How to Make the Perfect Mango and Black Bean Tacos
Mexican · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
These vibrant and fresh tacos combine sweet ripe mango with savory spiced black beans tucked into warm corn tortillas for a stunning contrast of flavors and textures. They are a celebration of whole plant based ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes for a weeknight dinner that feels festive and special.
Why this recipe works
This Mango and Black Bean Tacos recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 360 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cans black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 large ripe mangoes peeled and diced small
- 8 small corn tortillas warmed
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 medium red onion finely diced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Mango Salsa
Combine the diced mango and finely diced red onion in a bowl. Add two tablespoons of the fresh lime juice and toss gently to combine. Set the salsa aside for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The lime juice will slightly soften the raw onion and brighten the mango flavor.
Step 2: Season and Heat the Beans
Place the drained black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chipotle chili powder and remaining tablespoon of lime juice. Stir to combine and heat for 5 to 7 minutes stirring occasionally until the beans are hot throughout and have absorbed the spice. Lightly mash a small portion of the beans for a creamier texture.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Warm each corn tortilla directly over a gas flame for 20 to 30 seconds per side until lightly charred and pliable. Alternatively warm them in a dry skillet over medium high heat for 30 seconds per side. Keep them warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel while you finish the remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Spoon a generous layer of the spiced black beans into the center of each warm corn tortilla. Top with a heaping spoonful of the fresh mango salsa. Serve immediately while the beans are hot and the tortillas are still warm and pliable for the best eating experience.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh mango → canned mango chunks drained and diced when fresh mango is not in season
- chipotle chili powder → regular chili powder combined with a quarter teaspoon of smoked paprika for a similar smoky heat
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using tortillas straight from the package without warming them first which makes them stiff and prone to cracking when folded
- Making the mango salsa immediately before serving without allowing even a few minutes of resting time which means the flavors do not have time to develop and meld
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 360 calories, 14g protein, 66g carbs, 5g fat, 14g fiber.
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