Caribbean-Spiced Plantain and Black Bean Tacos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft corn tortillas filled with sweet fried plantains, smoky black beans, and zesty slaw for a vibrant vegetarian taco experience. This caribbean-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, divided olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium peeled and sliced plantains and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and tender. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are heated through and spices are fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, toss 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage with 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 finely chopped jalapeño if using, to make a quick slaw.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Assemble tacos by layering fried plantain slices, spiced black beans, and a generous spoonful of cabbage slaw.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately for a colorful, flavorful vegetarian taco dish with Caribbean flair.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Spiced Plantain and Black Bean Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean-Spiced Plantain and Black Bean Tacos?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep divided olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Spiced Plantain and Black Bean Tacos?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribbean-Spiced Plantain and Black Bean Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Caribbean-Spiced Plantain and Black Bean Tacos vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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