Citrus-Infused Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty black bean tacos with a fresh citrus marinade and smooth avocado crema, perfect for a quick vegetarian meal with vibrant flavors. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, small corn tortillas, fresh orange juice 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: 5 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir gently and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While beans marinate, make the avocado crema by blending 1 ripe avocado with 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  4. Step 4: Assemble tacos by spooning the marinated black beans evenly onto each tortilla. Top with 1/4 cup finely diced red onion and 1 small minced jalapeño if using.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle each taco with 1-2 tbsp avocado crema before serving for a creamy, tangy finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Infused Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 Citrus-Infused Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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 small corn tortillas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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 Citrus-Infused Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Citrus-Infused Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema 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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