Crispy Corn and Black Bean Fritters with Avocado Crema

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

Golden fritters made with masa and black beans, topped with a creamy avocado sauce for a satisfying vegetarian main. This salvadoran-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs corn masa harina, black beans, cooked and mashed, red onion, finely diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Salvadoran cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup corn masa harina, 1 cup mashed black beans, 1/2 cup diced red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; mix until cohesive, adding 1 tablespoon water if too dry.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering (350°F).
  3. Step 3: Form the mixture into 8 patties (1/2 inch thick) and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: While fritters cook, mash 1 medium avocado with 1 tablespoon lime juice, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Corn and Black Bean Fritters with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Crispy Corn and Black Bean Fritters 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 corn masa harina from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Corn and Black Bean Fritters 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 Crispy Corn and Black Bean Fritters 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 Crispy Corn and Black Bean Fritters 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes