Zesty Black Bean and Corn Tacos with Avocado Crema
Crunchy corn tortillas filled with spicy black beans, sweet corn, and a cool avocado crema, topped with fresh cilantro and lime. This mexican-inspired mexican (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs whole kernel corn, (drained) canned black beans, (ripe) avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole kernel corn
- 15 oz (drained) canned black beans
- 1 (ripe) avocado
- 1 (juiced) lime
- 1/4 cup (chopped) cilantro
- 8 (corn) tortillas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup whole kernel corn and sauté for 2 minutes until slightly caramelized. Stir in 15 oz drained black beans, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 tsp cumin. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Step 2: In a blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1/4 tsp salt. Blend until smooth, adding 1-2 tbsp water for desired consistency.
- Step 3: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable. Spoon 1/4 cup black bean mixture onto each tortilla, then top with 1 tbsp avocado crema. Serve with extra lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zesty Black Bean and Corn Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Zesty Black Bean and Corn Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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 whole kernel corn from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Black Bean and Corn Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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 Zesty Black Bean and Corn Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Zesty Black Bean and Corn Tacos with Avocado Crema 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.