What is Soy Chorizo?

Soy chorizo is a popular meat alternative made from plants that have been spiced to mimic the flavor of the Mexican sausage called chorizo. Soy chorizo, sometimes called soyrizo, is an excellent and healthy addition to many recipes.

What is Soy Chorizo, Exactly?

Soy chorizo is a plant-based alternative to traditional chorizo sausage. The recipe for making soy chorizo changes from company to company, but the main ingredient is always soy, and the spice list usually includes paprika, mustard, salt, and garlic powder. Many brands of soy chorizo also contain vinegar, as well as some sort of oil and preservative to keep it fresh.

How is Soy Chorizo Different from Other Meat Alternatives?

The difference between soy chorizo and other meat alternatives is in taste and texture. Soy chorizo has a bold flavor that closely mimics traditional chorizo and is one of the few plant-based meat products that comes pre-spiced. It is easier to work with and incorporate into recipes this way, as the chef doesn’t have to waste time trying to make the replacement taste like the meat it is emulating.

Is Soy Chorizo Healthy?

Soy chorizo is much healthier than its meat alternative. While it contains the same amount of protein as sausage, it has 60% less fat. It also contains fiber, something that pork chorizo lacks.

While soy chorizo does contain a lot of salt, it is no more than regular pork sausage, so it is still healthier to choose soy chorizo over pork chorizo.

Where Can You Purchase Soy Chorizo?

Soy chorizo is available at health food stores and in the vegan meat section of most popular grocery stores. The plant-based meat alternative keeps well when frozen and can be purchased well in advance as long as it is frozen before the expiration date.

How to Cook Soy Chorizo

Soy chorizo can be prepared using any method you would normally use to cook chorizo, except it doesn’t do well when placed directly on the grill grate. Before cooking, soy chorizo must be removed from the plastic casing, and then it can be grilled in a pan, sauteed, or even baked in the oven.

In What Recipes Can Soy Chorizo Be Used?

The bold flavor and versatile texture of soy chorizo makes it a perfect addition to many dishes. It can be used to replace pork chorizo in any recipe that calls for it.

• Scrambled eggs
• Egg bake
• Breakfast tacos
• Nachos
• Burritos
• Taco salad
• Vegetarian meatballs