Zesty Black Bean and Corn Tacos with Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 3.8 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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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.

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