These Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos are delightfully crunchy and packed with flavor. Soft tortillas are filled with tasty black beans and topped with fresh veggies!
Cooking these tacos is a breeze! I love how quick they come together, and the crispy texture makes them so fun to eat. Pair them with some salsa, and you’re all set for a tasty meal!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: Canned black beans are super convenient and saves time. If you’re looking for something fresh, you can use cooked dry beans. Just soak and boil them first, but keep in mind they take more time.
Cheese: While shredded cheddar is delicious, feel free to use vegan cheese if you’re plant-based. You can also skip the cheese entirely for a lighter version; it will still taste great!
Tortillas: I love using corn tortillas for a traditional touch, but flour tortillas work too if that’s what you have on hand. For gluten-free options, look for corn tortillas that are labeled gluten-free.
Spices: If you want to spice things up, try adding cayenne pepper or some hot sauce. If you’re not a fan of cumin, paprika is a nice alternative to keep the flavor profile interesting.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy Taco Shells?
Achieving crispy taco shells is all about the cooking method. Here are some easy tips that make a big difference:
- Use medium heat for frying. If it’s too high, the tortillas might burn before they crisp up.
- Don’t overload your filling. Spreading just the right amount helps get that lovely crunch!
- Fry in batches. This ensures each taco gets enough oil and heat for the best results.
- Heat the oil before adding tortillas; listen for that lovely sizzle when they hit the pan.
Enjoy making these crispy black bean tacos—they’re so satisfying, and you’ll impress everyone around your dinner table!
Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional for crispy texture)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or oil for frying
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy delightful crispy black bean tacos that are both tasty and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Start by mashing the black beans in a medium bowl with a fork or potato masher. You want them to be mostly smooth while still retaining some chunky bits for texture. Then, add the optional shredded cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Next, heat a nonstick skillet or large frying pan over medium heat and pour in 1 tablespoon of oil. This will help achieve that crunchy texture we love!
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Once the oil is hot, take a tortilla and lay it flat in the pan. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of your black bean mixture evenly over one half of the tortilla. Then, fold the tortilla in half over the filling.
4. Cook Until Crispy:
Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until it’s crispy and golden brown. Carefully flip the taco and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that it becomes crispy and that the cheese melts.
5. Repeat and Serve:
Remove the taco from the pan and set it aside. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding more oil to the pan as needed for crispiness. Serve the crispy black bean tacos hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
6. Add Optional Toppings:
Feel free to add your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, diced avocado, or shredded lettuce to make your tacos even more delicious!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful black bean tacos that are simple to prepare and perfect for a quick meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Black Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! Canned black beans are a great time-saver and perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before mashing to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Cheese in This Recipe?
If you want to make the tacos dairy-free, you can either skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Another tasty option is avocado slices; they add creaminess without the cheese!
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the black bean mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the tacos and any extra filling separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The tacos are best eaten fresh, but you can reheat them in a skillet on medium heat until crispy again! They should last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
