How to Make Delicious Chimichangas in a Few Easy Steps

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you’ve probably heard of chimichangas. They’re basically burritos that are deep-fried until crispy on the outside. Chimichangas can be made with a variety of fillings like chicken, beef, pork, and vegetables. In this article, we’ll show you how to make chimichangas at home that are crisp, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

While deep frying can be intimidating, making chimichangas at home is surprisingly simple. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. So, grab your apron and let’s get started on making some delicious chimichangas!

Chimichangas are a delicious, crispy, and flavorful Mexican dish that many people are now craving. This dish is packed with a variety of ingredients and flavors that will excite your taste buds. In this article, we will show you how to make chimichangas right in the comfort of your home.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start making chimichangas, ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients. You will need the following:

– 1 pound of ground beef or shredded chicken
– 1 can of black beans
– ½ cup of salsa
– 6 large flour tortillas
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ teaspoon of cumin
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder
– ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil

2. Cook the Meat

Start by cooking the ground beef or shredded chicken in a pan until it’s browned. Add in cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder and stir to combine. When the meat is fully cooked through, drain any excess fat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Black Beans and Salsa

In another pan, heat up the black beans and salsa. Cook until the beans are tender and the salsa has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans and salsa from sticking to the pan.

4. Assemble the Chimichangas

Place a flour tortilla on a flat surface and spoon in some of the meat mixture. Add a tablespoon of the black bean and salsa mixture and top it off with shredded cheddar cheese. Roll up the tortilla tightly and tuck the ends in. Repeat until you have used up all the ingredients.

5. Fry the Chimichangas

In a deep frying pan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Place the chimichangas in the pan and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn them over to ensure that all sides are cooked evenly. You can also bake them in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes if you prefer a healthier option.

6. Drain and Serve

Once the chimichangas are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve them warm with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, or pico de gallo.

7. Tips for Perfect Chimichangas

– For a spicier version, add in some jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
– You can also add in some diced onions, red peppers, or corn to the filling for added flavor and texture.
– Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to hold the ends of the chimichangas together while frying.

8. Making Chimichangas Ahead of Time

You can make chimichangas ahead of time and freeze them for later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

9. Reheating Chimichangas

To reheat frozen chimichangas, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the frozen chimichangas on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until they are heated through. You can also microwave them on high for 2-3 minutes if you are in a hurry.

10. Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make chimichangas, it’s time to get creative and experiment with different fillings and toppings. Whether you are making them for a party or just a simple weeknight dinner, chimichangas are a tasty and satisfying option that you and your loved ones will surely enjoy. Bon appetit!

Ingredients needed for making Chimichangas

When it comes to making delicious chimichangas, the ingredients play a crucial role. Here are the essential ingredients that you will need to make this scrumptious dish.

1. Tortillas – The first and foremost requirement for making perfect Chimichangas is a packet of flour tortillas. You can use either 10-inch or 12-inch tortillas, depending on your preference.

2. Meat – You can use any meat of your liking, like chicken, beef, or pork. Cook the meat with some spices and veggies to add some flavor to the dish.

3. Cheese – Cheese is a must-have ingredient to add depth of flavor to the chimichanga’s filling. You can use any type of cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of different cheeses.

4. Spices – Seasonings are an essential part of chimichangas that add an extra zing of flavor. You can use cumin, chili powder, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season your chimichanga filling.

5. Vegetables – You can add any veggies of your liking, such as onions, peppers, tomatoes, or corn to make it a healthier meal.

6. Beans – To add some protein and texture, you can use refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans.

7. Oil – For frying the chimichangas, you’ll be needing some vegetable or canola oil.

8. Sour Cream – You can top the chimichangas with sour cream, adding an extra richness and creaminess to the dish.

9. Guacamole – Homemade guacamole adds refreshing flavors to the dish, and it’s a perfect garnish for your chimichangas.

10. Salsa – Salsa is a classic topping for chimichangas, giving it a bit of a kick. You can make a chunky or smooth salsa according to your preference.

These are the essential ingredients that you will need to make classic chimichangas. However, feel free to experiment and add your own spin to the recipe. Now that we have covered the primary ingredients let’s move onto the next step – preparing the filling.

3. How to Make Chimichangas

Chimichangas may seem complicated to make, but they are actually quite easy. Here are five easy steps to make delicious chimichangas at home.

1. Cook the Filling

Start by cooking the ground beef in a pan over medium heat. Once the beef is cooked, add in the cooked rice, black beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture cook for an additional 5 minutes.

2. Assemble the Chimichangas

Take one flour tortilla and spoon a heaping tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the mixture. Fold both ends of the tortilla towards the center, then roll it up tightly.

3. Heat the Oil

Heat up the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chimichanga seam-side down into the oil. Fry until it is golden and crispy all-around. Flip the chimichanga over and repeat for the other side. Remove the chimichanga with tongs and let it sit on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Once all the chimichangas have been cooked, serve them hot with your favorite side dishes such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. You can garnish them with chopped cilantro or additional cheese.

5. Tips for Making Perfect Chimichangas

If you want your chimichangas to be extra crispy, you can brush them with beaten egg or milk before frying them. Another tip is to use toothpicks to hold the tortilla together while frying. Be sure to remove the toothpicks before serving.

Making chimichangas is easy and fun, and you can customize them to your liking with different fillings and toppings. With these tips and the recipe above, you are now equipped to make restaurant-quality chimichangas in the comfort of your own home.

Serve up some delicious Chimichangas tonight

Thanks for reading our guide on how to make chimichangas! We hope that our tips and tricks have helped you to whip up a tasty batch of your own. Remember, the key to making good food is to have fun and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. So grab your apron, put on some good music, and get cooking. And be sure to visit again soon for more easy-to-follow recipes and cooking advice. Eat well!