Chorizo Patties
Spicy, juicy pork patties packed with the bold, smoky flavor of Mexican chorizo. These pan-seared patties get a beautiful crispy crust while staying incredibly tender inside. Perfect for breakfast with eggs, stuffed into a burger bun, or crumbled over a salad.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Combine the patty mixture.
1.Place ground pork, apple cider vinegar, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, minced garlic, and salt in a large mixing bowl.2.Mix gently with your hands just until the spices are evenly distributed. Avoid overworking the meat.TIPOverworking the meat makes tough patties. Stop mixing as soon as the spices disappear into the meat. - prep · ~2 min
Shape the chorizo patties.
1.Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.2.Gently form each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than your intended bun.3.Press a small dimple into the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing. - fry · ~9 min
Sear the patties.
1.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.2.Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, leaving space between them.3.Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until a deep, dark crust forms.4.Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the patties are firm to the touch.TIPDon't crowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to get a proper sear, not a steam. - rest · ~2 min
Rest the patties before serving.
Transfer patties to a plate and let them rest for 2 minutes to redistribute juices.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use ground pork with at least 20% fat for juicy, flavorful patties that don't dry out.
- 2Mix the meat with your hands gently — stop as soon as the spices are incorporated to avoid tough patties.
- 3Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to keep them flat during cooking instead of puffing up.
- 4Don't crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed so the patties get a deep, dark crust instead of steaming.
- 5Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 160°F at the thickest part — that's perfectly cooked and safe.
- 6Let the cooked patties rest for 2 minutes so the juices redistribute and the meat stays tender.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicken Chorizo Patties
Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the pork and add 1 extra tablespoon of oil to the pan to keep the lean meat moist — a lower-fat alternative for health-conscious cooks.
Smoky Black Bean PattiesSmoky Black Bean Patties
Replace half the pork with mashed black beans and add 1 beaten egg to bind. This cuts meat usage for a budget-friendly, higher-fiber version that still tastes smoky and spicy.
Gluten Free Burger BunsGluten-Free Burger Buns
Serve the patties on gluten-free buns or in lettuce wraps (for a low-carb option) to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Ground pork provides high-quality animal protein essential for muscle repair and satiety, with about 25 grams per patty.
Iron from Ancho Chili
Ancho chili powder is made from dried poblano peppers and contributes a meaningful amount of dietary iron to help support healthy blood oxygen transport.
Antioxidant-Rich Spices
Smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano contain antioxidants like vitamin A and polyphenols, which may help fight inflammation in the body.
Contains Garlic for Immunity
Garlic is known for its allicin compound, associated with immune support and potential cardiovascular benefits when consumed regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but pre-packaged chorizo is usually stuffed in casings and has a softer texture; just remove the casing and shape into patties, adding a light sear.
