These easy crispy black bean tacos are bursting with flavor! Made with crunchy tortillas, seasoned black beans, and your favorite toppings, they’re perfect for a quick meal.
Who doesn’t love a good taco night? I enjoy loading mine up with fresh veggies and a nice dollop of salsa. It’s always a fun dinner at my place!
What I love most about these tacos is how simple they are to make. Just mix, fill, and crisp them up! You can whip them up in no time and enjoy every bite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: Canned black beans are perfect for this recipe, but if you want to soak and cook dried black beans, that works too. Just be sure to season them well!
Cheese: I love using cheddar or Monterey Jack for their melting qualities. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Onions: Fresh onions add great flavor. You can swap them out for green onions or even finely diced bell peppers if you prefer.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but feel free to use flour tortillas for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time since flour tortillas can burn more easily.
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil works here. You could also use olive oil for a richer flavor, but watch the heat level to avoid burning.
How Do I Get My Tacos Extra Crispy?
To achieve that delightful crunch in your tacos, focus on a few key techniques:
- Start with a hot skillet. Heat the oil until it’s shimmering before adding the tortilla.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cooking one or two tacos at a time allows for better even cooking.
- Use enough oil. Make sure the bottom of the skillet has a nice layer to achieve crispiness.
- Press down lightly on the tacos while cooking. This helps them brown evenly and become extra crispy.
- Let them rest on a paper towel for a moment before serving to drain any excess oil.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious, crispy black bean tacos every time!
Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 small corn tortillas
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional toppings: salsa, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped tomatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 25 minutes. A quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Mixture:
In a bowl, mash the black beans lightly with a fork, making sure to leave some whole beans for added texture. This gives a nice hearty bite to your tacos!
2. Mix in the Flavor:
Add the shredded cheese, diced onion, 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 ready to go!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a little vegetable oil. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet for the best frying results.
4. Fill the Tortillas:
Take a tortilla and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture evenly over one side. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing it lightly to seal the filling inside.
5. Fry the Tacos:
Carefully place the filled tortilla in the hot skillet. If you need to, add a little more oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and you can see the cheese melting inside.
6. Repeat and Serve:
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Once all your tacos are crispy and ready, serve them hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Don’t forget to add any of your favorite optional toppings!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful black bean tacos!
FAQ About Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Dried Black Beans Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using dried black beans, just soak and cook them ahead of time until they’re tender. Be sure to season them well to match the flavors in the recipe.
How Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian or Vegan?
These tacos are already vegetarian! To make them vegan, simply replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, let the tacos cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in a skillet to maintain their crispiness.
Can I Add Other Fillings or Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the filling with ingredients like black olives, diced bell peppers, or corn. For toppings, consider fresh avocado, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
