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.

I use Modelo and I love their commercials about the fighting spirit. Have you seen them? It's usually about someone who beats the odds fighting their way to the top of their game. My favorite one is about Amanda Nunes and I absolutely love the song used in the commercials.

I was walking with my son and since he's into watching UFC fights, we figured we'd make up our on commercial about me. So he's humming the song in the commercial and I said:

"Natalie Gregory

born from immigrants from Peru and Italy

she grew up in a tough neighborhood

they said she would never amount to anything

and they were right!"

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.

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:

For more delicious sides, try:

Drunken black beans in a white bowl with a can of beer in the background.

Life is too short for mediocre food.

Drunken Black Beans a.k.a. Frijoles Borrachos

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings:

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

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!