Chorizo is a type of sausage made from pork, beef, or a combination of the two. It is usually cured and seasoned with a variety of spices, including paprika, oregano, chiles, and garlic.
To know when chorizo has been cooked thoroughly and safely, you should cut into the sausage to check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. Chorizo should register at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (or 73 degrees Celsius) to be safe to eat.
If the sausage is already in its casing, insert the thermometer into one end, making sure that it touches the center of the sausage. If cooked to the proper temperature, the chorizo should look cooked throughout and have a dry, firm, springy texture.
You can also check for visual signs to determine if your chorizo is cooked. In general, it should look dry, firm, and springy, and it should be an orange-red color with a glossy sheen. If it looks uncooked and greasy, it probably needs to be cooked longer.
Finally, you can check the aroma. The chorizo should have a nice smoky aroma with a smattering of spiciness. If the texture and color appear to be done, and the aroma is too strong, it means the chorizo has been over-cooked and may be bitter in flavor.
