Rum-Glazed Plantain and Black Bean Tacos
Sweet plantains glazed in spiced rum, paired with smoky black beans, wrapped in warm tortillas for a flavorful Caribbean-inspired taco. This caribbean-inspired caribbean ready in about 30 minutes pairs dark rum, brown sugar, black beans, cooked or canned 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.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 3 tbsp dark rum
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups black beans, cooked or canned
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- for serving fresh lime wedges
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 peeled and sliced plantains (1/2-inch thick) and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden and tender.
- Step 2: Remove plantains and set aside. In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons dark rum and 2 tablespoons brown sugar, stirring and cooking for 2 minutes until syrupy.
- Step 3: Return plantains to the skillet, tossing gently in the rum glaze to coat evenly and cook for 1 more minute until caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 cups black beans, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring and cooking for 5 minutes until heated through and aromatic.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by layering black beans and rum-glazed plantains inside each tortilla.
- Step 6: Garnish tacos with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco, and serve with fresh lime wedges to squeeze over.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rum-Glazed Plantain and Black Bean Tacos 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 Rum-Glazed Plantain 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 dark rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rum-Glazed Plantain 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 Rum-Glazed Plantain 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.
What goes well with Rum-Glazed Plantain and Black Bean Tacos?
Caribbean caribbean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My Caribbean aunt approved. The rum depth makes these feel restaurant-quality.
- ★★★★★
The rum glaze transformed the plantains into something magical. My kids begged for seconds!
- ★★★★☆
Took 25 minutes longer than listed, but worth the wait for that sticky glaze.