What is choripán and how to prepare it on the grill

If you are one of those who are passionate about the barbecue universe or, simply, good food, you have certainly heard of choripán. This simple, typically Latin, and delicious dish has won over palates all over the world and has become an excellent choice to complement your grill alongside the best types of meat for barbecue.

In this complete Mundo CIMO guide, we will explore everything about choripán! Learn with us, from its origin, definition, and most traditional ingredients to tips for preparing it on the grill and giving your own touch to this iconic recipe. Get ready to discover the secret behind this culinary classic and surprise your guests with an authentic and irresistible flavor. Happy reading!

What is choripán?

Choripán is a very popular dish in Latin America, especially in the south, in Argentina and Uruguay. It consists of filling half of a French bread, baguette, or similar, cut horizontally, with a grilled artisanal sausage, known as chorizo — a basic combination that gives rise to the classic name.

What are the ingredients of choripán?

The recipe allows for variations of sauces and condiments, with each region and its barbecue culture giving its own touch to the local version. The classic and unmistakable base consists of soft bread, quality sausage, and a good chimichurri — a traditional sauce made with herbs rehydrated in olive oil.

How to make choripán on the grill?

This recipe is traditionally made on parrillas, which offer a different structure, with the heat source being on the side, for example. But the fact is that it is perfectly possible to make choripán on a Brazilian barbecue grill!

We have prepared a very detailed step-by-step guide here to help you perfect the recipe and add a powerful boost to your barbecue. Check it out!

Choose quality ingredients

Choripán, as you can see, is a very simple dish. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful not only in the preparation but also in the choice of ingredients, seasonings and the like to ensure that your version will be unforgettable for those who taste it!

Opt for preparing with fresh chorizo sausages, as they have a more suitable structure for the recipe. But don't worry: if you can't find them easily or the price is too high, other national artisanal sausages and hot dogs can perfectly play the role of the dish's star.

The original base is made with regional variations of baguette found in Argentina and Uruguay. However, our French bread also has everything to shine and is widely accepted in the recipe! Furthermore, just choose a good olive oil and the herbs for the chimichurri — parsley, basil, oregano, and so on.

Pay attention to the fire

Before you start grilling the sausages, make sure the grill is well preheated to a medium-high temperature. Taking care of the fire, in this case, is crucial for two reasons:

• To ensure that the outer texture of the sausage is properly toasted;

• To ensure that the pork is not undercooked, thinking both about the ideal flavor and the safety of those who will eat the choripán.

Take the opportunity to check out our exclusive material on how to light a barbecue grill and become an expert on the subject!

Grill the sausages

Place the sausages on the preheated grill and grill for about 7 minutes per side, in the case of the most suitable sausages for this recipe. Turn occasionally until the outside is golden, with the characteristic grill marks, and, of course, completely cooked internally.

Place the bread on the grill

Be sure to use the heat of the coals to also warm the bread. It's true that it's already delicious at its traditional temperature, but grilling can help the base of your preparation become even crispier on the outside and incredibly soft on the inside.

Our tip here is to avoid overdoing it: the horizontally cut bread should be lightly toasted on the outside so as not to burn the crust and bring bitterness to your snack.

Assemble the choripán

Now it's time to dig in! Place the cooked sausages or chorizos in the bread and complement with a generous portion of chimichurri.

Choripán, as already mentioned, is originally a sandwich, that is, closed with the top part of the bread cut and heated. But it is possible to find versions of the meal served similar to bruschettas, with bread only on the bottom.

Redefine what choripán is

It's very likely that you've already seen or even tasted a choripán different from the more traditional version. This is due to the fact that it is a relatively simple sandwich, and it is also common to see the recipe receiving additions and reinterpretations according to the context in which they are reproduced.

This gives you even more possibilities to explore flavors and variations, such as the version already mentioned with only bread at the base. So check out some more tips for you to try!

Choripán on the grill with cheese

This combination has gained so much strength that many people get confused when defining what choripán is, whether it's with or without cheese on top. On top of that, although mozzarella is a more commonly used option because it is mild and goes well with various flavors, it is possible to use, for example, provolone, with its characteristic smoky flavor.

Experiment with cheeses with different notes and textures to find the option that best suits your taste!

"Open" Choripán

"Open" choripán gets its name both for being one of the versions that uses only part of the bread and for bringing the pork meat already out of the casings and films that surround the sausages. The interior is removed and pressed like a hamburger directly into the center of the bread.

All of this results in a lighter, faster-to-prepare snack and even crispier bread, becoming almost a delicious toast!

Choripán with vinaigrette

A good vinaigrette is an old acquaintance of Brazilian barbecue, being one of the most traditional recipes to accompany barbecue. And as the wild card that it is, it also goes very well with choripán. Whether placing the mixture in each bite of bread or directly on top of the meat in the sandwich, you will have the dream combination at your barbecue!

The acidity and freshness provided by the vinaigrette promote the ideal balance for the bread, pork, and olive oil present in the chimichurri. Don't miss out on trying it!

Choripán is a true celebration of Latin American flavors and traditions, and preparing it on the grill is an experience worth having. With these simple tips, you'll be ready to impress your friends and family with a delicious choripán. So, light the fire, gather the ingredients, and prepare for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure with your barbecue's new favorite dish.

To continue innovating in barbecue and adding even more alternatives to your grill, how about checking out 6 tips for preparing the best chicken tulip? Keep innovating and positively surprising your guests at barbecues.

Until the next post!