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Easy Black Bean Tacos Recipe with Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick and easy recipe featuring smoky black bean tacos paired with bright and tangy cilantro lime rice, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
  • 2 cups water (480 ml)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices or guacamole, pickled jala…

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, 2 cups water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  4. Remove from heat and let rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
  5. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and butter or olive oil. Adjust salt to taste.
  6. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  7. Sauté finely chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  8. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  9. Add drained black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes, mashing some beans gently to create a creamy texture.
  10. Warm tortillas by heating in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side or microwaving wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds. Keep warm.
  11. Assemble tacos by spooning black bean mixture onto tortillas, adding a scoop of cilantro lime rice, and topping with desired optional toppings.
  12. Serve immediately.

Notes

Rinse rice well before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier rice. Let rice rest covered after cooking to improve texture. Toast spices in the pan before adding beans to deepen flavor. Mash about half the beans for creamy texture while leaving some whole. Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent cracking and improve flavor. Store beans and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean tacos, cilantro lime rice, quick dinner, easy tacos, vegetarian tacos, gluten-free tacos, healthy tacos, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/easy-black-bean-tacos-recipe-with-cilantro-lime-rice-perfect-for-quick-dinners/