You don’t have to deep-fry to make perfect vegan chimichangas. This simple recipe uses classic refried beans, dairy-free cheese, and the pan-fry method to get moan-worthy crispy chimichangas with minimal oil.
These chimichangas are so delicious on their own, but top them with this easy 5 minute guacamole and simple spicy salsa for a healthy alternative. You can also check out this post for more Mexican-inspired toppings.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a chimichanga, you already know that it’s one of the most delicious dishes to grace Mexican-American cuisine. It’s also fun to say “CHIMICHANGAS!” loudly in the kitchen while making them, especially when your dog thinks it’s a special code word for dog treats.
As you smile at your dog with a feeling of superiority that you understand language, you may have a moment of doubt when you say, “Wait, what does chimichanga MEAN anyway? And what’s the difference between a chimichanga and a burrito?”
Well, first off, the main difference is that chimichangas are traditionally deep-fried, meat-filled, and served with cheese or a side of sour cream. Burritos, on the other hand, are not deep-fried and you can fill them any way you wish.
As for what the word chimichangas mean, read on for the story behind the dish (hint: you may have been halfway cursing at your dog).
Why is it called a chimichanga?
As with most great comfort food, the story begins with a happy accident. It just so happens that this story involves some hot oil and a swear word.
According to the great-grand-niece of Monica Flin, chimichangas were invented late one night in Arizona, when Flin was preparing a late night snack for her nieces. As she finished rolling up a bean burrito, one of the nieces bumped her (such a kid move btw), and it flew out of her hands and into a vat of oil. Why there was a large vat of hot oil is not important apparently, so just go with it.
Anyway, as any woman who was bumped while preparing a late snack for a bunch of kids would do, Flin started to curse in Spanish, yet changed her mind halfway. What came out instead was something along the lines of “thingamajig.” Although it’s interesting to note that “chang’a” apparently means female monkey and when combined with “chimi” it’s a polite way of saying a Mexican expletive. Allegedly speaking, of course.
And even though origins stories can sometimes be blown out of proportion or manipulated along the way, this scenario of a woman cursing at children (who were most likely running around annoying the hell out of her anyway) is pretty plausible to me.
So now that you know, please enjoy these monkey thingamajigs, minus the large vat of oil.
Are chimichangas healthy?
Now, I know when I say “deep-fried,” there’s a lot of emotional attachment that comes with that word. Feelings like joy, ecstasy, and contentment come to mind, but also, some mad FOMO if deep-fried is not what the doctor ordered.
That’s why I present you with these healthier chimichangas that are not deep-fried in a vat of oil. Instead, these chimis use less oil with the pan-fry method, yet still taste absolutely mouth-watering delicious.
They also do not contain vegan meat substitutes, and rely on classic vegetarian refried beans, Mexican spices, and vegan cheese. Instead of sour cream, I’ve topped mine with healthy homemade guacamole and salsa instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! For oil-free, omit the vegan cheese and replace it with the suggestions below. You can also bake these instead of frying with oil (see below).
Nope! Leave it out completely or replace it with a scoop of salsa, cooked Spanish rice, sauteed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Absolutely! Place chimichangas in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish (lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking) and bake them at 400° for about 10-15 minutes. Just keep in mind they may not be as golden brown.
How to make bean and cheese vegan chimichangas
What you need (see the recipe box below for exact measurements):
- vegetarian refried beans
- nutritional yeast
- chili powder
- ground cumin
- salt and black pepper
- vegan shredded cheddar cheese
- large flour tortillas
- oil of choice for frying, such as olive oil, canola, or coconut
Instructions:
1. Add the refried beans and spices to a small pot, along with a splash of water to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom. Heat on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the beans are heated through. Remove from heat.
2. Roll your chimichagas like burritos, dividing the refried beans between the tortillas. To make each chimichanga, scoop 2-3 spoonfuls of refried beans onto a tortilla, and top with a handful of vegan cheese. Tuck in the sides, and roll to make a burrito. This recipe makes between 6-8 chimichangas, depending on how you divide your beans.
3. Next, heat a large griddle or skillet and add oil. Cook the chimichangas in oil for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sides turn golden brown. Remove from heat.
4. Serve your chimichangas with homemade guacamole or spicy salsa.
Allergy Information + Notes
- This recipe is 100% vegan, meaning it is meat-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. It is also naturally soy-free and nut-free.
- Don’t want to use vegan cheese? Want to do oil-free or bake them instead? See the FAQs in-post above for my recommendations.
- You can also top your chimichangas with extra toppings, such as shredded lettuce or vegan sour cream.
For more Mexican recipes, try these:
Perfect Bean and Cheese Vegan Chimichangas
Equipment
- Griddle or cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 8 large flour tortillas (8.5 inch diameter)
- 2 cans vegetarian refried beans (15 oz each can)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- salt and pepper, to taste (I use Himalayan pink salt)
- shredded vegan cheddar cheese
- guacamole or salsa, for serving
- 2-3 tablespoons oil, such as olive or coconut, for cooking
Instructions
- Add the refried beans and spices to a small pot, along with a splash of water to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom. Heat on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the beans are heated through. Remove from heat.
- Roll your chimichagas (like burritos), dividing the refried beans between the tortillas. To make each chimichanga, scoop 2-3 spoonfuls of refried beans onto a tortilla, and top with a handful of vegan cheese. Tuck in the sides, and roll to make a burrito. This recipe makes between 6-8 chimichangas, depending on how you divide your beans.
- Next, heat a large griddle or skillet and add 2-3 tablespoons oil. Cook the chimichangas in oil for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sides turn golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Serve your chimichangas with homemade guacamole or this simple spicy salsa.
Notes
- Don’t want to use vegan cheese? Leave it out completely or replace it with a scoop of salsa, cooked Spanish rice, sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- For oil-free, omit the vegan cheese and replace it with the suggestions above. You can also bake these instead of frying with oil (see below).
- To bake instead of fry, place chimichangas in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish (lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking) and bake them at 400° F for about 10-15 minutes. Just keep in mind they may not be as golden brown.
- You can also top your chimichangas with extra toppings, such as shredded lettuce or dairy free sour cream.
- Please note that calorie estimates do not include guacamole or oil.
Nutrition Information
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