These crispy black bean tacos are a fun twist on a classic dish! With crunchy shells filled with seasoned black beans, they’re packed with flavor and super easy to make.
You can enjoy them with your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, and cheese. I love to pile on the stuff—more is always better, right? 🌮😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient, but you can also use dried beans. Just soak and cook them first. If you’re in a pinch, pinto beans work well too!
Onion: I love using yellow onions for sweetness, but red onions can add a nice bite if you prefer. For a milder taste, try green onions or even shallots.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic, but a Mexican blend adds great flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese that melts well or skip the cheese entirely for a lighter option.
Corn Tortillas: Make sure to use fresh or store-bought corn tortillas for the best crunch. You could substitute flour tortillas, but they won’t get as crispy.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice depth; however, if you don’t have it, you can skip it or use regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
How Do I Get the Tacos Extra Crispy?
Frying your tacos correctly is key to making them crispy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the oil properly: Add enough oil to cover the bottom of your skillet, but don’t overdo it. A medium-high heat is perfect; too hot and they’ll burn.
- Cook in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each taco space to crisp up.
- Flip carefully: Use tongs to gently flip each taco once they’re golden on one side. You want that perfect crunch on both sides!
- Drain excess oil: Place fried tacos on paper towels to soak up additional oil, keeping them crispy.
Enjoying delicious and crispy black bean tacos is all about those key techniques and ingredient choices!
Crispy Black Bean Tacos Easy Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans: rinsed and drained
- 1 small onion: finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic: minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: (optional)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese: cheddar or Mexican blend
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil: for frying
- Fresh cilantro: chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges: for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, making a total of about 30 minutes. You’ll have warm and crispy tacos ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Mixture:
In a medium bowl, use a fork or a potato masher to mash the black beans. Leave some beans whole for a nice texture. Set aside while you cook your onions and spices!
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil, and then sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and spices (cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper) and stir for about 30 seconds until the mixture is fragrant.
3. Combine Mixtures:
Add the mashed black beans to the skillet and stir well. Cook everything together for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and heat through. Once done, remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a tortilla and sprinkle half of it with shredded cheese. Then spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture on top of the cheese. Fold the tortilla in half gently, pressing down to keep it together.
5. Fry the Tacos:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully fry each folded tortilla until golden brown and crispy on both sides—about 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve the crispy black bean tacos hot! Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and provide lime wedges on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Now you’re ready to delight your taste buds with these flavorful tacos!
FAQ for Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Dried Black Beans Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried black beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before using them in the recipe. This will add a beautiful homemade touch to your tacos!
How Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian! To make it vegan, simply use a plant-based cheese or skip the cheese altogether. The flavors from the spices and beans will still shine through!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover black bean mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, to maintain crispness, it’s best to fry the tacos fresh and reheat the mixture as needed.
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the black bean mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble and fry the tacos for a quick meal!
