Spiced Caribbean Black Bean and Plantain Tacos

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

Sweet plantains and smoky black beans come together in soft corn tortillas, topped with a tangy slaw for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired taco experience. This caribbean-inspired tacos & burritos (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ripe plantains, black beans, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 2 peeled and sliced medium plantains with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the plantains. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 1 can drained black beans with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper for 5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro to make a quick slaw.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by layering black beans, caramelized plantains, and a generous spoonful of cabbage slaw on each tortilla.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Caribbean Black Bean and Plantain Tacos 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 Spiced Caribbean Black Bean and Plantain 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 ripe plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Caribbean Black Bean and Plantain 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 Spiced Caribbean Black Bean and Plantain 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.

Is Spiced Caribbean Black Bean and Plantain Tacos 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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