Go Back

Best Black Beans

This black beans recipe is ready in just 15 minutes! With a can of black beans, onion, and garlic from your pantry, plus some chopped fresh cilantro, this quick and easy side dish is a no-brainer when you're short on time. Pairs well with any Mexican or Cuban meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine south american
Servings 4 people
Calories 473.3 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Saucepan
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Wooden Spoon For stirring
  • 1 Measuring Spoons For cayenne and salt

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 16 ounce can black beans, undrained
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Combine beans, onion, and garlic in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in cilantro, cayenne, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Remove from pot, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve. DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

Notes

To elevate the flavor beyond a quick side, consider sautéing the chopped onion and garlic in a touch of olive oil or bacon fat until fragrant before adding the undrained black beans. This builds a deeper aromatic base. A bay leaf added during simmering can infuse subtle complexity. For a richer texture, mash about a quarter of the beans against the side of the pot after simmering. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness and a final adjustment of salt. Be mindful not to overcook, as this can lead to mushy beans.