Description
Crispy black bean tacos bring Mexican street food magic right to kitchen counters. Crunchy tortillas packed with seasoned beans, zesty toppings, and bold flavors invite you to savor a quick, delicious meal that celebrates simple ingredients and vibrant culinary tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Complementary Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for frying)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup water or vegetable broth
Optional Toppings and Dips:
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Create a flavor-packed foundation by sautéing diced onions in olive oil until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to bloom and intensify the aromatic base of the filling.
- Gently fold black beans into the onion-garlic mixture, incorporating a harmonious blend of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt to develop a robust, layered flavor profile.
- Partially mash the beans using the back of a spoon, creating a rustic, textured consistency that will help bind the filling together.
- Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to enhance moisture and help the spices meld, simmering until the mixture thickens and becomes slightly creamy.
- Carefully distribute the seasoned bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla, ensuring an even layer that will provide a satisfying filling.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the beans, which will create a melty, golden layer when cooked.
- Fold the tortillas in half, forming a half-moon shape that will crisp up beautifully during frying.
- Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet, creating the perfect environment for transforming the tacos into crispy, golden delights.
- Gently place the assembled tacos in the hot skillet, cooking each side until they achieve a deep, crunchy golden-brown color.
- Transfer the crispy tacos to a serving platter, accompanied by vibrant garnishes like fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, tangy sour cream, and zesty lime wedges.
Notes
- Customize bean spiciness by adjusting chili powder and adding cayenne for extra heat.
- Mash beans partially to create a creamy yet textured filling that helps tacos hold together better during frying.
- Choose corn tortillas for authentic crispiness and gluten-free option, ensuring they’re fresh and pliable before folding.
- Drain and rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture, preventing soggy tacos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg