Mexican cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful dishes that are loved by people all over the world. One dish that stands out in particular is the chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito that originated in the border regions of Mexico and the United States. While you can find variations of this dish in many Mexican restaurants, there is one place that has become synonymous with the best chimichangas in Orlando, Florida - Universal Studios. If you're looking to recreate the mouth-watering flavors of this iconic theme park dish at home, read on to discover the secret recipe for Universal Studios' famous chimichanga.
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Onion, Corn, Taco Sauce, Chili Powder
If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, you've probably heard of chimichangas. These deep-fried burritos are a popular dish in Mexican restaurants and can be made with a variety of fillings. One of the most delicious and filling options is the beef & bean chimichanga. This dish combines tender beef, creamy beans, and flavorful spices, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. It's the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Mexican rice is a staple side dish in most Mexican restaurants. It's a simple but flavorful dish made with long-grain white rice, onions, tomatoes, and spices. The secret to making restaurant-style Mexican rice is to fry the rice before cooking it. This gives the rice a slightly crispy texture and adds a depth of flavor that you won't find in plain boiled rice. Serve this rice alongside your favorite Mexican dishes for an authentic and delicious meal.
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Baked Chimichanga
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Water, Ground Cumin, Dried
If you love chimichangas but don't want to deal with the mess and calories of deep-frying, try making baked chimichangas instead. This healthier version of the classic dish still has all the flavor and crunch of a traditional chimichanga, but without the extra oil. You can use any filling you like, but a combination of chicken, beans, and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with your favorite salsa and guacamole for a complete meal.
As mentioned before, Mexican rice is a must-have side dish in any Mexican meal. To make it truly restaurant-style, you'll need to use long-grain white rice, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier option. The key to making this rice is to use chicken broth instead of water, which adds a savory depth of flavor. Top it off with some fresh cilantro and lime juice for a burst of freshness.
When you go to a Mexican restaurant, you're usually greeted with a basket of warm tortilla chips and a bowl of creamy white cheese dip. This dip is addictive and can be used as a topping for many Mexican dishes, such as chimichangas, tacos, and burritos. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Serve it warm and watch it disappear in no time.
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Chimichanga
Main Ingredients: Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic, Sugar, Cummin
Let's talk about the star of the show – the chimichanga itself. This deep-fried burrito is a popular dish in Mexican-American cuisine and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Some traditional fillings include shredded chicken, beef, beans, and cheese. For a healthier option, you can also use grilled chicken or fish as the filling and bake instead of frying for a lighter, but still delicious, version.
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Chimichanga - Chimichange History
Main Ingredients: Red Chile Sauce, Salt, Black Pepper, Vegetable Oil
As with most popular dishes, there are many stories surrounding the origin of chimichangas. Some say it was invented in the 1920s in Tucson, Arizona, while others claim it was created in the 1940s in Phoenix, Arizona. One thing is for sure – this dish has become a staple in Mexican-American cuisine and has even gained popularity in other parts of the world. So, whether you're a fan of its crispy texture or the delicious fillings, the chimichanga is here to stay.
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Best Ever Chicken Chimichanga
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Vegetable Oil, Onions, Chopped Green Chilies
If you're a chicken lover, then this one's for you. This recipe for the best ever chicken chimichanga is packed with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite. The key to making this dish is to marinate the chicken in a flavorful mixture of spices and lime juice before cooking it. This will infuse the chicken with delicious Mexican flavors and keep it tender and juicy. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole, for a complete meal.
Cornbread is a popular side dish in many cuisines, including Mexican. This Mexican cornbread recipe takes traditional cornbread to the next level with the addition of corn, jalapenos, and cheese. It's the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican meal and is also great on its own as a snack. The best part? It's quick and easy to make, so you can whip it up whenever you're craving some delicious cornbread.
As we've established, Mexican rice is a must-have side dish for any Mexican meal. This recipe for Mexican rice is a classic version that uses long-grain white rice, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier option. The key to making this rice is to cook it in a mixture of chicken broth and tomato sauce, which gives it a rich and flavorful taste. Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican dishes for a complete meal.
Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and street tacos are a popular variation that you can find on the streets of Mexico. These small tacos are usually filled with a protein, such as grilled chicken, beef, or fish, and topped with fresh salsa, onions, and cilantro. What makes them unique is the use of two small corn tortillas instead of one large one. This makes them easier to hold and adds a delicious chewy texture. Serve with a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
Who says Mexican food can't be healthy? This recipe for a skinny Mexican casserole is packed with all the flavors you love in a traditional Mexican meal, but with a healthier twist. It's made with lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, and spices, and topped with a layer of melted cheese. The best part? It's a one-dish meal, making cleanup a breeze.
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. It's made with grilled corn on the cob that is slathered with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder. This recipe takes that delicious combination and turns it into a refreshing and flavorful salad. It's the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal and is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.
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Restaurant Style Salsa
Main Ingredients: Roma Tomatoes, Petite Diced Tomatoes, Green Onions, Red
No Mexican meal is complete without a bowl of fresh salsa. This recipe for restaurant-style salsa is quick and easy to make and uses fresh ingredients for the best flavor. It's the perfect accompaniment to any dish, whether you're serving tacos, chimichangas, or just want a healthy snack. Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or less jalapenos.
For dessert, try making this delicious Mexican flan. This creamy and decadent dessert is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is a must-try for any flan lover. The key to making the perfect flan is to cook it in a water bath, which ensures that it cooks evenly and stays creamy. Serve it chilled and top it off with some caramel sauce for a sweet and satisfying end to your meal.
As we've mentioned before, there are many variations of Mexican rice, but for a truly authentic taste, try this recipe for authentic Mexican rice. This dish is made with long-grain white rice, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier option. It's cooked in a mixture of tomato sauce, chicken broth, and spices for a flavorful and delicious side dish.
Beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and pinto beans are one of the most popular varieties. This recipe for Mexican pinto beans is simple and easy to make and is a great addition to any Mexican meal. The beans are cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and spices, making them the perfect complement to any dish.
We've talked about Mexican street corn salad, but you can also make whole grilled Mexican street corn for a delicious side dish or appetizer. This recipe takes the traditional elote and transforms it into a grilled masterpiece. The corn is grilled to perfection and topped with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder. It's a delicious and unique way to enjoy corn.
Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish made with slow-cooked beef that is tender and flavorful. This recipe for Mexican beef barbacoa is a simplified version that is just as delicious. The beef is cooked in a mixture of spices, beef broth, and chipotle peppers for a spicy and smoky flavor. Use the beef as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for a delicious and easy meal.
Last but not least, we have a unique twist on a classic Italian dish – Mexican lasagna. This recipe uses tortillas instead of pasta sheets for a Mexican flair. The layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese are baked to perfection, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Serve with a side of guacamole and sour cream for a complete meal.
The History of Chimichangas
Originating from Sonora, Mexico
The origin of chimichangas is a topic of much debate, with different regions in Mexico claiming to have invented this delicious dish. However, it is widely believed that the chimichanga was first created in the state of Sonora, Mexico. The story goes that a chef accidentally dropped a burrito into hot oil and exclaimed "chimichanga," which roughly translates to "thingamajig" in Spanish, and thus the deep-fried burrito was born.
Popularized in the United States
Chimichangas gained popularity in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in the border regions of Arizona and Texas. As the dish became more well-known, variations started to appear, with some restaurants serving it smothered in cheese and sauce, while others kept it simple with just a sprinkle of toppings.
The Best Chimichanga in Orlando
Universal Studios' Mexican Restaurant
When it comes to the best chimichangas in Orlando, there is one place that stands out - Universal Studios' Mexican restaurant. Located in the theme park's bustling CityWalk, this restaurant is a must-visit for any fan of Mexican cuisine. Their chimichangas are made with a perfect balance of crispy and soft textures, and are filled with tender, flavorful meat and topped with fresh salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
The Secret Recipe
While Universal Studios keeps their chimichanga recipe tightly under wraps, we've managed to uncover the secret to their mouth-watering dish. The key to their chimichangas is the marinated meat, which is slow-cooked until it falls apart and is then stuffed into a flour tortilla. The tortilla is then deep-fried until golden and crispy, creating the perfect contrast to the tender meat inside. Top it off with your favorite toppings, and you've got yourself a delicious chimichanga that rivals the ones served at Universal Studios.
Recreate the Magic at Home
Now that you know the secret to Universal Studios' famous chimichangas, why not try making them at home? With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can recreate the magic of this iconic theme park dish in your own kitchen. Serve it up with some Spanish rice, beans, and a margarita for the full Universal Studios experience.
In conclusion, the chimichanga from Universal Studios' Mexican restaurant is not just a theme park food, but a true representation of the rich and flavorful Mexican cuisine. With its history dating back to Mexico, and its popularity in the United States, this dish has become a beloved staple in American culture. So the next time you find yourself in Orlando, make sure to stop by Universal Studios and try their famous chimichanga, or better yet, make it at home and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills.
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