Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Fresh Cilantro

Spicy Black Bean Tacos: A Vegetarian Delight Bursting with Flavor

Elevate your taco night with this savory, easy-to-prepare spicy black bean taco recipe that promises a delightful burst of flavors and a satisfying meal. Ideal for those who love a plant-based feast, this dish will answer your cravings for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that’s both nutritious and easy to whip up.

Inspired by Global Cuisines

These Spicy Black Bean Tacos merge the warmth of Mexican culinary traditions with a touch of global influence, making them a unique addition to any meal plan. Drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican tacos, this recipe introduces a vegetarian twist that incorporates robust spices and fresh ingredients for a modern, health-conscious take on a classic. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these tacos are designed to impress with their depth of flavor and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love These Black Bean Tacos

• Full of Flavor: Infused with cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of chili, each bite delivers a delightful zest.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, these tacos are perfect for a fast, fabulous weeknight dinner.
• Health Benefits: Packed with fiber-rich black beans and a bounty of fresh toppings, they’re as nutritious as they are delicious.
• Customizable: With various topping options, you can personalize each taco to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Quick Grocery List

For the Filling:

• Black beans
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomato sauce (or Crushed Tomatoes – we use that in this recipe.  It’s has a better mouthfeel and taste!)
• Spices (cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder)

For the Toppings:

• Lettuce (if you want, but is great without it too)
• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Lime
• Vegan or regular sour cream

Base:

• Corn or flour tortillas

Before You Begin

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Necessary Equipment:

• Skillet
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl

Dietary Considerations:

Easily adaptable for gluten-free and vegan diets.

Serving Size: Makes 8 tacos, ideal for 4 servings.

Spicy Black Bean Tacos with Fresh Cilantro – Easy Vegetarian Taco Recipe with Bold Flavor & Plant-Based Protein

DifficultyEasy

Servings4 (makes 8 tacos)

Prep time10 minutes

Cook time15 minutes

Total time25 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Spicy Black Bean Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder, (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
• 1/4 cup vegan or regular sour cream, (optional)
• Lime wedges

For the Base:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas

Instructions:

• 1

  1. Prepare the Black Bean Filling

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in black beans, tomato sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly. Mash a few beans with a spoon for texture.
• 2

  2. Warm the Tortillas

  1. While the beans cook, warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.

• 3

  3. Assemble the Tacos

  1. Spoon the black bean mixture into each tortilla.
  2. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, cilantro, and any additional toppings.
  3. Squeeze fresh lime over the top and serve immediately.

Equipment

• Skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl (optional for toppings)

Nutrition

Calories	320
Carbohydrates	38g
Cholesterol	0mg
Fat	12g
Fiber	10g
Protein	12g
Saturated Fat	2g
Sodium	510mg
Sugar	3g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	9g

Notes and Suggestions

• Beans: Feel free to swap black beans with pinto beans or even lentils for a different twist.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper depending on your preference for heat.

Creative Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Serve the spicy black bean mixture over lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
• Cheese Addition: Sprinkle some shredded vegan cheese or cotija cheese on top before serving for extra richness.

Let’s Get Cooking: Pro Tips for Perfect Tacos

• Tip #1: For a deeper flavor, let the beans marinate in the spice mixture for an hour before cooking.
• Tip #2: To ensure the tortillas don’t break, warm them slightly before filling.
• Tip #3: Add a squeeze of lime right before serving to enhance the tacos with a fresh zesty finish.

Mastering the Art of Taco Making

Understanding how to balance flavors and textures is crucial when making tacos. The creaminess of avocado, the crunch of fresh lettuce, and the heartiness of black beans create a delightful sensory experience. Experimenting with garnishes like pickled red onions or jalapeños can add another layer of complexity to your tacos.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 38g — Ideal for energy, especially before physical activities.
• Protein: 12g — Essential for muscle repair and growth, especially in vegetarian diets.
• Fiber: 10g — Great for digestion and maintaining blood sugar levels.
• Fat: 12g — Healthy fats from avocado and olive oil support overall health.
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg — Perfect for heart health.
• Sodium: 510mg — Watch this if you’re managing blood pressure.
• Sugar: 3g — Naturally occurring from vegetables; very low impact.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate the filling and toppings separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: Gently warm the filling in a skillet or microwave, and assemble tacos fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can these tacos be made vegan?
A: Absolutely! Just ensure your toppings like sour cream are vegan.

Q: How can I make these tacos for a crowd?
A: Simply double or triple the ingredients. You can also prepare the filling ahead of time and quickly assemble when ready to serve.

Q: What are some side dishes that go well with these tacos?
A: A simple quinoa salad or a fresh corn salsa complements the flavors of these tacos beautifully.

Engage and Share

Try making these Spicy Black Bean Tacos tonight and share your creation with us! Don’t forget to leave a comment or rate this recipe if you love it. Looking for more delicious recipes?

Check out other easy dinner ideas next!

• Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos (Vegan)