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Black Bean Quinoa Tacos served with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and creamy cilantro lime sauce on warm tortillas

Black Bean Quinoa Tacos


  • Author: Omar
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos) 1x

Description

These Black Bean Quinoa Tacos are a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed meal made with smoky spices, hearty quinoa, and creamy cilantro lime sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Taco Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock (or water)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Kosher salt and black pepper

For Serving:

  • Charred corn tortillas
  • Sliced avocado
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Salsa of choice
  • Lime wedges

For the Cilantro Lime Cashew Crema:

  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • Optional: 1 small jalapeño, deseeded
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ¾ cup water
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Add quinoa and toast for 1 minute. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
  5. Add black beans, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and add lime juice.
  7. For the crema, blend all ingredients until smooth, adding water as needed.
  8. Assemble tacos with quinoa mixture, avocado, crema, and desired toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Soak cashews in hot water for 10 minutes for a smoother crema.
  • Leftover filling keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Adjust spice level by adding jalapeño or cayenne.
  • Great for meal prep and reheats easily.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg