Crispy Black Bean Tacos (so easy + vegan!)
Leave the bean filling slightly chunky for texture. Searing the filling in the skillet creates a lightly crisped crust and extra flavor. If the filling is too thick, loosen with a splash of water or extra salsa. Brush or rub a little oil on tortilla exteriors before baking for maximum crispiness; bake 6–8 minutes per side until golden. Pan-fried and air fryer methods are also mentioned; see the post for those method details. Adjust heat with more or less chipotle; sriracha or chipotle tabasco can be used instead.
Time: Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 20 mins, Total: 30 mins
Servings: 8 tacos
Ingredients
- 19 oz can black beans (2–3 cups)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (or sriracha or chipotle tabasco sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (more to taste)
- 1/2–1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- green onions, sliced (2–3; optional)
- cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
- flour tortillas (6–8)
- dairy-free cheese (optional)
- diced tomatoes or pico de gallo (optional)
- avocado slices or guacamole (optional)
- non-dairy sour cream (optional)
- pickled red onions (optional)
- creamy cole slaw (optional)
- romaine lettuce ribbons (optional)
- dipping sauces (see post for ideas)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450º F if using oven baked method for cooking.
- Drain and rinse the black beans.
- Blend the black beans, salsa, taco seasoning, chipotle pepper in adobo, garlic powder, and salt in a food processor; leave slightly chunky if preferred. Stir in chopped cilantro or parsley (optional).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add 2–3 sliced green onions and a pinch of salt; cook until fragrant. Add the bean mixture and cook ~5 minutes, letting it sear undisturbed for a couple minutes before flipping in chunks. Add a splash of water or extra salsa if too thick.
- Scoop a few tablespoons of bean filling on one side of a flour tortilla (top with vegan cheese if using). Fold over; repeat (about 6–8 tacos).
- Brush or rub oil on the outside of the tortillas. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake 6–8 minutes. Flip and bake another 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Prepare any optional taco toppings and dipping sauces while the tacos cook.
- Serve immediately with toppings and sauces.