Easy Refried Black Beans Recipe using Dried Beans

Creamy, rich, smokey, and delicious refried black beans recipe in a bowl with a few black beans and chopped cilantro sprinkled on top. On the counter are tortilla chips in a bowl.
~ Carrie Tyler ~ Leave a comment
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Move over pinto beans, Refried Black Beans are here!  Creamy, rich, smokey, and delicious, this refried black beans recipe will become your new favorite addition to so many things.  I put them on tostadas, on salads, on toast, layered in casseroles, mixed into soups, and use as a dip.  They couldn’t be easier to make either.  You just cook the beans in a pot and then blend.  Save in your fridge and use them all week.  Or freeze portioned out and enjoy them for months!

BLACK BEANS: LOADED WITH FIBER & PROTEIN

Refried beans are quite literally beans that are fried/cooked two times.  They are first cooked and then mashed and cooked again.  They are usually made with pinto beans, which have a milder flavor and contain a slightly more carbs and a higher fat content than black beans, attributed mainly to their high starch content.  In this recipe, I love to use black beans!  I always have them on hand to make Slow Cooker Brazilian Black Bean, as well as so many other yummy dinners. 

Black Beans are a fantastic source of both fiber and protein, which is why they are a staple in vegetarian or vegan diets.  They have a whopping 15g of protein and 15g of Fiber in 1 cup!  They have a deep, rich flavor and can be incorporated into a variety of recipes to add rich flavor, bulk them up, or replace meat.  For flavor and texture, I add them to Mushroom and Black Bean Tostadas and Weeknight Black Bean Taco Bowl Bar.  For a meat alternative I add them to my Creamy Cajun Beans and Cauliflower over Quinoa and Quinoa and Black Bean Burritos.

 

Creamy, rich, smokey, and delicious refried black beans recipe in a bowl with a tortilla chip dipped in and a few black beans and chopped cilantro sprinkled on top. On the counter are tortilla chips in a bowl.

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

For this recipe, you need a medium pot and a  mini food processor to blend up the beans.

PREP-AHEAD STEPS FOR YOUR REFRIED BLACK BEANS RECIPE

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are steps you can prepare ahead to save time on busy nights! (See the full recipe below) 

Rinse the beans with cold water, then place in Bowl. Cover the beans with cold water so that the water is about 1 inch higher than the beans.  Soak the beans overnight in the fridge.

 

COOK THE REFRIED BLACK BEANS 

Drain the beans, rinse and then add the beans to large pot and cover with water (about 3-4 cups). Mix in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, about 8-10 minutes.Turn the heat down to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Hand holding small bowl with chili powder, cumin, and salt over pot with dried black beans for refried black beans recipe.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer 1 cup of the cooked beans to a food processor with with 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid, 1 clove of garlic, and the cumin. Pulse to mince the garlic and blend up the beans. Then blend until smooth.

 

Spoon adding cooked black beans to food processor for refried black beans recipe.

For the rest of the cooked beans, add them to to food processor in batches (depending on the size of your processor). You want the beans mostly blended, but with some texture. Scrape down the sides of the processor and add more cooking liquid if needed, 1 tablespoon at a time.Spoon scooping pureed black beans over food processor for refried black beans recipe.

After all of the beans are pureed, add the beans to a preheated skillet or frying pan on medium heat with 1 tsp olive oil. Stir the beans around as they cook for so as not to burn them. Cook for 5 minutes.

RECIPE FAQS

Can I use canned black beans?

You can make this recipe using 3 cans of 14-15 ounce cooked beans.  If you use canned beans, first rinse and drain the beans.  Then move directly to the step adding them to the food processor.

How long will these last in the fridge?

These black beans will last 5-6 days in the fridge in a sealed container.

Can I freeze these refried beans?

Yep!  These freeze great.  Just portion them out into freezer bags and flatten them.  You can store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.  To reheat, you can place in the fridge overnight to thaw and then warm on the stove or in the microwave.

ENJOY!  😍 Carrie

Creamy, rich, smokey, and delicious refried black beans recipe in a bowl with a few black beans and chopped cilantro sprinkled on top. Tortilla chips on the counter.

Have you tried this recipe? If so, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating in the recipe below! I love to hear your feedback and your rating helps others to find this recipe. Thanks so much!

Creamy, rich, smokey, and delicious refried black beans recipe in a bowl with a few black beans and chopped cilantro sprinkled on top. On the counter are tortilla chips in a bowl.
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Easy Refried Black Beans Recipe with Dried Beans

Creamy, rich, smokey, and delicious, this refried black beans recipe will become your new favorite addition to so many things.  Put them on tostadas, on salads, on toast, layered in casseroles, mixed into soups, or use as a dip.  They couldn't be easier to make either.  You just cook the beans in a pot and then blend.  Save in your fridge and use them all week.  Or freeze portioned out and enjoy them for months! #refriedbeans #blackbeans

Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword black beans, mexican sides, refried beans
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Soaking time 8 hours

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Dry Black Beans (see notes for canned black beans)
  • 3-4 cups water
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced divided
  • 3 teaspoons Chili Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin divided
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

Prep-Ahead Steps

  1. Rinse the dried black beans with cold water, then place in Bowl. Cover the beans with cold water so that the water is about 1 inch higher than the beans.  Soak the beans overnight in the fridge.

    Hand holding dried black beans for refried black beans recipe.

  2. Mince the garlic cloves. Divide: Half will go into the pot when you cook the beans. Half will go into the food processor.

Cooking Steps

  1. Drain the beans, rinse and then add the beans to large pot and cover with water (about 3-4 cups). Mix in half of the minced garlic, all of the chili powder, half of the cumin, and the salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, about 8-10 minutes.Turn the heat down to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

    Hand holding small bowl with chili powder, cumin, and salt over pot with dried black beans for refried black beans recipe.

  2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer 1 cup of the cooked beans to a food processor with with 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid, the other half of the minced garlic, and half of the cumin. Pulse to mince the garlic and blend up the beans. Then blend until smooth.

    Spoon adding cooked black beans to food processor for refried black beans recipe.

  3. For the rest of the cooked beans, add them to to food processor in batches (depending on the size of your processor). You want the beans mostly blended, but with some texture. Scrape down the sides of the processor and add more cooking liquid if needed, 1 tablespoon at a time.

    Spoon scooping pureed black beans over food processor for refried black beans recipe.

  4. After all of the beans are pureed, add the beans to a preheated skillet or frying pan on on medium heat with 1 tsp olive oil.  Stir the beans around as they cook for so as not to burn them. Cook for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

    Creamy, rich, smokey, and delicious refried black beans recipe in a bowl with a few black beans and chopped cilantro sprinkled on top. On the counter are tortilla chips in a bowl.

Recipe Notes

  1. You can make this recipe in 15 minutes by using 3 cans of 14-15 ounce cooked beans.  If you use canned beans, first rinse and drain the beans.  Then move directly to the step adding them to the food processor.

Easiest Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken

Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken in a bowl. Chopsticks are sitting on top and scallion slices are on top.
~ Carrie Tyler ~ 1 Comment
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Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken in a bowl. Chopsticks have noodles wrapped around and scallion slices are on top. The pan of noodles is in background.

Get ready for slurping deliciousness taken to the next level!  This is my Easy Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken and it is heavenly.  We are not talking about a one-note stir fry dish.  Nope, this is a symphony of flavors with sesame, soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, ginger, and more.  The sauce is savory, tangy, nutty, spicy, and slightly sweet.  It pairs perfectly with the hearty ground chicken and egg noodles. 

While traditional dan dan noodles have a rather complex sauce, I have taken some shortcuts on ingredients, but definitely not on flavor.  The result is a super easy 30 minute family dinner you will love!

 

WHAT ARE DAN DAN NOODLES?

To be very honest, I looked through all of the local Chinese take out menus (there are at least 20 Chinese restaurants in my city of Hoboken, NJ!) and only came across Dan Dan noodles in a couple.  However, you will more often see other similar noodle dishes with Sichuan in the name.  Sichuan is a southwestern province in China, which is known for its bold and spicy flavors.  Sichuan cuisine typically uses lots of garlic and chili peppers, namely Sichuan peppers. 

Dan Dan Noodles originate from Chinese Sichuan cuisine.  They typically include chili oil, Sichuan pepper, ground pork, preserved vegetables, and scallions served over noodles.  However, for this recipe, I made a few changes to make it less spicy, leaner and easier for busy families.

For the spice, as mentioned, Dan Dan recipes typically have chili oil and sichuan peppers.  You can buy chili oil in some grocery stores and specialty asian markets, but I opted for a more widely-found Sambal Oelek Chili paste.

Bottle of Sambal Oelek chili paste with a spoonful in front for Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken.

Sambal Oelek is an Indonesian, ground raw chili paste with red chili peppers, vinegar and salt.  It’s easy to find and easy to use in a great many recipes where you want to add a kick, so it will not go to waste.  For the oil, I added Sesame Oil in this recipe.

To make this recipe leaner, I used ground chicken rather than pork.  However, you can use ground pork, chicken, turkey, or even beef.  

Finally, rather than preserved vegetables, I added fresh baby spinach leaves.  The spinach melts into the dish perfectly so that it brings vitamins and nutrients and helps to thicken and round out the dish.

Want more Asian Family Dinners?

If you and your family love making Chinese, Thai, Korean or other Asian recipes at home, then check out my Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles with Tofu and Veggies or Asian Teriyaki Meatballs with Veggie Stir Fry & Noodles Dinner or try my Korean Beef Tacos or Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls!

Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken in a bowl. Chopsticks are sitting on top and scallion slices are on top.

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

You will need a large skillet/frying pan for cooking the ground chicken and making the sauce, then mixing in the noodles. I use my absolute favorite 12″ Ceramic Pan, which is great because food really does slide right off with minimal oil and I don’t have to worry about food sticking and burning. 

You also need a medium-large pot for boiling the noodles.

You can buy already minced garlic and Garlic Press. Or you can peel the garlic and the ginger and mince together in a mini food processor.

PREP-AHEAD STEPS FOR THIS DAN DAN NOODLE RECIPE

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are steps you can prepare ahead to save time on busy nights! (See the full recipe below)

Slice the scallions, separating the whites (for the chicken) from the greens (for garnish). If not already minced, peel and mince the garlic and the ginger (see notes on best ways to do this above in the Equipment section).

Scallion whites cut and separates from the greens with knife on cutting board for Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken.

Make the Sauce. Mix together in a bowl: the Peanut Butter, Sesame Oil, Chili paste, Honey, Vinegar, and Cinnamon. 

Measuring spoon adding honey to bowl of Peanut butter, chili paste, and other ingredients for Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken.

Peanut butter, chili paste, and other ingredients whisking in bowl for Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken.

Once combined, whisk in the Soy sauce and water.

COOK YOUR DAN DAN NOODLE RECIPE 

Cook the egg/rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Preheat a large skillet/frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoon of olive oil and then the ground chicken. Break up the chicken as it cooks and let it really get browned, cooking about 5 minutes.

To the chicken, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, plus the whites of the scallions and cook another 2-3 minutes.

Cooked ground chicken in a pan for Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken.

Then add the Chicken Broth scraping up all of browned bits from the bottom. Finally, stir in the Sauce, HALF of the scallion greens, and the spinach leaves. Let cook for a final 4-5 minutes until the sauce is thickened and completely coating the chicken.

Add half of the noodles to the pan (or all of them if you can fit them) and slowly toss to combine.

Spoon adding noodles to pan with chicken and sauce for Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken.

To serve, add some of the plain noodles to the bottom of the bowls (this is if they didn’t all fit in the pan with the sauce), then top with the saucy noodles and more meaty sauce. Garnish with the remaining green scallion slices and Enjoy!

Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken in a bowl. Chopsticks are sitting on top and scallion slices are on top.

RECIPE FAQS

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use fresh or frozen shrimp.  The key is to ensure that they are cleaned of the digestive tract along the back and that the tail is pinched off.  You could cook this recipe with the tails on, but it’s more difficult to eat as you have to bite off the tail and discard.  It’s really a personal preference.  If you use frozen shrimp, you want to thaw them in the fridge overnight or under running (not standing) cold water.

How can I make this more or less spicy?

The spice in this recipe is provided by the Sambal Oelek Chili Paste.  It’s a subtle heat that coats your mouth and lips.  Two teaspoons of the chili paste will give a very light heat; however, if you are concerned, then start with 1 teaspoon and once the sauce is mixed with the chicken (before adding the noodles) taste it to see if you want more heat.  If so, add another teaspoon at a time until you achieve the level you want.

What other veggies can I add to this?

So many vegetables would taste great in this recipe.  However, unlike spinach, which just wilts into the sauce in minutes, all other veggies will likely need to be cooked separately and then mixed in or kept separate.  You can pick the couple other veggies that you want to add and sautee them in a frying pan with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender, but not mushy.  Once they are done, you can add a scoop of the Dan Dan sauce to their pan and cook for another minute to incorporate the flavors and then toss them into the complete dish.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes!  You can make the Dan Dan Sauce with Ground Chicken mixed and store in the fridge for up to 5 days in advance.  I would wait to cook the noodles until you are ready to eat and then toss them into the sauce after it’s warmed up.  

Can this be frozen?

You can make the Dan Dan Sauce with Ground Chicken mixed and freeze it WITHOUT THE NOODLES.  To freeze it, simply place it in a freezer bag or freezer container and freeze for up to 5 months.  I would wait to cook the noodles until you are ready to eat and then toss them into the sauce after it’s warmed up.  

ENJOY!  😍 Carrie

Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken and scallions in a pan on counter with chopsticks next to it.

Have you tried this recipe? If so, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating in the recipe below! I love to hear your feedback and your rating helps others to find this recipe. Thanks so much!

Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken in a bowl. Chopsticks are sitting on top and scallion slices are on top.
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Easiest Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken

This Easy Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken is heavenly and takes slurping deliciousness to the next level.  It's a symphony of flavors with sesame, soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, ginger, and more.  The sauce is savory, tangy, nutty, spicy, and slightly sweet and pairs perfectly with the hearty ground chicken and egg noodles.  While traditional dan dan noodles have a rather complex sauce, I have taken some shortcuts on ingredients, but definitely not on flavor.  The result is a super easy 30 minute family dinner you will love!

Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword Dan dan, ground chicken, noodles, stir fry
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

Ground Chicken

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 5 Scallions WHITES only

Dan Dan Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons Peanut butter, creamy
  • 2-3 teaspoons Sambal Oelek Chili Paste (add more or less for heat)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon Sesame Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 2 cups Chicken broth

Noodles & Veggies

  • 16 ounces Fresh Linguine Egg Noodles or Rice Noodles
  • 1 cup Spinach (heaping cup or even 2 cups is good)
  • 5 Scallions, greens only

Instructions

PREP-AHEAD STEPS

  1. Slice the scallions, separating the whites (for the chicken) from the greens (for garnish). If not already minced, peel and mince the garlic and the ginger.

    Scallion whites cut and separates from the greens with knife on cutting board for Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken.

  2. Make the Sauce. Mix together in a bowl: the Peanut Butter, Sesame Oil, Chili paste, Honey, Vinegar, and Cinnamon in a bowl. Once combined, whisk in the Soy sauce and water.

    Peanut butter, chili paste, and other ingredients whisking in bowl for Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken.

COOKING STEPS

  1. Cook the egg/rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

  2. Preheat a large skillet/frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoon of olive oil and then the ground chicken. Break up the chicken as it cooks and let it really get browned, cooking about 5 minutes.

    Cooked ground chicken in a pan for Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken.

  3. To the chicken, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, plus the whites of the scallions and cook another 2-3 minutes. Then add the Chicken Broth scraping up all of browned bits from the bottom. Finally, stir in the Sauce, HALF of the scallion greens, and the spinach leaves. Let cook for a final 4-5 minutes until the sauce is thickened and completely coating the chicken.

  4. Add half of the noodles to the pan (or all of them if you can fit them) and slowly toss to combine.

    Spoon adding noodles to pan with chicken and sauce for Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken.

  5. To serve, add some of the plain noodles to the bottom of the bowls (this is if they didn't all fit in the pan with the sauce), then top with the saucy noodles and more meaty sauce. Garnish with the remaining green scallion slices and Enjoy!

    Dan Dan Noodle Recipe with Ground Chicken in a bowl. Chopsticks are sitting on top and scallion slices are on top.

Recipe Notes

  1. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp.  The key is to ensure that they are cleaned of the digestive tract along the back and that the tail is pinched off.  You could cook this recipe with the tails on, but it’s more difficult to eat as you have to bite off the tail and discard.  It’s really a personal preference.  If you use frozen shrimp, you want to thaw them in the fridge overnight or under running (not standing) cold water.
  2. You can also cook the shrimp in a frying pan.  Preheat the pan on Medium-High heat, add olive oil, then add the shrimp.  Cook for 2 minutes, then flip and cook 1 more minute.
  3. The spice in this recipe is provided by the Sambal Oelek Chili Paste.  It’s a subtle heat that coats your mouth and lips.  Two teaspoons of the chili paste will give a very light heat; however, if you are concerned, then start with 1 teaspoon and once the sauce is mixed with the chicken (before adding the noodles) taste it to see if you want more heat.  If so, add another teaspoon at a time until you achieve the level you want.
  4. So many vegetables would taste great in this recipe.  However, unlike spinach, which just wilts into the sauce in minutes, all other veggies will likely need to be cooked separately and then mixed in or kept separate.  You can pick the couple other veggies that you want to add and sautee them in a frying pan with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender, but not mushy.  Once they are done, you can add a scoop of the Dan Dan sauce to their pan and cook for another minute to incorporate the flavors and then toss them into the complete dish.