12 Simple Substitutes for Black Beans
If you’re looking for a substitute for black beans, I’ve got the easiest swaps for you! There are numerous black bean substitutions from beans to lentils to other proteins like tofu or tempeh. I will help guide you to the best substitute based on the recipe, texture, and flavor as well as where to find the substitute at your own grocery store!
What types of recipes call for black beans?
There are thousands (if not millions!) of recipes that use black beans. Many cultural cuisines use black beans frequently…from Mexican to Brazilian to Cuban and Caribbean…and more! Black beans are the star in many Mexican-inspired meals like these copycat chipotle black beans or Mexican stuffed spaghetti squash.
Black beans can be used in soups, stews, chili, bowls, salads, dips, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, casseroles, burgers, and even black bean brownies! They are a versatile bean that packs a plant-based protein punch and filled with fueling fiber.
The Best Substitutes for Black Beans
1. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
Chickpeas (also known as Garbanzo Beans) are a great substitute for black beans. Their flavor is mild and slightly different from black beans, but they are filled with fiber and have a firm texture.
Where to find it: You can get them canned or dried at nearly any grocery store or find them on Amazon.
Recipe tips: Swap chickpeas for black beans in soups, salads, burritos and even chili for a different flavor and color.
To cook dried chickpeas, start by rinsing them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, soak the chickpeas in a large bowl of water overnight or for at least 8 hours; this will help soften them and reduce cooking time.
After soaking, drain the chickpeas and transfer them to a pot, covering them with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the chickpeas for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until they are tender.
2. Kidney Beans
Kidney beans have a similar texture to black beans and provide a creaminess to dishes. Their flavor is slightly different, but they make for a great substitute.
Where to find it: You can get them canned or dried at. nearly any grocery store or find kidney beans on Amazon.
Recipe tips: Kidney beans are a delicious in chili, tacos, or a soup!
3. Pinto Beans
Pinto beans are a great substitute for black beans, especially in Mexican dishes. Pinto beans are slightly creamier than black beans and have a more earthy flavor, but they can still provide a similar protein-rich base for your dishes.
Where to find it: Almost every grocery store will have pinto beans (dried and canned). You can also find them at Mexican food stores/aisles or find pinto beans on Amazon.
Recipe tips: Pinto beans are amazing for Mexican dishes where you would normally use black beans – such as tacos, burritos, refried beans, enchiladas, tamales, and more.
Add flavors like onions and garlic during cooking, and seasoning with spices such as cumin or smoked paprika. Additionally, I like to add a splash of acid like lime juice to brighten the flavor!
4. Lentils
Lentils are protein-powerhouses and make for a great substitute for black beans in plenty of dishes. Keep in mind lentils are smaller than black beans and cook much faster (compared to dried black beans) so don’t overcook them or you will have mush.
Where to find it: Lentils are available at nearly every grocery store – either canned or dried. I recommend buying them dried because they are very cheap and easy to make. You can also find canned lentils on Amazon.
Recipe tips: Lentils provide a “meaty texture” when cooked with spices so they are a great substitute for black beans in tacos, burgers, soup, stew and even chili.
5. Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas have a slightly sweeter taste and a softer texture compared to black bean, but they work well for substitution for some recipes. Fun fact: Black-eyed peas are considered to bring good luck when eaten on New Year’s Day.
Where to find it: You can find these dried or in cans at most grocery stores or find black-eyed peas on Amazon.
Recipe tips: Black-eyed peas work well in dishes like salads, soups, stews, and casseroles.
6. White Beans (Navy or Cannellini)
Navy or cannellini beans make for a good substitute for black beans because their shape is similar. Their texture is a little bit softer than a black bean but their flavor is mild.
Where to find it: These beans are extremely common and are found at nearly any grocery store in dried or canned form. You can also find white beans on Amazon.
Recipe tips: White beans are great for soups (especially blended), stews, in salads (pasta salad or a bean salad), and so much more.
7. Soybeans
Soybeans (shelled edamame) can be substituted for black beans in some dishes. Soybeans have a different texture and flavor compared to black beans; they firmer and have a nuttier taste but are protein-packed like black beans.
Where to find it: You can buy shelled edamame in the freezer section or find shelled edamame on Amazon.
Recipe tips: Soybeans can be replaced for black beans in salads or stir fries. I would not use them as a replacement in chilis, tacos, burritos, etc because the texture and flavor are too different.
Yes, edamame beans are very nutritious! They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin K, folate, and vitamin C), and minerals (such as manganese, iron, and potassium).
8. Tofu
Tofu is a protein-packed addition to many recipes that could be a replacement for black beans, depending on the recipe. It is made from soybeans and is often pressed (extra firm or firm). It can be crumbled or cubed then pan-fried or air-fried until crispy. As a substitute, it will not have the same texture or taste as black beans, but adds lots of delicious protein to dishes that black beans may be often used.
Where to find it: Most grocery stores carry tofu in the refrigerator section. I usually recommend getting an extra-firm version.
Recipe tips: Drain and press your tofu for 20 minutes. Cut into small cubes (or crumble) and pan-fry or air-fry. Add to tacos, burritos, stir fries, and more.
There are lots of good tofu recipes out there! This miso glazed tofu is super flavorful and easy. For a delicious wrap, check out this buffalo tofu wrap.
9. Tempeh
Similar to tofu, tempeh is made from soybeans but it is fermented. It has more texture than tofu and can substituted for black beans in dishes where you need a protein. It can be cut into cubes, strips, or crumbled for a meaty texture.
Where to find it: Many grocery stores have it in the refrigerator section near the tofu.
Recipe tips: Tempeh absorbs marinades well so consider cubes or crumbling your tofu in a soy sauce marinade (like the one I use for my tempeh bacon in this Vegan BLT). Pan-fry stove-top and add to tacos, burritos, stir fries, or even chili!
10. Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
TVP is a soy-based product that comes in granules or chunks and is often used as a meat substitute. When rehydrated, TVP has a texture somewhat similar to ground meat, which can work well in dishes like chili, tacos, soups, and stews. However, it’s important to note that TVP doesn’t have the same flavor profile as black beans, so the taste of the dish may be different.
Where to find it: Larger grocery stores or health food stores may carry TVP. You can also easily buy TVP on Amazon, like I do often, because it’s easiest to buy in bulk there.
Recipe tips: TVP absorbs the flavor well in chilis, soups, etc. I often will cook it up with some tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, chili powder, and more spices to mimic ground beef which can be used for tacos, burritos, chili, etc.
11. Seitan
Similar to TVP, seitan is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan cooking. It made from wheat gluten and has a chewy, meat-like texture. It can be used as a protein substitute for black beans in certain recipes, but it’s important to note that seitan has a very different texture and flavor profile compared to black beans.
Where to find it: You can find seitan pre-made at some grocery stores or health food stores in the refrigerator section. You can also make your own seitan by purchasing Vital Wheat Gluten. There are lots of recipes on Google and Youtube that teach you how to make seitan from scratch.
Recipe tips: You can chop up seitan into small “meaty” pieces and add to stir-fry or buddha bowls, wraps, soups/stew, or on top of a salad.
There are many variations of seitan you can buy at the grocery store. You can get pre-marinated seitan chunks, seitan chorizo, seitan strips, and so much more!
12. Nuts (Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, etc)
Nuts can’t directly substitute black beans in most recipes because they have a very different texture and flavor profile. However, they can serve as a protein-rich alternative in certain dishes where black beans are used primarily for their protein content.
Where to find it: Nuts are found at grocery stores in the snack or baking aisle. You can also find lots of nuts in bulk on Amazon!
Recipe tips: Various nuts (like walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and more) can be chopped up and combined with lentils and spices to create a “meaty” texture. Nuts are great salad toppers too for an extra crunch!
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