These Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos are a fun and tasty meal. They have crunchy shells filled with seasoned black beans, fresh veggies, and your favorite toppings!
The best part? They’re super quick to make, so you can whip them up anytime. I love piling on avocado and salsa—what’s your go-to topping? 🌮😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: Canned black beans are perfect for this recipe as they save time. If you’re short on beans, pinto beans or chickpeas can work too, but black beans give the best flavor!
Cheese: Cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses melt beautifully. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try using vegan cheese or skip it altogether for a lighter taco.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas add great flavor and texture, but flour tortillas can be used if that’s what you prefer. Just make sure they’re a bit thicker so they hold up when frying.
Seasonings: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder gives a nice kick. Feel free to adjust spices based on your taste. Adding smoked paprika can also enhance the depth of flavor!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Tacos?
Making crispy tacos is all about the right cooking technique. Here are some tips for the perfect crunch:
- Use enough oil in your skillet! It should be hot enough to fry the tortillas, but not so hot that they burn.
- Fry the tacos in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to soggy tortillas.
- Press down gently on the tacos while they’re frying. This helps them maintain their shape and creates more surface area to get crispy.
- Let the tacos drain on paper towels after frying. This helps remove excess oil, keeping them crunchy.
With these tips, you’ll get crispy tacos every time! Enjoy putting your own spin on this delicious dish!
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 ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, diced onions, jalapeños
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fun taco night with friends. Just a little prep, and you’ll have crispy tacos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Mixture:
In a medium bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the black beans until they’re mostly smooth but still have some texture. It should be a little chunky to give the filling some bite. Then, mix in the shredded cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s well combined.
2. Cook the Tacos:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil, enough to coat the bottom. Once hot, place a tortilla flat in the skillet. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture over one half of the tortilla. Fold it over to create a half-moon shape and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
3. Flip and Crisp:
Once the first side is crispy and golden brown, carefully flip the taco to the other side. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are crispy and the cheese inside has melted. Remove the taco from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Continue this process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Once all the tacos are cooked, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Feel free to add any extra toppings you love, like sour cream, salsa, avocado, or diced onions!
Enjoy your easy, delicious, crispy black bean tacos! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Other Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While black beans are delicious, you can substitute them with pinto beans or chickpeas. Just make sure to mash them slightly for a better texture in your filling!
How Do I Make These Tacos Vegan?
To make these tacos vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrition!
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the black bean filling a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply reheat it before filling the tortillas.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness!
