These Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos are quick to whip up and packed with flavor! With crunchy shells and tasty black beans, they make a fun weeknight dinner.
They’re so simple to make, even your kids can help fill the tacos. I like to top mine with fresh avocado and salsa for a tasty twist. Can’t wait for taco night! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: These are the star ingredient! Canned black beans are super convenient, but if you prefer cooking from scratch, you can use dried beans. Just remember to soak and cook them in advance.
Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a strong flavor, but you can easily swap it for Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Just ensure it melts well!
Onion & Garlic: Fresh onion adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder as substitutes—about 1 teaspoon each should do.
Corn Tortillas: While corn tortillas are traditional, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a different texture. Just note that they won’t get as crispy.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish, but if you’re not a fan, try using green onions or skip it altogether!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy Tacos?
Achieving that golden, crispy taco is all about the frying technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the oil on medium heat—too hot, and the tortillas will burn; too low, and they won’t crisp up.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! It’s better to cook in batches to ensure each taco gets enough space to fry evenly.
- Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
- Drain excess oil by placing the tacos on a paper towel-lined plate right away; this keeps them crunchy.
Following these tips will help you serve up deliciously crispy tacos that everyone will love!
Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. In just 25 minutes, you can have delicious, crispy black bean tacos ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, take your drained and rinsed black beans and mash them with a fork. You want to leave some beans slightly whole for a nice texture. Next, mix in the shredded cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, allowing it to get hot enough for frying (but not smoking!).
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Take one corn tortilla and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture onto one half of the tortilla. Carefully fold the tortilla over to make a half-moon shape. Make sure it’s not overloaded to avoid spillage while cooking!
4. Fry the Tacos:
Gently place the filled tortilla in the hot skillet. Cook each taco for about 2-3 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown and crispy. Then, flip it over and cook the other side until crispy and the cheese is melted. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Serve:
When you’re done frying, remove the tacos from the skillet and lay them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Finally, serve your crispy black bean tacos warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to squeeze over the top. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
These Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos are perfect for a quick dinner, and they’re packed with flavor too! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Dried Black Beans Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use dried black beans! Just soak and cook them beforehand. You’ll need about 1.5 cups of cooked beans to replace the canned beans. Remember to season them similarly with spices for the best flavor!
How Can I Make These Tacos Vegan?
To make these tacos vegan, simply substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. There are many great brands available that melt nicely! Additionally, ensure your tortillas are vegan-friendly, as some brands use lard.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the filling and tortillas separate to maintain crispness. Reheat in a skillet to crisp them up again before serving.
Can I Bake the Tacos Instead of Frying Them?
Absolutely! For a healthier option, you can bake the assembled tacos in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until crispy. Just brush the tortillas lightly with oil before baking to help them achieve that golden color!
