These Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos are a fun and tasty meal! With crunchy shells and seasoned black beans, they’re a hit for everyone at the table.
Who needs meat when you have these tasty tacos? I love loading mine up with fresh toppings like salsa and avocado. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: Canned black beans are perfect for this recipe. You can also use dried beans, but they’ll need to be cooked beforehand. I often use pinto beans if I want a different flavor or color!
Cheese: I recommend cheddar for its sharpness, but feel free to swap it with Monterey Jack or a vegan cheese for dairy-free options. It’s all about what you enjoy!
Tortillas: Corn tortillas offer a classic taste, while flour tortillas provide fluffiness. If gluten is a concern, look for corn tortillas labeled gluten-free. Personal preference makes a big difference here!
Spices: I love the combination of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for a kick of flavor. You can mix it up with taco seasoning if you’re short on time.
How Do I Fry the Tacos to Get Them Crispy?
Frying your tacos is key to that crispy texture everyone loves. Here’s how to make sure they turn out perfectly:
- Use medium heat for frying. Too hot, and they might burn; too low, and they’ll be soggy.
- Use enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet (about 2 tablespoons). You want the tacos to sizzle when they hit the oil.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, checking that they’re golden and crispy, not burnt.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil—this step keeps them crispy and not greasy!
Following these tips will give you that delightful crunch, and you’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills!
Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, so in a total of roughly 25 minutes, you’ll have delicious crispy black bean tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Filling:
In a medium bowl, mash the black beans lightly with a fork or potato masher. Make sure to leave some beans whole for a nice texture in your tacos. This adds a little fun in every bite!
2. Season and Mix:
Add in the shredded cheese, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The cheese will help hold everything together and add great flavor!
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Lay out your tortillas on a flat surface. Take the black bean and cheese mixture and divide it evenly among the tortillas, spreading it over one half of each tortilla. Fold the other half over the filling and press down gently to seal. These little pockets are going to be so yummy!
4. Fry the Tacos to Crispy Perfection:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the folded tacos in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted. You’ll know they’re ready when they start to smell amazing!
5. Drain and Garnish:
Once crispy, transfer the tacos to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them nice and crisp! Sprinkle the tacos with chopped fresh cilantro for some extra flavor and color.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your crispy black bean tacos warm with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top for that delicious zesty kick! They’re perfect with your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, or sour cream. Dive in and enjoy the crunch!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Other Beans for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While black beans are fantastic, you can substitute them with pinto beans, refried beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these tacos vegan, simply use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether. You can add extra spices or even some mashed avocado to enhance the filling. They’ll still be delicious!
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the black bean filling a day in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the tacos, simply assemble and fry them. This makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
If you happen to have leftovers, store any unassembled cooked tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again!
