Name: Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; ½ medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp ground coriander seeds; ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp salt; 2 13-oz cans cannellini beans, drained; ½ cup buffalo sauce; 2 to 4 Tbsp oil (for frying); 8 small corn tortillas

Jump to Recipe

Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan) are about to become your weeknight dinner obsession. Imagine hearty cannellini beans mingling with fiery buffalo sauce, all tucked into golden, perfectly crisped corn tortillas. This recipe layers bold, zesty flavor with a creamy bean filling, and a crunchy exterior that delivers that perfect handheld bite. With simple pantry staples and less than 30 minutes of hands-on time, these tacos are easy enough for busy weeknights, yet impressive and full of personality for when you want to share something special with friends or family. Let’s jump into why these will be your new go-to for plant-based, game day-worthy eats.

Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan) is just how easy and accessible the ingredients are. Each component is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and satisfying color, making every bite memorable. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some quick tips to get the most out of every item:

Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and crisping the tortillas, olive oil lends richness and helps everything brown beautifully.
Yellow onion (½ medium, diced): Sautéed onion forms the aromatic, slightly sweet base that gives the filling irresistible depth.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Minced garlic brings a savory punch and truly wakes up the other flavors.
Spices (½ tsp each smoked paprika, cumin, ground coriander seeds, black pepper; ¼ tsp salt): This quartet of spices creates a smoky, earthy, slightly peppery foundation, while the salt ties it all together.
Cannellini beans (2 13-oz cans, drained): Creamy and sturdy, these beans mash beautifully and soak up every bit of the buffalo flavor.
Buffalo sauce (½ cup): Buffalo sauce brings the signature tangy heat—use your favorite brand to dial up the flavor just how you like it.
Corn tortillas (8 small): Corn tortillas get crisp around the edges but stay soft in the middle, making every taco both tender and crunchy.
Additional oil for cooking (2–4 Tbsp): A bit more oil in the pan ensures your tacos get that crave-worthy crispy texture on both sides.

How to Make Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan)

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, add your diced onion and minced garlic. Let these aromatics sizzle and soften, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and fragrant—around 4 minutes. Right at this moment, stir in your smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and salt. Give the spices a full minute to bloom in the oil; you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like taco night in heaven.

Step 2: Smash the Buffalo Beans

Now it’s time for the filling that makes Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan) so dreamy. Add in your drained cannellini beans and pour in the buffalo sauce. Grab a potato masher (or the back of a fork) and rough-mash most of the beans right in the pan. This gives you a thick, hearty mixture while leaving some bits whole for texture. Be gentle if you’re using a nonstick pan to avoid scratching it! Once everything is well combined and saucy, scoop the mixture into a bowl and give your skillet a quick rinse so it’s ready for crisping.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Let’s talk tortilla magic. To keep your corn tortillas from cracking, stack them in a damp paper towel and nuke them in the microwave for about 45 seconds. This makes them super flexible. Working quickly, spoon the buffalo white bean filling into each tortilla, then fold gently in half. Each one should be generously but not overfilled, so you get a creamy middle and crisp edges every time.

Step 4: Crisp to Perfection

Return your clean skillet to medium heat, then swirl in a bit of oil to coat the bottom. Working in batches, lay your folded tacos into the pan with a little space between each. Press gently and cook for a few minutes per side until each taco is beautifully golden brown and crisp around the edges. Add extra oil as needed between batches for that ultra-satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Slide the sizzling hot Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan) onto a plate and serve right away. Pair with your favorite salsa, tangy guacamole, or a herby cilantro sauce for a fresh, zippy finish. Every bite is creamy, spicy, and perfectly crisp—pure vegan taco joy.

How to Serve Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan)

Garnishes

The real fun starts with toppings! Crisp lettuce, chopped cilantro, sliced radish, or a quick sprinkle of vegan cheese or pickled onions can all add fresh color and crunch to your tacos. Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce or a swirl of creamy vegan ranch for that ultimate taco shop finish.

Side Dishes

Balance the spicy, crispy goodness with cooling or tangy sides. Classic pairings like chipotle-lime coleslaw, simple avocado salad, or roasted sweet potato wedges round out the meal nicely. Even a bowl of black beans or street corn salad brings an extra splash of color and flavor to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Lean into the casual, festive vibe of Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan) by arranging them on a big platter, or try standing them upright in a taco rack for easy serving. Build-your-own taco boards let guests customize toppings, and mini tacos work perfectly for party appetizers or game day snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra tacos (or just the filling), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store the components separately for best results—tortillas in one container, bean filling in another—so they stay crisp and fresh in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

To freeze, tuck cooled buffalo white bean filling into freezer-friendly containers or bags and stash for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s best to use fresh tortillas when you’re ready to reassemble, since frozen-and-reheated tacos won’t be as crispy.

Reheating

Warm the bean mixture in a skillet or microwave until piping hot. For crispy tacos, fill fresh tortillas and toast them again in a hot, lightly oiled pan for a few minutes on each side. If you’ve already assembled and stored the tacos, re-crisp them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bean?

Absolutely! While cannellini beans give the smoothest texture, navy beans or great northern beans work beautifully. Chickpeas offer extra heartiness (and a touch of nuttiness) if that’s your style.

How spicy are these tacos?

The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce. Most store-bought sauces are moderately spicy, but you can always blend in a little vegan mayo or plain vegan yogurt to tame the fire, or add extra hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!

Do I have to use corn tortillas?

Corn tortillas are classic for their flavor and tendency to crisp up. If you prefer flour tortillas, use the smallest size available for similar results—they’ll be a bit softer, but still tasty!

What’s the best way to keep tacos crispy for a crowd?

Keep finished tacos warm and crisp in a 250°F (120°C) oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This lets air circulate so they stay crunchy until everyone’s ready to dig in.

Can I make Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan) gluten-free?

Yes, if you stick with 100% corn tortillas and check that your buffalo sauce is gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and totally crowd-friendly!

Final Thoughts

Whip up these Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan) and watch them disappear in record time! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining friends, their vibrant flavor and irresistible crunch make them a guaranteed hit. Let this recipe shake up your dinner routine—you might just find yourself making them again and again.

Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan) Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

These Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos are a delicious vegan twist on traditional tacos, featuring a flavorful white bean filling with a spicy buffalo kick, all wrapped up in crispy corn tortillas.

Instructions

Flavor Base: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add spices and cook for another minute.
Mash: Add drained beans and buffalo sauce to the skillet. Mash the beans and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
Assemble: Warm tortillas in the microwave. Fill each tortilla with the bean mixture, fold in half, and cook in oiled skillet until crispy.
Serve: Enjoy the tacos warm with salsa, guacamole, or cilantro sauce.