These Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos are a tasty way to enjoy a quick meal! Packed with crunchy goodness, black beans, and your favorite toppings, they make taco night a breeze.
What I love most is how crispy they get without any fuss. Just pop them in the oven, and you’re all set! Plus, they’re perfect for adding all the toppings you love—yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: Canned black beans are perfect for this recipe since they are time-savers. You can also use cooked dried black beans if you have them on hand. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using pinto beans for a different flavor!
Shredded Cheese: I recommend using cheddar or a Mexican blend for a nice melt. If you want a dairy-free option, go for vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to keep the cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are ideal because they crisp up beautifully. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas work as well but won’t be as crunchy. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Spices: Cumin and chili powder bring great flavor, but you can tweak these to your taste. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky touch, or use taco seasoning if you have it available.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Tacos?
Getting your tacos perfectly crispy is all about the frying technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use enough oil to coat the bottom of your skillet but don’t drown the tacos.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the tacos. You can test it by dropping a small piece of tortilla in; it should sizzle right away!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches if needed. This ensures each taco gets enough contact with the hot oil.
- Flip the tacos carefully with a spatula to avoid breaking them. Each side should cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crunchy.
Following these tips will help you enjoy perfectly crispy black bean tacos every time. Happy cooking!
Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes for cooking, so you can enjoy your crispy tacos in just about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mash the black beans using a fork or a potato masher. Aim for a mostly smooth consistency but leave some beans intact for texture. Add in the shredded cheese, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
2. Warm the Tortillas:
To make the tortillas easier to fold, warm them slightly. You can do this by placing them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or heating them in a dry skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture onto half of each tortilla. Carefully fold the tortillas over to create a half-moon shape, enclosing the filling.
4. Fry the Tacos:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, gently add the folded tacos, cooking a few at a time. Fry each taco for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they become golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain and Serve:
Once the tacos are crispy, remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the crispy black bean tacos hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful black bean tacos with a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten up the flavors!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! The black bean filling is already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using non-dairy cheese or leaving it out altogether. You can also add more vegetables or avocado for extra filling and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them crisp, it’s best to keep the filling and shells separate until you’re ready to eat them again. You can reheat the filling in the microwave and fry the taco shells briefly in a skillet to make them crispy again.
Can I Use Other Beans Instead?
Yes, you can use other types of beans, such as pinto or kidney beans. Just ensure they’re drained and rinsed if using canned beans. The flavor will change slightly, but they will still be delicious!
What Can I Use as Toppings?
There are lots of tasty topping options! Consider using diced tomatoes, avocado, salsa, sour cream, or jalapeños. You can also add lettuce or cabbage for some crunch!
