These Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos are a tasty twist on a classic! Filled with crunchy shells and spiced black beans, they make a fun meal any day of the week.
Who’s kidding who? The best part is piling on your favorite toppings—salsa, cheese, or avocado. I love making a mini taco bar for family nights. Taco party, anyone? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: These are the star of the show! You can use canned beans for convenience. If you prefer, you could also use cooked black beans from dried beans. Just remember that dried beans take longer to prepare, but they can have a creamier texture.
Corn Tortillas: I love using corn tortillas for their traditional flavor and crispy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, this is perfect! Flour tortillas can also be used, but they’ll be less crispy when fried.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for these tacos because it melts beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a vegan cheese alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
Salsa: You can use your favorite store-bought salsa or make your own chunky version. Spicy or mild—whatever suits your taste! A fresh pico de gallo adds a nice touch, too.
How Do I Get My Tacos Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crunch, frying the tortillas is key. Here are some tips to ensure every taco comes out crispy:
- Heat the oil until it’s shimmering—this ensures the tortillas fry rather than soak.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook a few at a time to maintain the right temperature.
- Let the tacos drain on paper towels right after frying to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
Taking these steps will help you enjoy every delicious bite of your crispy black bean tacos!
Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. In no time, you’ll have a wonderful meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bean Filling:
In a medium bowl, mash the black beans slightly with a fork, making sure to leave some whole beans for a nice texture. Then, add the shredded cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beans. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before you start frying the tacos to get that crispy texture.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Take one tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture onto one half of the tortilla. Spread it evenly across the half.
4. Fry the Tacos:
Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape. Place the folded tortilla in the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden brown color and crispy texture, along with melted cheese inside.
5. Finish Cooking:
Continue this process with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding more oil to the skillet as needed for the next batches.
6. Serve the Tacos:
Once all the tacos are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the tacos before eating.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your crispy, flavorful black bean tacos. They’re perfect for a quick vegetarian meal packed with delicious taste and texture!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Beans Instead of Black Beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute black beans with pinto beans or refried beans for a different flavor and texture. Just be mindful that refried beans will be creamier, so you may want to adjust your seasonings accordingly!
Can I Prepare the Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the black bean filling ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the tacos, simply reheat the mixture before assembling and frying.
How Do I Make These Tacos Healthier?
To make your tacos healthier, you can use whole grain or gluten-free tortillas. Additionally, consider using less cheese, or trying a low-fat cheese alternative. You can also load up on fresh veggies as toppings for some extra nutrition!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have any leftovers, store the tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the filling and tortillas separate to maintain the crispiness of the tortillas. Reheat the filling on the stove or in the microwave before assembling again!
