These Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a meal! With crunchy shells and flavorful black beans, they are both satisfying and simple to make.
I love piling on fresh toppings like avocado and salsa. It’s hard to eat just one! Who doesn’t enjoy tacos that get crunchy and messy at the same time? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: A can of black beans is perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a change, you can substitute with pinto beans or refried beans. Both will provide a different but delicious texture!
Cheese: I recommend using a mix of cheddar and Mexican cheese blend for the best flavor. If you’re dairy-free, swap it out with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas work great since they become crispy when fried. If corn tortillas aren’t available, feel free to use flour tortillas, but they may not get as crispy.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder give a lovely kick. You can adjust the chili powder according to your spice preference or use taco seasoning as a shortcut.
How Do You Make Sure Your Tacos Are Crispy?
Getting those tacos crispy is all about cooking them just right. Here are my tips:
- Use enough oil to coat the pan, but not so much that they get soggy. A good rule is about 1/2 tablespoon per tortilla.
- Heat the skillet moderately; too high will burn the tortillas before the filling warms up.
- Cook each taco for 2-3 minutes on each side. Wait until you see a golden color before flipping.
Don’t rush this step! Crispy tacos are worth the wait, and they’ll hold all the juicy toppings better. Enjoy your cooking!
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)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or oil for frying
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a plate full of crispy black bean tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Filling:
First, grab a mixing bowl and use a fork to mash the black beans roughly. You want some beans to be whole for that lovely texture! Once you’ve mashed them, stir in the chopped onion, shredded cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Next, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add about 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil. It should shimmer a little; that’s how you know it’s ready!
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Now, take one tortilla and place it in the skillet. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture across half of the tortilla. Then, fold the other half over to form a half-moon shape. It’s like a little taco pocket full of goodness!
4. Cook Until Crispy:
Add a little more oil around the edges of the tortilla. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted inside. Yummy!
5. Repeat:
Continue doing this with the remaining tortillas and filling. If the pan gets dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash more oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, serve your crispy black bean tacos warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Feel free to add any optional toppings like avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful black bean tacos!
FAQ About Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! Canned black beans are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before using to remove excess sodium and preservatives.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicy?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the black bean mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the mix for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best taste, reheat the tacos in a skillet to maintain their crispiness, or you can use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Make These Tacos Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make these tacos vegan! Just substitute the shredded cheese with a dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether. The beans and spices will still deliver a fantastic flavor!
