How To Make Chimichangas With Pulled Pork

How To Make Chimichangas With Pulled Pork is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Gran Luchito on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $15.34 total, $3.84 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for sauce sauté)
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (melted)
  • 2 medium Fresh Tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Tomato Puree (plain, no added herbs)
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 cup Chipotle Refried Beans (warm)
  • 4 large (10‑inch) Flour Tortillas (burrito‑size, room temperature)
  • 2 cups Pulled Pork (cooked, shredded)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for shallow frying, high smoke‑point oil)
  • 1 cup Shredded Cabbage (green cabbage, thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup Crème Fraîche
  • 1 small Jalapeño (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)
  • 6 pieces Toothpicks (for securing wraps)

Instructions

  1. Make Spicy Tomato Sauce

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil and the melted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3‑4 minutes. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, sugar, salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: medium heat

  2. Blend the Sauce

    Transfer the hot sauce to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until completely smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet and keep warm.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Prepare Fillings

    Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spread about ¼ cup of warm chipotle refried beans over each tortilla, leaving a small border. Top with ½ cup shredded pulled pork, then sprinkle ¼ cup shredded mozzarella over the meat.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Roll and Secure

    Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll tightly into a burrito shape. Insert a toothpick through the seam to hold the roll together.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Shallow Fry Chimichangas

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in the skillet to about 180°C (350°F). Carefully place the chimichangas seam‑side down and fry for 2‑3 minutes per side, or until golden‑brown and crispy all around.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 180°C

  6. Drain and Garnish

    Remove the fried chimichangas with tongs and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Slice in half, drizzle with the spicy tomato sauce, then top with shredded cabbage, a dollop of crème fraîche, sliced jalapeño and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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How To Make Chimichangas With Pulled Pork

Recipe by Gran Luchito

Crispy, deep‑fried burrito‑style chimichangas stuffed with smoky pulled pork, chipotle refried beans, mozzarella and a bright spicy tomato sauce. Served with shredded cabbage, crème fraîche, jalapeño and fresh cilantro.

MediumMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.34
Total cost
$3.84
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Blend the sauce until completely smooth.
  • Roll the tortillas tightly and secure with toothpicks.
  • Fry the chimichangas until golden‑brown and crispy at 180°C.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a thermometer or test a small piece of tortilla first.
  • Do not leave the frying oil unattended.
  • Remove toothpicks before eating to avoid choking hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chimichangas in Mexican and Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Chimichangas are believed to have originated in the American Southwest, blending Mexican burrito concepts with deep‑fried techniques popular in Tex‑Mex street food. They became a staple at fairs and festivals, symbolizing comfort and indulgence.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chimichangas in Mexican‑inspired cuisine?

A

Traditional variations include using shredded chicken, beef, or cheese fillings, adding salsa verde, or swapping flour tortillas for corn. Some regions serve them with guacamole, while others top them with a tomato‑based sauce like in this recipe.

cultural
Q

How is a chimichanga authentically served in Mexican‑American restaurants?

A

They are typically served hot, sliced in half, and topped with salsa, shredded lettuce or cabbage, sour cream or crema, and a sprinkle of cheese. A side of rice and beans often accompanies the dish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are chimichangas traditionally associated with in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

Chimichangas are popular at casual gatherings, sports events, and street fairs. Their hearty, handheld nature makes them a favorite for family movie nights and backyard barbecues.

cultural
Q

How does the pulled pork chimichanga fit into the broader Mexican‑American cuisine tradition?

A

Pulled pork adds a smoky, slow‑cooked element that mirrors the Mexican “carnitas” technique, while the deep‑fried wrapper reflects American comfort‑food influences, creating a fusion dish that embodies Tex‑Mex flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a chimichanga versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include flour tortillas, refried beans, cheese, and a meat filling such as pork or chicken. Substitutes like cheddar cheese, pinto beans, or sour cream can be used without losing the dish’s character.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican‑American dishes pair well with pulled pork chimichangas?

A

Serve them alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or a fresh corn salad. A chilled margarita or a light cerveza complements the richness of the fried chimichanga.

cultural
Q

What makes this pulled pork chimichanga special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

The addition of a bright, blended spicy tomato sauce and the use of mozzarella for meltiness set this version apart, offering a balance of smoky pork, creamy cheese, and tangy heat.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pulled pork chimichangas at home?

A

Common errors include frying at too low a temperature, which makes the chimichanga greasy, and not sealing the tortilla tightly, causing it to open during frying. Also, over‑filling can cause the roll to burst.

technical
Q

How do I know when the pulled pork chimichanga is done cooking?

A

The chimichanga is done when the exterior is deep golden‑brown and crisp, and the internal temperature reaches at least 74°C (165°F). A quick slice should show hot, melted cheese and steaming pork.

technical
Q

Can I make the pulled pork chimichanga ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the sauce and shredded pork up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate separately. Assemble the chimichangas, wrap tightly, and freeze. Fry directly from frozen for best crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Gran Luchito specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Gran Luchito focuses on bold, flavorful Latin‑American street food and home‑cooked comfort dishes, often featuring easy‑to‑follow tutorials with a fun, energetic presentation style.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Gran Luchito's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Gran Luchito emphasizes high‑energy, quick‑prep videos that blend traditional Mexican flavors with modern twists, such as using pulled pork in chimichangas, whereas many other channels stick strictly to classic recipes or slower, detailed techniques.

channel

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