Description
Mexican crispy black bean tacos deliver a perfect balance of crunchy texture and robust flavors. Hearty beans nestled in golden tortillas offer a satisfying meal that draws inspiration from authentic street cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for frying)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a skillet and caramelize onions until translucent, releasing their natural sweetness while creating an aromatic foundation.
- Develop Flavor Profile: Add minced garlic and introduce black beans, incorporating cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt to build a complex, layered seasoning.
- Texture Preparation: Partially mash beans using a spoon to create a rustic consistency, then add water or vegetable broth to develop a creamy, well-integrated mixture.
- Tortilla Assembly: Spread the seasoned bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla, generously top with shredded cheese, and fold into a half-moon shape.
- Crisp Transformation: Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet and carefully fry the assembled tacos, cooking each side until achieving a deep golden-brown crunch.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer crispy tacos to a platter and accompany with fresh salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges for a vibrant, complete dining experience.
Notes
- Optimize Bean Texture: Partially mash beans to create a creamy, cohesive filling that holds together and provides a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Control Spice Balance: Adjust spice levels by gradually adding cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to suit personal taste preferences.
- Prevent Soggy Tacos: Use minimal moisture when preparing the bean mixture and ensure tortillas are completely sealed to maintain crispiness during frying.
- Enhance Dietary Flexibility: Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free alternatives and use vegan cheese to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining the dish’s core flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg