Low sodium pork chorizo is a bold, tangy, spicy sausage made with pork, lots of red pepper, vinegar and is a simple recipe to prepare at home. This low sodium pork chorizo really piles on the spicy tastes. I’ve always had a taste for a Mexican spiced dish. It may not have been a full Mexican theme meal, but the spice basics were there. I used chorizo in a lot of my meals as a flavor enhancer. I used it more as an ingredient than a separate dish. So when I discovered how much sodium was in the store bought chorizo I was severely disappointed. I became determined to create a low sodium version. This is my current rendition for chorizo.
LOW SODIUM PORK CHORIZO
Sodium Total 320 mg – Sodium / Serving 40 mg – Calories / Serving 44
Because of the powerful flavors of the chorizo, I never ate it as a patty or by itself. It was always incorporated into another meal as a flavor enhancer. Whether added to an omelet, salad or taco it was “spread” and crumbled about and not a main ingredient in the dish. So while not a main ingredient, I missed the spicy tang it brought.
Low sodium pork chorizo seasoning ingredients 
Packaged ground chorizo label
This low sodium pork chorizo recipe removes nearly 540 mg sodium per 2 oz. serving! This tasty pork sausage relies on ingredients that are common in your pantry or local store. The only problem being, there is a lot of spices to assemble. But it will be well worth it. You’ll have to wait though. Because it does take some time and patience, too let all the spicy boldness permeate the meat before cooking. Because of this I recommend making chorizo in a large batch. But it is still a fairly quick “hands on time” recipe to put together in the end.
ABOUT THE SAUSAGE
Low sodium pork chorizo seasoning ready to mix 
Pork chorizo mixed cover and refrigerate 
Low sodium pork chorizo chopping with spatula to crumble
Whether you admit it or not, sausage is desirable because of the fat. If you are using very lean ground pork you’ll most likely feel somewhat disappointed with the end result. But that’s true only if your comparing it to store bought chorizo though. But think of all the by-products you’re not getting in your fresh made chorizo! And just like the sodium cravings, fat cravings can and will diminish. That said while ground pork is typically used for Mexican chorizo. Lean ground beef can also be replace it. Try it once and you will be in for a pleasant surprise. You won’t even miss the pork. For this recipe, I opted for the traditional ground pork.
A FEW TIPS WHEN MAKING PORK CHORIZO
- If making a regular or large batch and not cooking it immediately, you can freeze the meat for later use. Form and wrap ¼ pound meat logs in saran wrap and place into Ziploc bag. You can then freeze them up to six months and thaw and use when you want.
- When mixing the meat, the spices will temporarily stain your hands orange. This goes way after a couple hand washings. But don’t rub your eyes! If this bothers you, you can wear plastic gloves.
- Over mixing the meat and spices can create an inferior texture to the meat. This is because the fat will melt and the meat will become what I call sludgy. There are a few ways to avoid this problem. First, make sure the meat is cold as you’re working with it. The colder it is the less the fat will melt and become a sticky mess. And second, is to work the spice in and shape it into the desired form quickly.
- You can avoid over working the meat if you make a large batch by mixing in one pound batches. It is also quicker and easier to “knead” the spice in too.
Low Sodium Pork Chorizo
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork 90/10
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp crushed red pepper
- 1 tbsp Garlic Raw (minsed)
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano (ground)
- 1 tsp Pepper (Black)
- 1 tsp Cumin Seed (ground)
- 1 tsp ground coriander (ground)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cloves (ground)
- 2 tsp fennel seed
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Preparation
- Handling chili powders may cause burning and turn your hands orange. I recommend to use plastic gloves when mixing the chorizo.
- In a spice or coffee grinder, grind the cumin seed, coriander seed, fennel seed, and cloves until you have a fine powder.
- In a bowl combine all spices and mix well with whisk or fork to combine and break up any clumps.
- In a large mixing bowl break up the the ground pork into medium chunks. Pour in the vinegar and sprinkle evenly half the spices, turn meat over and spread the rest of the spice evenly on the pork.
- Start hand working it into the ground meat. Keep working the meat until it turns a consistant red-orange and the spices have been combined into the meat.
- It is best to let the chorizo rest at least overnight before cooking or freezing it. Allowing the many flavors to come together first really makes a difference.
Notes ______________________________________________
I use, own and recommend these products and ingredients used in this recipe and I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. Please understand that not everyone’s sodium and dietary requirements are the same, therefore some recipes may be higher than you’re allowed.
https://tastyhealthyheartrecipes.com/main-dishes/breakfast/low-sodium-pork-chorizo/© 2024 Tasty Healthy Heart Recipes
Nutrition Information – The information shown is provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be substituted for a doctor’s or nutritionist’s advice. Please understand that not everyone’s sodium requirements are the same, therefore some recipes may be higher than you’re allowed. Always consult with your doctor for your recommended daily sodium allowance.
Low sodium pork chorizo crumbled on tortilla 
Left over hand mixed chorizo seasoning
As always, please let me know how you like this recipe in the comments! I get motivated when I hear from you and am interested on how you liked and served your low sodium pork chorizo. And please share any tips you might have.
Thanks for the tip about preparing for your hands to be orange after handling the chorizo spices! My daughter’s birthday is coming up and she really wanted an authentic Mexican dinner. I think some chorizo would be a great entree for it. https://sabrosurafoods.com/our-products/
Growing up, we usually had chorizo on the weekends, when we had our big breakfasts. We’d make papas con chorizo or huevos con chorizo. Then, we’d make breakfast burritos, or just buy one at a local restaurant.
As I got older, I had to cut that tradition out of my diet. Too much sodium. So, I figured I’d give this a shot. I like it. It’s not as great as the store bought chorizo we used, and the flavor is pretty good.
Thank you for bringing this to us. I’ve got my homemade links in the freezer. After that, I’ll be making more.
*greasy. DIDN’T mean to say it’s not great. 🙂
Thanks Tim, I have to admit of my recipes I am not really happy with this one. I too love the original chorizo. But like soy sauce, this may be one we can’t quite duplicate. I have tried a few other different things, but still not pleased. It just never really quite seems to get there…
Bill