These crispy black bean tacos are a fun and tasty meal! With crunchy shells and seasoned black beans, they’re filling and full of flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner!
I love loading mine up with fresh toppings like avocado and salsa. You can even make them a competition—who can stuff more yummy toppings inside? 😄
Making these tacos is so simple! Just crisp up the shells, mix the beans with spices, and you’re ready to feast. It’s a go-to for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: These give our tacos their delicious flavor and protein. If you want a different taste, you can swap them for pinto beans or even lentils for a twist.
Cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend works great! For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese or skip it altogether. Your tacos will still be yummy!
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika add depth to the dish. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even a bit of cayenne pepper can work just fine.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and add great texture. If gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortillas, or you can use lettuce wraps for a lighter option!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crispy Taco Shells?
Frying the tacos until they’re perfectly crispy is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium heat for the oil—too hot and they burn; too low, and they’ll soak up oil and become soggy.
- Fry each side for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them! When they turn golden brown, it’s time to flip.
- Let tacos drain on paper towels. This keeps them crispy and not oily!
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be afraid to try again if your first batch isn’t perfect. Enjoy!
Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 small corn tortillas
- 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, diced onion
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for cooking, so you’ll have a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick meal that packs a punch of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Filling:
Start by mashing the black beans in a mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher. You want the beans to be mostly smooth but still have some texture to them—this will give your filling more character! Next, mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. Finally, stir in the shredded cheese until fully incorporated.
2. Assemble the Tacos:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. While the oil is heating, take one corn tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the black bean mixture onto half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla over, making a semicircle, and gently press to seal the edges slightly. This is where the scrumptious filling gets locked inside!
3. Fry the Tacos:
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the filled tortilla in the oil. Fry each taco for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Don’t rush this part! When they’re just right, remove the tacos from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Repeat the frying process with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding more oil to the skillet as needed. Once all the tacos are crispy and ready, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve with lime wedges and your favorite toppings like avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, or diced onion. Dig in and enjoy!
These crispy black bean tacos are not only easy to make but also totally delicious! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun Taco Night!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Canned Black Beans?
Absolutely! Canned black beans are perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse them to remove any excess sodium or preservatives. If you prefer, you can also use cooked dried beans!
Can I Make These Tacos Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free corn tortillas, which are widely available. They will hold up well and still give you that delicious crispy texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the tacos and toppings separate to maintain their crispiness. You can reheat the tacos in an oven or skillet to help them regain some crunch!
What Toppings Can I Use for the Tacos?
Feel free to go wild with toppings! Besides the suggested avocado, salsa, sour cream, and diced onion, you can also add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro. Mix and match to suit your taste!
