Sizzling Rio Grande Chorizo & Egg Scramble

🌍 Cuisine: Mexican-American
🏷️ Category: Breakfast
⏱️ Prep: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook: 15 minutes
👥 Serves: 4 servings

📝 About This Recipe

Transport your taste buds to the heart of the Southwest with this robust, protein-packed breakfast masterpiece. We use authentic Mexican chorizo, which renders out a vibrant, spiced oil that perfectly coats tender, velvety eggs and sautéed aromatics. This keto-friendly skillet is a symphony of smoky paprika, zesty cumin, and fresh cilantro, offering a bold start to your day without the carb heavy-lifting.

🥗 Ingredients

The Protein Base

  • 12 ounces Mexican Chorizo (fresh/raw, casings removed)
  • 8 Large Eggs (pasture-raised preferred, at room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream (for extra fluffiness)

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup White Onion (finely diced)
  • 1 medium Poblano Pepper (seeded and diced small)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 Fresh Jalapeño (finely minced, seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil (only if chorizo is extra lean)

Seasoning & Finishers

  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 1/4 cup Cotija Cheese (crumbled)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)
  • 1 large Hass Avocado (sliced for serving)
  • 1 Lime (cut into wedges)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    In a medium mixing bowl, crack the 8 eggs. Add the heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously for about 60 seconds until the mixture is uniform and slightly frothy; this incorporates air for a lighter scramble.

  2. 2

    Place a large, heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet or seasoned cast-iron pan over medium heat. If the chorizo is very lean, add the avocado oil; otherwise, let the pan dry-heat for a moment.

  3. 3

    Add the raw chorizo to the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small crumbles as it browns.

  4. 4

    Cook the chorizo for 5-7 minutes until it is fully browned and has released its flavorful red oil. The edges should be slightly crispy.

  5. 5

    Add the diced white onion and poblano pepper to the skillet with the chorizo. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften.

  6. 6

    Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño. Cook for just 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.

  7. 7

    If there is an excessive amount of rendered fat (more than 2 tablespoons), you can carefully spoon some out, but keep enough to coat the eggs for flavor.

  8. 8

    Reduce the heat to medium-low. This is crucial to prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery or dry.

  9. 9

    Pour the egg mixture over the chorizo and vegetables. Let it sit undisturbed for about 20 seconds until the edges just begin to set.

  10. 10

    Using a silicone spatula, gently push the eggs from the edges toward the center, creating large, soft curds. Continue this slow folding motion.

  11. 11

    When the eggs are about 80% cooked (still looking slightly wet), sprinkle half of the crumbled Cotija cheese over the top.

  12. 12

    Remove the pan from the heat entirely. The residual heat will finish cooking the eggs to a perfect, creamy consistency over the next minute.

  13. 13

    Garnish the scramble with the remaining Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and the sliced avocado.

  14. 14

    Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side to brighten the rich flavors.

💡 Chef's Tips

Always use Mexican chorizo (soft/raw) rather than Spanish chorizo (cured/hard) for this specific texture. To prevent the eggs from turning brown, keep the heat low and slow once the eggs hit the pan. If you prefer a 'dry' scramble, cook for an extra 60 seconds, but remember that eggs continue to cook after leaving the pan. For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for almond milk and omit the Cotija cheese. Check your chorizo label for hidden sugars or fillers to ensure it remains strictly keto-compliant.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a few slices of grilled halloumi cheese for an extra salty, keto-friendly bite. Pair with a hot cup of black coffee or a spicy Keto Bloody Mary for a weekend brunch. Wrap the scramble in large butter lettuce leaves or a low-carb tortilla for a 'breakfast taco' feel. Top with a dollop of full-fat sour cream or a spoonful of roasted tomatillo salsa. A side of quick-pickled red onions adds a fantastic acidic crunch to the dish.