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    Home » Sides

    DRUNKEN BLACK BEANS A.K.A. FRIJOLES BORRACHOS

    Published: Aug 10, 2021 · Modified: Aug 14, 2023 by Natalie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    RECIPE PRINT PIN

    Drunken Black Beans a.k.a. Frijoles Borrachos - is the perfect dish to serve when you’re low on time and need a tasty side. Using canned black beans speeds up the process and the spices added will fool you into thinking these took hours and not minutes to prepare.

    A white bowl of drunken black beans garnished with chopped cilantro.

    The flavor you get from adding beer to black beans takes it to another level and it can be customized to your liking depending on which type of beer you use. If you want a light taste, add light beer. If you want a rich strong flavor, add a lager. To put it simply, if you like the taste of the beer, you’ll like it in the beans.

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    born from immigrants from Peru and Italy

    she grew up in a tough neighborhood

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    We both burst out laughing so hard we couldn't walk. Of course I'm joking. I did ok for myself. Hey Modelo, you need another fighting spirit? Just give me a call.

    A can of Goya black beans and a can of Modelo beer.

    Canned black beans make this a simple task, as the only thing you have to do is drain them before adding them to the pan. Don’t rinse them because the liquid clinging to the beans will help thicken the dish when simmering with the beer. 

    I use Goya brand black beans because the quality is excellent. I bought a different popular brand and when I opened up the can it was mostly liquid and no beans. If you use a different brand, make sure they’re filled to the top and not more liquid than beans, otherwise the recipe won’t come out right. I had the same problem when making my bean dip and I used a different brand. Never again.

    Black beans cooking in a skillet.

    I give a recommendation of how much salt to add, but before you increase it, I recommend you wait until after the beans are cooked. You can always add more. I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt. If you use Morton, use less.

    Drunken black beans pair beautifully with:

    • Adobo Slow Roasted Pork
    • Oven Baked BBQ Tenderloin
    • Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
    • Chipotle Chicken with Grilled Peaches
    • Ultimate Oven Baked BBQ Ribs
    • Mouthwatering grilled rosemary spatchcock chicken
    • Grilled Greek style lamb chops
    • Simple to prepare Greek chicken kabobs

    For more delicious sides, try:

    • Roasted Brussels sprouts with pear and walnuts
    • Garlic butter mushrooms with Cognac and tarragon
    • Creamy cheesy cauliflower gratin
    • Roasted carrots with butter and dill
    • 30 minute bourbon baked beans
    • Peruvian chickpea salad
    • Lemon garlic butter bean salad
    • Charred cabbage slaw with sliced red onions
    Drunken black beans in a white bowl with a can of beer in the background.

    Life is too short for mediocre food.

    A white bowl of drunken black beans garnished with chopped cilantro.

    Drunken Black Beans a.k.a. Frijoles Borrachos

    PRINT PIN SAVESaved!
    Drunken Black Beans a.k.a. Frijoles Borrachos - is the perfect dish to serve when you’re low on time and need a tasty side. Using canned black beans speeds up the process and the spices added will fool you into thinking these took hours and not minutes to prepare.
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Natalie Gregory

    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoons neutral oil I use avocado oil
    • 1 medium red or sweet onion diced
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 teaspoons cumin
    • 2 teaspoons oregano
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
    • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
    • 1 12 ounce bottle beer, your choice
    • 2 15 ounce cans black beans, drained

    Optional Garnish:

    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
    • 1 lime
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a large skillet, over medium high heat, sauté onions in oil until softened and translucent - about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant.
    • Stir in spices to wake them up, then add red wine vinegar, beer and beans. Bring to a boil then lower to simmer and cook until thickened, about 15 - 20 minutes. Taste and adjust for salt.
    • Optional: Finish with some chopped cilantro sprinkled on top and a squeeze of lime to brighten the beans.
    Did you make this recipe? Tag @thegeneticchef and use #thegeneticchef and tell me all about it!

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    Natalie

    I'm Natalie a.k.a The Genetic Chef. Here you will find from scratch family recipes coupled with humor, helpful tips, and product recommendations.

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