Crispy Black Bean Tacos (2024)

These flavorful crispy black bean tacos are to die for! Made with a delicious blend of spices, these vegan tacos are both quick and easy to cook.

I don’t know about you, but I personally love Mexican and Mexican-inspired food. I’ve been to Mexico a few times, and I have never been disappointed with the vegan food options out there. In fact, I love tacos so much that I had an unlimited vegan taco bar at my wedding nstead of a traditional sit-down meal.

Plant-Based Mexican Cuisine

Mexican food and plant-based lifestyle are a match made in heaven! There is a long history of vegan and vegetarian meals in Mexican cuisine.

While traditional Mexican cuisine is known for its rich use of meat and dairy, there are many plant-based dishes that have been part of the culinary tradition for centuries. Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, the indigenous people of Mexico relied heavily on plant-based foods like corn, beans, squash, chilies, and various herbs and spices as the foundation of their diet.

As a result, Mexican dishes are super-easy to adapt to plant-based eaters, because they are typically well-rounded meals that include a protein source, some form of carbs, and lots of veggies. Just like these crispy black bean tacos!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• If you love tacos, black beans are an amazing option for a vegan taco filling. They’re accessible, inexpensive, and they easily take on flavor. Plus, black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein.
• I am a big fan of vegan meat alternatives, and I do feel very lucky to livein the times when so many options are readily available. That said, store-bought options are often quite pricey, while homemade alterntives can take a lot of time and effort to recreate. This is why I advocate for using ingredients like black beans, mushrooms, or tofu for delicious tacos.
• Of course, one of the best things about these crispy black bean tacos is that they are so easy to customize with a variety of toppings! The herby lime yogurt dressing adds a refreshing and zesty touch, but you can customize the meal by using another sauce or even use more than one type of dressing!
• This recipe is such a great option for family gatherings and dinner parties! These tacos are so easy to make, and who doesn’t love Mexican food?
• This black bean taco recipe offers a delightful blend of textures, from the crispy tortillas to the soft beans and creamy dressing.

How to Make This Recipe

Start by preheating the oven to 450 F.

Heat a pan over medium heat, and saute the onion until translucent. I usually saute my veggies in a non-stick frying pan with some water or vegetable broth, but you are welcome to use oil if desired.

Add garlic, tomato paste, and spices. Stir everything together and keep cooking until fragrant, only about two more minutes.

Next, add the canned black beans and vegetable broth, and stir until it its thoroughly combined with the rest of the ingredients. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, mash the beans into a thick paste. Squeeze some lime juice into the pan and set aside for assembly.

Line a sheet pan with cooking spray and arrange your tortillas, leaving some space between them. Add a couple of tablespoons of the black bean mixture into each of the tortillas, and add some grated vegan cheese (optional). Fold the tortillas over, sealing them so they don’t pop open while cooking in the oven.

The rest is very simple. Let your tacos cook in the oven for five minutes, then turn them over and bake until the tortillas are crispy. While the tacos are in the oven, make the herb lime dressing by blending the ingredients together until smooth.

Hack It!

• As I mentioned, one of the reasons I love tacos is because you can play with the toppings to taste! In addition to the black bean filling, why not add some salsa, greens, or something spicy into your tortillas before baking?
• Same goes for the dressing. Personally, I think that the light, creamy dressing acts perfectly to counterbalance the richness of the beans and spices. However, these crispy black bean tacos can also be served with your dip of choice!
• Speaking of the dressing… If you’re one of those people who can’t stand cilantro, use parsley!
• This recipe uses corn tortillas, but you could easily swap them for flour tortillas or oat tortillas. My advice is to use whatever is accessible to you!

Tips and Tricks

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and personalization, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own and have fun with it! Here are some tips and tricks for achieving the best results with this crispy black bean tacos recipe:

• Seasoning. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or paprika. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices.
• Mashing the beans. Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to mash the black beans. This will help create a thick and flavorful bean paste that holds the tacos together.
• Crisping the tortillas. When baking the tacos, make sure to flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure even crisping on both sides.
• Serving. Serve the tacos immediately after baking to enjoy them at their crispiest.
• Make-Ahead. You can prepare the black bean mixture and yogurt dressing in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake the tacos just before serving.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Vegan Nacho Cheese
• Taco Salad Bowl
• Tofu Burrito
• Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Vegan Taquitos

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