Crispy Bean & Cheese Memelas
Thick, chewy corn cakes topped with refried beans, melty cheese, and pickled jalapeños. Ready in 15 minutes — the TikTok version of this Oaxacan street favorite.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 12g
Ingredients
- 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
- ¾ cup warm water
- ¾ cup refried beans
- ¾ cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup pickled jalapeños with brine
- 3 tbsp neutral cooking oil
Instructions
- 1
Mix masa harina with warm water until a soft, thick dough forms. Let rest 2 minutes.
- 2
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high until it shimmers, about 90 seconds.
- 3
Scoop 3 tbsp dough into your palm, flatten into a thick oval cake, and slide into the hot oil.
- 4
Cook 3–4 minutes per side without moving until edges turn golden and crispy.
- 5
Spread warm refried beans on each memela. Top with cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of their brine.
- 6
Serve warm. Repeat with remaining dough to make 4 memelas total.
Tools you’ll need
- 12-inch skillet
- mixing bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
- spatula or slotted turner
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