Grilled Chorizo and Arepa Sandwich with Spicy Guasacaca Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Smoky grilled Venezuelan chorizo served inside toasted arepas with a zesty avocado and cilantro guasacaca sauce. This Latin American-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs warm water, salt, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 1/2 cups precooked white cornmeal with 3/4 tsp salt in a bowl; slowly add 1 cup warm water while mixing until a smooth dough forms. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each into a 4-inch diameter, 1/2-inch thick round. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the arepas for 5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Grill 4 Venezuelan-style chorizo links over medium heat on a grill pan or outdoor grill, turning occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until cooked through and nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare guasacaca sauce by blending 1 large ripe avocado, 1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves, 1/2 chopped jalapeño (seeded), 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Slice open each arepa horizontally to form a pocket, then fill with one grilled chorizo link sliced lengthwise, and 2-3 tbsp of the guasacaca sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the smoky sausage balanced by the bright, spicy avocado sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chorizo and Arepa Sandwich with Spicy Guasacaca Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Chorizo and Arepa Sandwich with Spicy Guasacaca Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep warm water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chorizo and Arepa Sandwich with Spicy Guasacaca Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Chorizo and Arepa Sandwich with Spicy Guasacaca Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Chorizo and Arepa Sandwich with Spicy Guasacaca Sauce?

Latin American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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