Savory Plantain and Black Bean Tacos with Spicy Mango Salsa

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

Soft corn tortillas loaded with sweet fried plantains, smoky black beans, and a fiery mango salsa for a colorful and flavorful taco experience. This latin american-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, divided olive oil, ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 4 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium peeled and sliced plantains (1/2-inch rounds) and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and caramelized. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt for 5 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the salsa by mixing 1 medium diced mango, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced small jalapeño, 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by layering black beans and fried plantains on each tortilla, then topping with spicy mango salsa. Serve immediately for a delightful blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Plantain and Black Bean Tacos with Spicy Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Savory Plantain and Black Bean Tacos with Spicy Mango Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Plantain and Black Bean Tacos with Spicy Mango 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 Savory Plantain and Black Bean Tacos with Spicy Mango Salsa 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 Savory Plantain and Black Bean Tacos with Spicy Mango Salsa 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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