These crunchy black bean tacos are super easy to make and packed with flavor! They feature crispy tortillas stuffed with seasoned black beans, fresh veggies, and your favorite toppings.
Taco nights are always a hit in my house! I love how I can customize each one—extra avocado for me, please! 🥑 Plus, they’re quick to whip up for a fun family meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: Canned black beans are perfect for this recipe because they’re quick and easy. You could also use cooked dried beans if you prefer. Just make sure they’re well seasoned!
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar and Mexican blends are great flavors. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cheese that melts well. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a lovely crispiness. If you need a gluten-free option or can’t find corn tortillas, yellow or white flour tortillas work too!
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is the go-to for frying, you can also use olive oil for a slightly different flavor. Just be careful not to heat it too high.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Tacos?
Getting tacos crispy is essential. The key is to heat the oil properly and not overcrowd the pan. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oil until it shimmers. Test it by dropping a small piece of tortilla; it should sizzle right away.
- Make sure to fill the tacos, but don’t overstuff them. This helps them cook evenly and stay crispy.
- After frying each taco, let them rest on paper towels. This helps drain excess oil so they stay crisp!
Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 small corn tortillas
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and cooking. It’s quick and perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Filling:
In a medium bowl, take your drained and rinsed black beans and mash them roughly with a fork or potato masher. You want to leave some beans whole for a nice texture.
2. Mix in the Flavors:
Add the shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the mashed beans. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and colorful!
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to fry the tacos but not smoking!
4. Warm the Tortillas:
To soften the tortillas, warm them briefly in the microwave or a dry skillet. This step makes them easier to fold without breaking.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Grab the warm tortillas and spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Carefully fold the tortilla over to create a taco shape.
6. Fry the Tacos:
Gently place the filled tacos in the hot oil. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a spatula to help them become crispy and golden. You’ll know they’re ready when they look delicious!
7. Drain and Serve:
Once crispy, remove the tacos from the skillet and place them on paper towels to absorb any extra oil. This will keep them nice and crunchy!
8. Add Toppings:
Serve your crispy black bean tacos immediately, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty finish. Enjoy!
Now you’re ready to dive into these crunchy, flavorful tacos that are sure to satisfy your cravings!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While black beans are delicious, you can substitute them with pinto beans or refried beans for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste!
How Do I Make These Tacos Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also add more veggies like diced tomatoes or avocados for extra flavor!
What Can I Serve with the Tacos?
These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, or a fresh green salad. You might also enjoy some salsa or pico de gallo for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the unassembled tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can lightly fry them again for a crispy texture or microwave them until warmed through.
