These crispy black bean tacos are quick, tasty, and perfect for a busy weeknight. With crunchy tortillas filled with seasoned black beans and fresh toppings, who can resist?
I love how simple they are to whip up! Just load your tacos with your favorite veggies and a squeeze of lime, and you’ve got a yummy meal in minutes. Taco night is the best night! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: These are the star of the dish! Canned black beans are convenient and still packed with flavor. If you prefer, you can use cooked dried black beans instead; just make sure they’re well-seasoned.
Onion: I use yellow onion for its sweetness, but red onion could work too for a sharper flavor. If you’re avoiding onions, feel free to leave them out or substitute with sautéed bell peppers.
Cheese: I love using a blend of cheddar and Mexican cheese for that melty goodness. If you’re vegan, try vegan cheese or skip it entirely — the flavor remains tasty!
Tortillas: Corn tortillas give the best crunch, but if you’re gluten-free, make sure to choose certified gluten-free corn tortillas. Flour tortillas can also work if you prefer a softer taco.
How Do I Get My Tacos Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crisp on your tacos takes just a little attention. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the oil in the skillet until hot but not smoking. A test for readiness is to drop in a small bit of the filling — if it sizzles, you’re set!
- Fry the tacos in small batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the oil temperature consistent for even cooking.
- Don’t rush it! Fry the tacos for 2-3 minutes on each side. Wait until they’re golden brown before flipping.
Let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Enjoy the crunch!
Crispy Black Bean Tacos Easy Weeknight Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes for cooking. Total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to whip up these crispy black bean tacos from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture. This adds a nice bite to your tacos! Next, mix in the chopped onion, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. Finally, fold in the shredded cheese to enhance the flavor and richness.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, pour in just enough oil to cover the bottom and heat it over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. A quick way to test if the oil is ready is to drop a small bit of the bean mixture in — if it sizzles, it’s go time!
3. Fry the Tacos:
Take a corn tortilla and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture onto one half. Fold the tortilla over to create a taco shape. Carefully place the folded taco into the hot oil. Fry each taco for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once fried, remove the tacos from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. To serve, place the crispy black bean tacos on a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Don’t forget to have lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of flavor!
Enjoy your delicious, crispy black bean tacos perfect for an easy weeknight meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Beans for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While black beans are the star here, you can substitute them with pinto beans or refried beans if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste!
How Can I Make These Tacos Vegan?
To make the tacos vegan, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. The tacos will still be flavorful with just the black bean mixture and toppings!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftovers, store the un-fried bean mixture and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, just fry the tacos fresh for the best crunchy texture!
Can I Bake These Tacos Instead of Frying?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the filled tortillas on a baking sheet and lightly brush them with oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy. Enjoy a healthier option!
