These crispy black bean tacos are a tasty and healthy choice! With crunchy tortillas filled with seasoned black beans and fresh toppings, they’re sure to satisfy everyone.
What I love most is how quick they are to make. Just fry the tortillas, fill them up, and enjoy! Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: Canned black beans are super convenient and provide great flavor. If you don’t have canned ones, you can use cooked dried black beans, just make sure you season them well for the same taste.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a lovely taste, but if you’re dairy-free, opt for vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. I sometimes mix in pepper jack for a little heat!
Onion: Yellow onions work great, but you can use green onions for a milder flavor or red onions for a bit of sweetness. Each adds its unique twist!
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are classic for tacos, but you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer taco. Just remember, a little crispiness goes a long way!
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, consider using fresh parsley or even chopped green onions for a fresh garnish.
How Do I Get My Tacos Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy texture, heat the oil well before adding the tortillas. Too cool oil can lead to soggy tacos. Here are some easy steps:
- Use medium-high heat when frying the tacos for that nice golden brown.
- Make sure to press down gently while frying – it helps the edges get crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; give each taco space to cook evenly.
- If you like them extra crispy, fry a bit longer, watching them closely to prevent burning!
With these tips, your tacos will be deliciously crispy and satisfying!
Easy and Healthy Crispy Black Bean Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 small corn tortillas
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and an additional 10 minutes to cook. In just 20 minutes, you can have these delicious, crispy tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Black Bean Mixture
Start by taking a medium bowl and mashing the black beans with a fork or potato masher. Leave some beans whole to add a nice texture to your filling. Once mashed, add in the shredded cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Heat the Skillet
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in 1 tablespoon of oil. Let the oil warm up for a minute while you prepare the tortillas.
3. Fill the Tortillas
Take one corn tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture onto one half of the tortilla. Be careful not to overfill it to ensure they fold nicely!
4. Cook the Tacos
Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape, pressing down slightly to seal it. Place the filled tortilla in the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and crispy. If the tortillas seem to be sticking, add a little more oil to the skillet.
5. Repeat and Serve
Continue the process with the remaining tortillas and filling, keeping an eye on the skillet heat. Once all the tacos are cooked, serve them hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
Enjoy your easy, healthy, and delicious crispy black bean tacos with family and friends!
FAQ for Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Canned Beans or Dried Beans?
Absolutely! Canned black beans are convenient and save time. If you prefer using dried beans, make sure to soak and cook them until tender before mashing. Season them well to ensure they have great flavor!
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicy?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the black bean mixture. Alternatively, serve with your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Make These Tacos Vegan?
Yes, just substitute the cheddar cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to keep it dairy-free. The recipe is naturally vegetarian, and with this swap, it’s fully vegan!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a bit of oil if needed for crispiness again.
