These Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos are a fun and tasty meal! Packed with protein-rich black beans and crispy corn tortillas, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
Who knew tacos could be this easy? I love piling on toppings like avocado and salsa. It’s like a fiesta every time I make them! 🎉
These tacos come together in no time, making dinner quick and fun. Plus, you can customize them however you like. I often make extras to enjoy as leftovers! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: These are the star of the recipe, offering protein and fiber. You can also use pinto beans or refried beans if you prefer. Both will still give a great taste!
Cheese: I love using a Mexican blend for extra flavor. Cheddar works great too! If you want a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese or leave it out entirely.
Tortillas: Small corn tortillas give a nice crunch. If you have flour tortillas on hand, they can work as well, but they won’t be quite as crispy. Store-bought ones are super handy, but homemade can be extra delicious if you have the time!
Oil: I usually go with vegetable or canola oil for frying, but olive oil adds a nice flavor too. Just be aware that it has a lower smoke point, so keep the heat lower.
How Do You Ensure Your Tacos Are Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy taco is all about technique! The way you fry them matters a lot.
- Use enough oil to coat the bottom of your skillet but not so much that the tacos are swimming.
- Heat the oil properly—medium heat is best. If it’s too low, they’ll be soggy; too high and they might burn before cooking through.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Frying one or two at a time helps to keep the heat up and ensures even cooking.
- Allow tacos to drain on paper towels; this helps keep them crispy after frying.
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 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 small corn tortillas
- 1-2 tbsp oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes preparing the filling and frying the tacos, plus a little time for garnishing before serving. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Filling:
In a medium bowl, mash the black beans roughly with a fork or potato masher. You want to break them down, but keep some texture. It’s nice to have a few chunky bits for added bite!
2. Mix in the Seasoning:
Add in the shredded cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined—this will be the tasty filling for your tacos!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of oil. Let it get hot; this is where the magic of crispiness begins!
4. Fill the Tortillas:
Take one tortilla and spread 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture on one half. Be careful not to overfill—just enough to enjoy without spilling out!
5. Fold and Cook:
Fold the tortilla in half, encasing the filling. Place it in the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted inside.
6. Repeat and Drain:
Continue with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding more oil to the pan as needed for frying. Once they’re all crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the tops of the tacos and serve them with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some fresh lime over your tacos for a zesty kick!
8. Dig In!
Enjoy your delicious crispy black bean tacos immediately! They’re perfect on their own or dressed up with your favorite salsa, avocado, or any toppings you love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Black Beans Instead of Dried Ones?
Absolutely! Canned black beans are convenient and already cooked, so they save you time. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before using to remove excess sodium.
How Do I Keep My Tacos Extra Crispy?
The key is proper frying! Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the tacos—medium heat is ideal. Fry them one or two at a time to avoid overcrowding, and let them drain on paper towels after cooking for maximum crispiness.
What If I Don’t Have Corn Tortillas?
Flour tortillas can be used if that’s what you have. They may not get as crispy as corn tortillas, but they will still be delicious! You can also try baking them in the oven for a healthier option.
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the black bean filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply stuff the tortillas and fry them for that fresh, crispy texture!
