How to Make Chimichanga Sauce: A Delicious Recipe Guide

"How to make chimichanga sauce" is a common question among chimichanga enthusiasts. Making chimichanga sauce from scratch is easier than you think! This flavorful sauce adds a delicious kick to chimichangas, tacos, burritos and more. Sabor Catracho will walk you through the simple steps to whip up this sauce at home.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to make Chimichanga Sauce - Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
2. Add the garlic and jalapeno. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the tomato sauce, water, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more vinegar for acidity, brown sugar for sweetness, or spices to your taste.
6. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before using on chimichangas or other dishes. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
7. Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving again.

Making your own chimichanga sauce opens up a whole world of flavor possibilities. Feel free to tweak this recipe by using different types of peppers, extra spices like paprika or garlic powder, a splash of lime juice, or your other favorite ingredients. Get creative and make this sauce your own! Smother it on chimichangas, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, or even use it as a dip for chips and veggies. Whip up a big batch to have on hand whenever a craving strikes.

Tips for Making the Best Chimichanga Sauce

• Use high quality extra virgin olive oil for the most flavor
• Dice the onions and mince the garlic and jalapeno finely so they can blend into the sauce smoothly.
• For less heat, remove all of the jalapeno seeds and membranes. For extra spicy sauce, leave some or all of the seeds.
• Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned tomato sauce when tomatoes are in season. Dice 2-3 roma tomatoes as a substitute.
• Cumin, oregano, chili powder and garlic powder really make the sauce pop. Adjust amounts to your tastes.
• For creamier sauce, puree it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender.
• Garnish the sauce with cilantro, cotija cheese, diced onions or avocado when serving for extra fresh flavor and texture.
• Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of water.
• Lighten it up by using reduced sodium tomato sauce and low sodium taco seasoning.

With this easy homemade chimichanga sauce, you'll never have to settle for store bought again! It's simple to prepare and customize however you like. This versatile sauce will become your new go-to condiment anytime hunger strikes for Mex.

Chimichanga Sauce Variations

Once you master the original recipe, get creative and make some chimichanga sauce varieties to change up your meal routine.

Roasted Tomatillo Chimichanga Sauce

• Replace tomato sauce with 1 pound roasted tomatillos. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same.

Smoky Chipotle Chimichanga Sauce

• Use 1 canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce instead of fresh jalapeno.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.

Creamy Avocado Chimichanga Sauce

• Blend together 1 avocado, 1 cup cilantro leaves, juice from 1 lime and 1/3 cup water in blender.
• Fold avocado mixture into simmered tomato sauce.

Tomatillo-Cilantro Chimichanga Sauce

• Use 1 pound roasted tomatillos instead of tomato sauce.
• Add 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves.
• Use lime juice instead of vinegar.

Bacon Chimichanga Sauce

• Fry 4 strips bacon, crumbled.
• Add bacon and rendered fat to sauce.

With these chimichanga sauce variations, you'll never get bored with taco night again!

How to Use Leftover Chimichanga Sauce

Don't let that leftover chimichanga sauce go to waste! Here are some delicious ways to use up any extra:

• Toss with roasted veggies - Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. Roast veggies drizzled in sauce for a tasty side.
• Simmer chickpeas in it - For a protein punch to salads and rice bowls.
• Use it on breakfast - Eggs, tater tots, hash browns and breakfast tacos love chimichanga sauce!
• Make enchiladas - Roll up chicken, cheese or veggie fillings in tortillas and smother in sauce.
• Toss with pasta - Penne, rotini and other pasta shapes are amazing coated in this sauce. Add peppers, corn and beans.
• Bake chicken breasts in it - Pound chicken breasts thin and bake in sauce for juicy, flavorful meat.
• Marinate and grill meat - Let steak, pork chops, shrimp or vegetables marinate in it for extra flavor on the grill.
• Freeze for later - Portion into freezer bags to pull out anytime you need sauce.
• Make chili - Add ground beef or turkey and beans to stretch the sauce into chili. Top with avocado, cheese, etc.

With just a few extra minutes of prep, you can turn leftover chimichanga sauce into several more amazing meals. Get creative in the kitchen and put that sauce to use in lots of delicious ways.

FAQs About Chimichanga Sauce

What's the difference between chimichanga sauce and enchilada sauce?

Chimichanga sauce has a brighter, fresher tomato flavor from the vinegar and citrus while enchilada sauce is earthier with more chili powder and cumin. Feel free to use either on chimichangas though!

Can I use jarred salsa instead of making sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Use your favorite red or green salsa or enchilada sauce instead of tomato sauce and spices. Simply heat it up with any other mix-ins and adjustments you want.

Do I need to add water to the sauce?

The small amount of water helps thin out and stretch the tomato sauce into an easy drizzling consistency. If using a thin salsa, you likely can skip the water.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, leave the jalapeno seeds and membranes intact for extra heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or other dried chiles.

What meat goes with chimichanga sauce?

Shredded chicken, beef or pork carnitas are classic in chimichangas, but you could also use ground beef or turkey. Try seafood like shrimp or white fish too.

With this easy homemade chimichanga sauce up your sleeve, you can create incredible tacos, burritos, chimichangas and more anytime the craving for a flavor fiesta hits. Customize it to your taste and get ready for your new favorite condiment!

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