Pan-Seared Arepas with Black Bean and Avocado Salsa

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

Golden pan-seared Venezuelan arepas stuffed with a vibrant black bean and avocado salsa, offering a satisfying blend of crispy crust and creamy filling. This latin american-inspired street food (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs precooked cornmeal (harina PAN), warm water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups precooked cornmeal, 1 tsp salt, and gradually add 1 1/2 cups warm water, stirring with your hands until a soft dough forms; let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each into a 4-inch diameter, 1/2-inch thick patty.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the arepas for 5-6 minutes per side until they develop a golden, crispy crust and sound hollow when tapped.
  4. Step 4: While arepas cook, mix 1 cup cooked black beans, 1 diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl; gently toss to combine.
  5. Step 5: Slice each arepa halfway through horizontally and stuff generously with the black bean and avocado salsa before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Arepas with Black Bean and Avocado Salsa 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-Seared Arepas with Black Bean and Avocado Salsa?

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-Seared Arepas with Black Bean and Avocado Salsa?

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-Seared Arepas with Black Bean and Avocado Salsa 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-Seared Arepas with Black Bean and Avocado Salsa vegetarian?

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

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