salads for a spicy kick with each bite.

10. Andouille

Andouille

This Louisiana-style smoked sausage is made from pork and is seasoned with cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic. 

Andouille can be used in place of Mexican chorizo for dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and more. This sausage adds a rich flavor to each dish.

11. Vegan Chorizo

Yes, vegan chorizo exists! This sausage alternative is made from soy protein with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika to give it a similar taste.

If you’re looking for an option that’s gluten-free or if you don’t eat pork for whatever reason, look no further than vegan chorizo.

It tastes just as delicious as its meaty counterpart and it can be used to make a million dishes!

What Does Chorizo Taste Like?

Chorizo is a type of spicy sausage that’s made from pork and beef or chicken depending on what it’s mixed with. It is spiced up with paprika, chilies, garlic, and other spices to give it its distinct flavor.

Chorizo is a type of sausage that can vary in flavor and spiciness depending on the region where it’s made and who makes it.

Although chorizo comes from Spain, its flavors will differ depending on whether it’s made in Spain or Mexico.

The Latin American version of this sausage has a more intense flavor thanks to the addition of chili powder and paprika.

On the other hand, Spanish chorizo is made with dried smoked red peppers like Pimenton which gives it more of a sweet flavor than spicy.

What Is a Vegetarian Alternative to Chorizo?

You can use either chickpea or buy vegan chorizo from your nearest grocery store.

Vegetarian chorizo is a type of meatless sausage that can be substituted for the real thing.

This sausage alternative is made from different types of beans, grains, and vegetables that are ground up to create a sticky paste-like consistency.

Using vegetarian chorizo is a great way to add flavor and protein to meals without adding meat.

“Vegetarian chorizo” can be substituted for the real thing in any recipe that calls for this spicy sausage.

What’s The Difference Between Spanish & Mexican Chorizo?

As mentioned above, Spanish chorizo is made with smoked red peppers which gives it a sweet flavor while Mexican chorizo has more spices in it to create a spicier sausage.

Spanish chorizo can also come in different flavors depending on the region where it’s made.

For example, some versions are cured with wine or vinegar, but most are simply dried and cured.

Mexican chorizo is usually made with Mexican seasonings like chili powder for an extra spicy kick.

This type of sausage can also come in different forms including with or without casing.

Can I Substitute Andouille for Chorizo?

Yes! Andouille is a type of smoked sausage that can be used to replace chorizo in dishes like gumbo and jambalaya.

This sausage works well with dishes that have a spicy kick, making it an excellent replacement for the Mexican version of chorizo.

Does Kielbasa Work as a Substitute for Chorizo?

Yes! Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage that can be used to replace chorizo in any recipe.

This smoked meat works well when added to soups, sandwiches, and more because of its hearty flavor.

How Do You Cook Chorizo?

Chorizo is usually cooked after it’s made because the meat is uncooked when mixed together with other ingredients.

After it’s cooked, chorizo can be eaten on its own or added to dishes like tacos, soup, and more.

Final Words

In conclusion, chorizo is a wonderful type of sausage that can be used in all types of dishes.

However, if you’re looking for an alternative, each one of these chorizo substitutes will give you the same flavor with a different twist.

I’m a passionate food blogger on a journey to become a go-to person who can help others prepare delicious foods. I share recipes, food substitutes, and other cooking tips. Read more about my journey...

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