These Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos are a fun and tasty meal! The black beans bring a hearty flavor, while the crunchy shells add a lovely crunch. Perfect for any day of the week!
Who doesn’t love a good taco night? I like to fill mine with extras like avocado and salsa for a burst of color and flavor. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: They form the heart of this dish. Canned black beans are convenient, but you can use cooked dried beans if you have time. Just season them well, as they’re a blank slate for flavor!
Onion: I recommend using yellow onion for its sweetness. If you prefer something milder, green onions or shallots are good substitutes. Just keep in mind the flavor will change a bit!
Spices: Ground cumin and chili powder bring warmth. If you’re out of chili powder, taco seasoning can work too. For a kick, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are more traditional and have a nice flavor, but flour tortillas can be used for a softer taco. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas labeled as such!
Cheese: Cheddar adds great taste, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese if needed. Just ensure it melts well.
How Can I Get the Tacos Extra Crispy?
The secret to perfectly crispy tacos is in the frying technique! Here’s what to do:
- Heat oil in the skillet until it’s shimmering, which indicates it’s hot enough to fry.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook a few tacos at a time to ensure even cooking.
- Press down gently on the tacos with a spatula while cooking. This helps them crisp up nicely.
- Drain on paper towels after frying to get rid of excess oil for that crispy texture.
Taking care with these steps will lead to delightfully crispy tacos every time. Enjoy your taco night!
Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10-15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal. Total time is about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bean Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher. It’s okay to leave some whole beans for a little texture. Then, mix in the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until everything looks nicely combined.
2. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and stir it into the bean mixture until it is evenly combined. This will add a gooey, delicious flavor to your tacos!
3. Fry the Tacos:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, take one tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture onto half of the tortilla. Fold it over to form a taco.
4. Cook Until Crispy:
Place the folded taco in the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Gently press down with a spatula to help it crisp up nicely. Feel free to add a bit more oil in the skillet if needed for frying the next batches!
5. Drain and Repeat:
When the tacos are crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until you have a delicious stack of crispy tacos.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tacos warm, garnished with chopped cilantro. Provide lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy every crispy bite!
Enjoy your delicious, crispy black bean tacos!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Different Beans in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute black beans with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even refried beans if you prefer a creamier texture. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste as different beans bring varied flavors.
Can I Make These Tacos Vegan?
Yes! To make these tacos vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The bean mixture is naturally vegan and delicious on its own!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, they tend to lose their crispiness, so it’s best to keep the filling and tortillas separate and reassemble before heating. Reheat in a skillet for that crispy texture!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the black bean filling a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, simply warm it up before assembling the tacos.
