Chen's Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
A vibrant vegan taco dish inspired by the top Asian surname 'Chen', featuring roasted sweet potatoes and black beans in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings. This mexican-inspired mexican (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs medium sweet potatoes, olive oil, cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1/2 cup frozen, thawed corn
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1/2 sliced avocado
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 2 lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel and dice 2 medium sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping once halfway.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, 1 can drained black beans, and 1/2 cup thawed corn. Gently mix to combine.
- Step 3: Warm 8 corn tortillas according to package instructions. Place 1/2 cup sweet potato mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Step 4: Top each taco with 1/4 sliced avocado, 2 tbsp shredded red cabbage, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chen's Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Chen's Sweet Potato 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 medium sweet potatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chen's Sweet Potato 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 Chen's Sweet Potato 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 Chen's Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
