Pan-Fried Arepas with Black Beans and Queso Blanco

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

Golden pan-fried Venezuelan arepas filled with seasoned black beans and crumbly queso blanco, perfect for a hearty Latin American meal. This latin american-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa), warm water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, 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 6 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal, 1 tsp salt, and slowly add 1 1/4 cups warm water, stirring with your hand until a soft dough forms; let it rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each into a flat round patty about 1/2-inch thick.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the arepas and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  4. Step 4: While the arepas cook, in a small bowl, mix 1 cup cooked black beans with 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
  5. Step 5: When arepas are cooked, slice each horizontally (not all the way through) to create a pocket. Stuff each with the seasoned black beans and 1/2 cup crumbled queso blanco, serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Arepas with Black Beans and Queso Blanco 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 Pan-Fried Arepas with Black Beans and Queso Blanco?

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 warm water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Arepas with Black Beans and Queso Blanco?

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 Pan-Fried Arepas with Black Beans and Queso Blanco for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Pan-Fried Arepas with Black Beans and Queso Blanco 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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