A Keto-Friendly Chorizo Substitute: Healthy, Tasty, and Easy to Make

How To Make A Healthy Keto Chorizo Substitute

Although I eat a Keto Diet, I indulge in my favorite foods. I make substitutions for my favorite foods to make them healthy and keto-friendly. I thought how nice it would be to have Chorizo and scrambled eggs topped with tomato and avocado for breakfast. Chorizo fits into the Keto diet because it is high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. However, the downside of Chorizo is that it is most often made with processed meat with additives, preservatives, fillers, and a high salt content that isn't ideal for good health.

Below are health factors associated with Chorizo:

Chorizo is usually made with processed meat, which provides fat and protein but lacks a wide range of vitamins and minerals compared to whole, unprocessed meat.

Processed Chorizo has a high inflammatory potential due to preservatives and additives. Nitrites in Chorizo are associated with certain types of cancer. Yikes! Nobody wants that! So, I created my version of Chorizo, which is healthy and unprocessed. Below is my recipe for a chorizo substitute.

Homemade Chorizo Substitute Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken)
2 tablespoons red chili powder
1 tablespoon onion granules
1 tablespoon garlic granules
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

Combine Spices: In a bowl, mix the red chili powder, onion granules, garlic granules, salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano until well combined.

Mix with Meat: Add the spice mixture to the ground meat and mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Cook: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the seasoned ground meat until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Store: Store the cooked chorizo substitute in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to add it to your scrambled eggs for a week of blissful breakfast! You can freeze Chorizo for more extended storage.

Adding to Scrambled Eggs

Ingredients:

3 large eggs
1/4 cup chorizo substitute
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, hot sauce, chopped tomato

Instructions:

Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat in a non-stick skillet.

Cook Chorizo Substitute: Add the chorizo substitute to your taste and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.

Scramble Eggs: Beat the eggs with salt and pepper in a bowl. Pour the eggs into the skillet with the chorizo substitute.

Stir: Gently stir the eggs and Chorizo substitute together, cooking until the eggs are set but still soft, about 2-3 minutes.

Serve: Transfer the scrambled eggs to a plate and add your favorite toppings.

Tips for Customization

Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder to control the heat level.

Add Veggies: Include diced bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.

Use Different Meats: Try using different ground meats or a mix for varied flavors and textures.

Your homemade chorizo substitute is an easy and healthy way to indulge in the flavors of Chorizo while staying mindful of your Keto Diet for good health. Enjoy your Chorizo scrambled eggs!