Chorizo Tortas Recipe (Torta de Chorizo)

Chorizo tortas are my latest food obsession – these Mexican sandwiches are just insane! Picture crispy bread loaded up with spicy chorizo, melty cheese, creamy avocado, pickled jalapeños, and a kick of smoky hot sauce. I first tried real-deal tortas at this tiny family-owned Mexican spot when I lived near Waukegan (Illinois). Their food was so legit and homemade tasting – those tortas were life-changing good. The chorizo and cheese paired with the fresh avocado and spicy mayo totally took me back to Mexico…even though I’ve never been!

Now I’m always chasing that torta high when I try versions around Brooklyn. But nothing compares to those little Waukegan joints. Their recipes must be handed down from generations of Mexican grandmas – it was some of the best Mexican food of my life!

What are Tortas?

Tortas are a famous Mexican sandwich typically served on crusty submarine rolls or telera bread. They are loaded with various meat fillings, cheese, avocado, beans, onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, and salsa. Some key features of tortas include:

• Bread – The base is usually a soft bolillo-style roll that can be sliced open to hold hefty sandwich fillings. Heartier breads like telera or birote work too.
• Fillings – All kinds of Mexican proteins can star in tortas – chorizo, carnitas, milanesa (breaded cutlets), grilled steak, chicken, ham, or refried pinto or refried black beans.
• Cheese – Ooey, melted cheese is essential! Queso fresco and Monterey Jack are common choices.
• Veggies – Onion, tomato, jalapeños, Pico de Gallo, and especially avocado slices contrast the rich fillings.
• Condiments – Spicy salsa and a spread of mayo add moisture and extra flavor.
• Assembly – Tortas are pressed in a sandwich press or toasted to melt the cheese.

Why you’ll love these Chorizo Tortas

It’s a delicious change from the usual Taco Tuesday (and this is coming from a diehard tortilla lover). It’s great for a crowd, too, because you can cook up your chorizo a couple of hours before and then assemble your sandwiches and broil when your guests arrive. If you love all things spicy, then these will for sure be on repeat in your home.

Chorizo Tortas Recipe Ingredients

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 lb Mexican Chorizo, casings removed

½ cup Mayonnaise

3 tbsp Pickled Jalapeños, finely chopped

2 Avocados

2 cups Red Cabbage, thinly sliced

½ bunch Fresh Cilantro, chopped

— Sea Salt

— Black Pepper, freshly ground

1 Lime, juiced

4 Kaiser Rolls, or Ciabatta Rolls, split in half

lengthwise

4 slices Monterey Cheese

How to make Chorizo Tortas Recipe

​Instructions:

Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and then add the chorizo.

Cook for 7-8 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally until no longer pink and fully cooked. Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir the mayo, pickled jalapeños, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

In another bowl, mash the avocados with about 2 teaspoons of lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Toss the cabbage, cilantro, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper in a bowl.

To serve, spread the pickled jalapeño mayo on the bottom of each roll.

Divide the cooked chorizo among the bottoms and top with cheese slices, broil in oven until cheese melts.

Remove from oven top and top with cabbage. Spread the mashed avocado on the top of each roll and place on top of the cabbage.

Alternatively, wrap each sandwich snuggly in foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese. But that’s totally optional. Slice in half just before serving.

Substitutions

• Meats
  • Chorizo Sausages or homemade chorizo
    Ground Meat: If you don’t have ground pork to mimic the flavorful pork chorizo, you can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken seasoned with Mexican spices such as cumin and paprika to mimic the flavor of the Mexican chorizo.
  • Meatless/Vegan Alternative: You can use plant-based or soy chorizo for a healthier alternative.
• Fillings and toppings
  • Mayonnaise – You can add smashed beans, sliced red onion, and minced garlic to the mayonnaise.
  • Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with a creamy taste that compliments the chorizo. If you want a spread with a more tangy flavor, you can use sour cream.
  • Pickled Jalapenos – Roasted red bell peppers can provide a sweet and smoky flavor that compliments the chorizo.
  • Avocado – Instead of adding mashed or slices of avocado, you can use guacamole because of its similarities to the creamy avocado texture, adding more flavor.
  • Cabbage – Instead of cabbage, you can use romaine or iceberg lettuce.
  • Parsley – Flat-leaf parsley has a milder flavor and a slightly peppery taste.
  • Monterey Cheese – Any Mexican cheese, such as Queso Oaxaca, Queso Asadero, Queso Fresco, and Queso Chihuahua, can be a good alternative since it has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the chorizo.
• Breads
  • Bolillo Roll / Telera Roll – These Mexican rolls are considered traditional and common choices for making tortas.
  • Whole Wheat Rolls – You can also opt for whole wheat rolls for a healthier alternative.
  • Small baguette style roll – Popular in many sandwiches, this roll offers a crusty outside and soft inside, providing the perfect textural contrast to the soft chorizo filling.
  • Other typical bread – Such as a plain white roll.

Variations

• Chorizo breakfast tortas: Add scrambled eggs or a fried egg for an epic breakfast option!

Equipment

• Medium or large skillet/frying or sauté pan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Bowl
• Measuring tools
• Aluminum Foil

FAQs 

What is Mexican Chorizo made of?

Mexican chorizo is typically made from ground pork or a combination of pork and beef. It is seasoned with various spices, including paprika, chili powder, garlic, and vinegar.

What does torta mean in Mexican?

In Mexican Spanish, “torta” refers to a type of sandwich. A torta typically consists of a roll or bun filled with various ingredients, such as meats, cheeses, avocado, beans, lettuce, and salsa. Chorizo can be a common ingredient in tortas, providing a spicy and flavorful component to the sandwich.

What should I serve with Chorizo Tortas?

Chorizo tortas, a classic Mexican sandwich, are typically served with a variety of accompaniments. For a rich and authentic experience, consider pairing your torta with refried beans, black beans, or refried pinto beans. Enhance the flavor with cheese and tomato slices. To balance the richness, a dash of lime juice can be added. For those seeking a complete street food experience reminiscent of Mexico City, complement the torta with cooling agua frescas or hibiscus tea. This delicious combination not only respects the Mexican food culture but also elevates the experience f enjoying this flavorful pork chorizo-filled delight.

What is the difference between Spanish chorizo and Mexican chorizo?

The key difference between Mexican and Spanish chorizo is that Mexican chorizo is usually a fresh sausage, meaning it is not cured or fermented like Spanish chorizo. Mexican chorizo is typically sold in a soft, crumbly form, often in a casing, and needs to be cooked before consumption. Spanish chorizo, on the other hand, is a cured sausage that can be either sweet (dulce) or spicy (picante). It is made from coarsely chopped pork, seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and other spices, and then air-dried or smoked. Spanish chorizo is typically eaten sliced and can be enjoyed on its own, as part of a charcuterie platter, or used as an ingredient in various dishes. It has a firmer texture and a different flavor profile compared to the soft and crumbly Mexican chorizo.

How to store chorizo tortas?

If you have leftover opened chorizos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Maintain a temperature below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacteria growth and spoilage. Use within 1-2 weeks for best flavor and texture.

How to reheat chorizo tortas?

To maintain the tortas’ delicious flavor and texture, you can reheat using:

• Oven (Recommended) – Wrap each torta loosely in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet to avoid dropping the fillings. Reheat thoroughly for about 10-15 minutes while making sure the bread is not overly crispy.
• Stovetop (For a crispier exterior) – In medium-low heat, place the torta in a skillet or frying pan for 5-10 minutes. Flip occasionally to ensure it heats evenly and the bread is toasted to your liking.

Recipe:

Chorizo Tortas Recipe (Torta de Chorizo)

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These chorizo tortas (Mexican sandwiches) are just insane! There’s crispy bread loaded up with spicy chorizo, melty cheese, red cabbage, creamy avocado, and a pickled jalapeño mayo that is packed with flavor.

• Author: Anca Toderic
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 Tortas 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 lb Mexican Chorizo, casings removed
• ½ cup Mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp Pickled Jalapeños, finely chopped
• 2 Avocados
• 2 cups Red Cabbage, thinly sliced
• ½ bunch Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• — Sea Salt
• — Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1 Lime, juiced
• 4 Torta Rolls, Kaiser Rolls, or Ciabatta Rolls, split in half lengthwise
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Cheese, or four slices

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Instructions

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add one tablespoon of olive oil and.

2. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until no longer pink and fully cooked. Set aside.

3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir the mayo, pickled jalapeños, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

4. In another bowl, mash the avocados with about one teaspoon of lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Set aside. 

5. Toss the cabbage, cilantro, one tablespoon of lime juice, two tablespoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper in a bowl.
6. Spread the pickled jalapeño mayo on the bottom of each roll.

7. Divide the cooked chorizo among the bottoms and top with cheese shredded cheese or slices.

8. Transfer under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to burn the buns.
9. Remove from the oven, add cabbage and mashed avocado, and top half of the bread. 

Notes

If you’d rather not broil you can assemble sandwiches and wrap snuggly in foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese. Depends on your preference for soft bread or crispy.