Description
This Easy Healthy Turkey Chorizo recipe offers a lighter, flavorful alternative to traditional Mexican chorizo, using lean ground turkey and a smoky, spicy blend of seasonings. Perfectly cooked in a cast iron skillet, it makes a versatile addition to eggs, tacos, breakfast bowls, and burritos for a protein-packed meal with a bold punch of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey Chorizo
- Olive oil spray
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoky paprika
- 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and spray it lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and break it up into small pieces using a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook the meat until it starts to brown slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Season the chorizo: Sprinkle in the red wine vinegar followed by the smoky paprika, ancho chili powder, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, ground cumin, and ground cloves. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the spices for robust flavor.
- Finish cooking: Continue to cook the seasoned turkey mixture, stirring often, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink inside, about 10 minutes. This ensures the chorizo is cooked through and flavors meld together.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot with eggs, as part of breakfast bowls, inside tacos, burritos, or your favorite dishes that call for chorizo.
Notes
- This recipe creates a healthier, lighter version of traditional Mexican chorizo using lean ground turkey instead of pork.
- The smoky paprika and ancho chili powder give the chorizo its rich, smoky flavor, while the cayenne adds just the right amount of heat.
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best browning and flavor development.
- Ideal for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Pairs well with eggs, rice bowls, tacos, burritos, and salads for a high-protein meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 cup (generous)
- Calories: 116 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 253 mg
- Fat: 5.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 53 mg
