These crispy black bean tacos are simple to make and full of flavor! With crunchy shells and a delicious black bean filling, they’re perfect for a quick meal.
Making tacos is always a fun time! I love to load mine with fresh toppings like avocado and salsa. Who doesn’t enjoy a little crunch with every bite? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: Canned black beans are super convenient. For a fresher touch, you can use cooked dried beans instead. Just make sure they’re properly seasoned and mashed for that perfect filling consistency!
Onion and Garlic: I love using yellow onions for their mild sweetness. If you’re avoiding onions or garlic, consider using garlic powder and onion powder instead, adjusting to taste.
Cheese: I prefer a blend of cheeses for added flavor, but any cheese that melts well works. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese that melts.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas provide the best texture! If you need a gluten-free option, look for corn tortillas marked as gluten-free or use flour tortillas if that’s what you have on hand.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you don’t have it. Regular paprika or a dash of cayenne will also work for heat!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crispiness in My Tacos?
The key to crispy tacos lies in the frying technique. A good hot skillet with oil is essential! Here’s how to make sure they turn out great:
- Preheat your non-stick skillet and use enough oil to coat the bottom—about 1/2 tablespoon per taco is ideal.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the taco; you can test by flicking a drop of water in—it should sizzle!
- Cook each taco for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Flip them gently with a spatula to avoid breaking.
- After frying, place the tacos on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, keeping them crunchy!
Following these tips will ensure your tacos are deliciously crispy every time! Enjoy your taco night!
Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. In total, you should have delicious tacos ready in about 30 minutes!
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 chunks for texture. This adds heartiness to your filling!
2. Mix in the Flavor:
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to the beans. Mix everything well so that all the flavors blend together beautifully.
3. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheese, making sure it’s distributed evenly throughout the black bean mixture. This will add creaminess and flavor to your tacos!
4. Heat the Skillet:
Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add about 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Let it heat up while you prepare the tacos.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
Take one corn tortilla and lay it flat in the skillet. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean and cheese mixture on one half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half over the filling, gently pressing down.
6. Cook Until Crispy:
Fry the folded taco for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t rush this step; the crispiness is key to the perfect taco. Add more oil if necessary to achieve that lovely crunch.
7. Remove and Drain:
Once cooked, remove the taco from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling until you have a delicious stack of crispy tacos!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the tacos with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos. Enjoy with your favorite salsa or avocado on the side if you like!
Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy black bean tacos and don’t forget to share them with friends or family! Happy eating! 🌮
FAQ for Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Dried Beans Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use dried beans! Just cook them according to package instructions before mashing. You’ll need about 1.5 cups of cooked beans to replace the canned variety.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Corn Tortillas?
No worries! You can substitute flour tortillas for a softer texture. Just be aware that they may not hold their shape as well when frying, so handle them gently!
How Can I Make the Tacos Spicier?
If you like some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the black bean mixture or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Also, serving with a spicy salsa on the side can kick things up a notch!
How to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a bit of oil if needed to re-crisp the shell.
