Cheese Steak Chimichangas Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is traditionally in a chimichanga? ›

Traditionally, a chimichanga is filled with a combination of rice, beans, meat and cheese, similar to a burrito. You can opt for seasoned Mexican-style rice or yellow rice or even plain white rice. As for the beans, refried beans, black beans or pinto beans are traditional.

Burritos contain rice and beans and tomatoes in addition to the meat, and they're wrapped but not fried. Chimichangas typically contain only the meat in sauce, and are deep fried, so they are crisp and crunchy on the outside.

A chimichanga can be a rich, occasional treat, rather than a diet staple. Chimichangas are high in calories, saturated fat and trans fats. According to the American Heart Association, eating a diet high in saturated fat puts us at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

Any fan of Mexican food is likely familiar with the chimichanga, but the reality is not many people know how they were invented. Many don't know that they're not really Mexican. Most culinary historians suggest this delectable dish was accidentally created in the United States.

Directions. Combine 2 cups fresh parsley, 1 cup fresh cilantro, 1 large jalapeno (seeded and chopped), 3 garlic cloves and 1/2 to 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar in a food processor and pulse until well chopped. Add 1/2 cup mayonnaise and pulse several times to incorporate. Season with salt.

Chimichanga conundrum

Chimichangas invariably fall into two basic categories: dry and wet. The former is crisply fried, topped with sour cream and guacamole and perhaps a little cheese. The latter is smothered with a sauce or salsa.

They were called “chivichanga,” which means “thingamajig.” The dish was likely brought to the United States by Mexican immigrants and has since become a popular Tex-Mex dish in many parts of the country.

1922), accidentally dropped a burrito into the deep-fat fryer in the early 1950s. She immediately began to utter a Spanish profanity beginning "chi..." (chingada), but quickly stopped herself and instead exclaimed chimichanga, a Spanish equivalent of "thingamajig".

Do you eat chimichangas with a fork? ›

In fact, the allure to a Chimichanga is the fact that you can pick one up and eat it without a fork and knife, anywhere you want. It's one of those comfort foods that everyone can enjoy without making a huge mess.

Traditional chimichangas are deep-fried, but many prefer to make them in the oven to reduce the amount of oil used.

A: Nothing other than the outside of the chimichanga is deep fried and the burrito is not. Helpful? Thank you for your feedback!

Chimichangas are similar to burritos, except deep fried to create a crispy, golden tortilla shell around a flavorful filling, usually shredded chicken or beef.