These crispy black bean tacos are a tasty treat! With crunchy shells filled with flavorful black beans, spices, and toppings, they’re sure to please any crowd.
I love how easy these tacos are to whip up for dinner or any fun gathering. Plus, they taste amazing with a squeeze of lime on top! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: Canned black beans are a tasty and quick option. If you’re looking for alternatives, pinto beans or chickpeas work too! I personally love the richness of black beans.
Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are traditional, but if you prefer, you can use flour tortillas for a softer option. I find corn tortillas add a nice crunch!
Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika give great flavor. If you want a bit more kick, feel free to add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Customizing the spice level is key to personal taste!
Onions & Garlic: They add base flavor, but you can use shallots instead of onions or garlic powder if you want simplicity. Fresh tends to taste brighter!
How Do I Fry the Perfectly Crispy Tacos?
Frying your tacos can be a little tricky, but with these tips, you’ll get it just right:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the tacos; about 350°F is ideal. You can check by dropping a small piece of tortilla in the oil; it should bubble immediately.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to ensure even cooking. This keeps the oil temperature steady.
- Flip the tacos gently with tongs; handling them carefully prevents breakage.
- Drain the fried tacos on a paper towel to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
Practice makes perfect, and soon you’ll be frying up delicious tacos like a pro!
Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, diced tomatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and an additional 15-20 minutes for frying. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes to have delicious crispy black bean tacos ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using), cooking for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt; let these cook for about 30 seconds to bring out their flavors.
2. Cook the Black Beans:
Next, add the drained black beans and tomato sauce (or salsa) to your skillet. Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to mash some of the beans, creating a nice chunky filling. Cook this mixture for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through and slightly thickened. Once done, turn off the heat.
3. Fry the Tacos:
In a separate skillet, pour about 1/4 inch of cooking oil and heat it over medium-high heat for frying the tortillas. While the oil heats up, take 1 tortilla and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the black bean filling onto one half of it. Fold the tortilla over to enclose the filling, pressing down lightly to seal it.
4. Get Crispy!
Carefully place the folded taco into the hot oil. Fry it for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip it to cook the other side until the shell is golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the tacos and let them drain on paper towels. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your crispy black bean tacos are now ready to be served! Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Feel free to add any optional toppings you love, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or diced tomatoes.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade crispy black bean tacos!
FAQ About Easy Crispy Black Bean Tacos
Can I Use Different Beans Besides Black Beans?
Absolutely! Pinto beans or chickpeas can be great substitutes for black beans. They will alter the flavor slightly, but they will still be delicious!
What Type of Tortillas Should I Use?
Small corn tortillas are traditional and provide a nice crunch, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture. Just keep in mind that they may not be as crispy when fried.
Can I Make the Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can make 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 use it, just reheat it before filling the tortillas.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
For leftover tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that they may lose their crispiness, so it’s best to reheat them in a skillet to restore some of that crunch!
