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If you’re craving something vibrant, crunchy, and packed with bold flavors, then this Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender grilled steak, marinated in citrus and spices, perfectly sliced and layered onto crisp tostada shells with creamy refried beans, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of queso fresco. Every bite bursts with texture and taste, making this dish not just a meal but a celebration of authentic Mexican flavors that’s impressively easy to prepare and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada Recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the citrusy marinade that tenderizes the steak to the crunchy tostadas that hold all the vibrant toppings. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this feast to life.
- 1 pound flank or skirt steak: These cuts are perfect for marinating and grilling to juicy, tender perfection.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Adds bright acidity that balances the richness of the steak.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice: Provides a subtle sweetness to the marinade that enhances flavor depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to keep the steak moist and transfers heat evenly while grilling.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Packs a punch of aromatic earthiness that infuses the meat.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings a warm, smoky note that’s classic in Mexican cuisine.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds just the right hint of mild heat and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 8 tostada shells: Crispy corn tortillas that provide the perfect crunchy base.
- 1 cup refried beans (warmed): Creamy and hearty layer that complements the meat beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds refreshing crunch and color contrast.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Juicy bursts of freshness that lightens every bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion: Sharp and slightly sweet, bringing brightness to the dish.
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco: Tangy, crumbly cheese that adds a cool finishing touch.
- 1 avocado (sliced): Silky and creamy slices that balance the spice and texture.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Fresh herbaceous lift that completes the flavor profile.
- Optional: hot sauce or crema for serving: Adds extra heat or creaminess depending on your mood.
How to Make Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
The foundation of this Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada Recipe starts with a bright, citrusy marinade. Whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until blended. This mixture does more than flavor the steak—it tenderizes it and infuses layers of bold taste that will shine through every bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place your flank or skirt steak into a sealed bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, massaging it to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, but if you have the time, letting it sit up to 8 hours will deepen the flavors even more. This patience pays off when you taste that juicy, flavorful carne asada.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot. Remove the steak from the marinade and lay it down carefully to cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. This timing locks in juiciness while developing a slight crust on the outside. After grilling, let the meat rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute before slicing thinly against the grain — this ensures tenderness.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tostadas
Now comes the fun part: assembly! Spread a warm scoop of refried beans on each tostada shell. Layer on shredded lettuce, tender slices of carne asada, juicy diced tomatoes, crisp red onions, creamy avocado slices, and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro. If you love a little extra kick or cream, drizzle with hot sauce or crema right before serving.
How to Serve Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish beyond simple street food. Think bright lime wedges to squeeze over the top, extra cilantro sprigs for that herbal punch, and maybe some pickled jalapeños for a vinegary crunch that complements the rich steak and beans flawlessly.
Side Dishes
Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada Recipe naturally pairs beautifully with simple sides like Mexican rice, a classic corn salad, or a tangy, refreshing cucumber and jicama slaw. These sides add even more color, flavor, and balance to the meal, making it a satisfying feast for the whole table.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a gathering? Set up a build-your-own tostada bar with all the toppings and a variety of salsas. Or, try stacking smaller tostadas for a fun tostada tower appetizer. You can even serve deconstructed with each component plated separately for a more elegant presentation that allows guests to mix and match flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the sliced carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tostada shells separate so they stay crisp. Refrigerate the toppings individually to maintain their freshness and texture.
Freezing
While the meat can be frozen, it’s best to do so right after cooking and slicing for optimal quality. Portion the steak in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing assembled tostadas as the shells will become soggy upon thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat the carne asada in a skillet over medium heat to preserve its juiciness. Warm the refried beans and tostada shells separately—oven or toaster oven works great for crisping shells back up. Then, quickly assemble again with fresh toppings for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are traditional and ideal for marinating, you can substitute with sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just adjust grilling times to suit the thickness and desired doneness.
How long should I marinate the steak?
For flavorful and tender results, marinate for at least one hour. However, marinating up to 8 hours in the fridge will deepen the flavors significantly. Avoid marinating more than 24 hours, as the acidity can start breaking down the meat too much.
Are tostada shells gluten-free?
Most corn tostada shells are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to check the packaging if you have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can also crisp up small corn tortillas at home as a fresh alternative.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Of course! Skip the carne asada and load your tostadas with sautéed mushrooms, grilled peppers, or seasoned jackfruit. The toppings like beans, avocado, and queso fresco will still give you plenty of rich and vibrant flavors.
What’s the best way to keep tostadas crispy before serving?
Store the tostada shells in an airtight container separate from any wet ingredients. Assemble them just before serving to ensure the shells stay perfectly crunchy to complement the tender fillings.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, these tostadas bring warmth, freshness, and a festive spirit to the table. Dive in, savor every crunchy, juicy bite, and don’t be surprised if this becomes one of your favorite recipes to return to again and again.
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Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tostadas per person)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada feature tender, marinated grilled steak served on crispy tostada shells with warm refried beans and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, queso fresco, and cilantro. Perfect for a flavorful main course with vibrant Mexican flavors and easy assembly.
Ingredients
Marinade and Steak
- 1 pound flank or skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tostadas and Toppings
- 8 tostada shells
- 1 cup refried beans, warmed
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: hot sauce or crema for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will infuse the steak with bright, smoky flavors.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the flank or skirt steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak is well coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, shaking off excess. Grill the steak for 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice the Steak: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. This step ensures the meat remains tender and easy to eat on the tostadas.
- Assemble the Tostadas: Spread a layer of warm refried beans evenly onto each tostada shell. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced carne asada, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, and fresh cilantro.
- Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle each tostada with crema or hot sauce according to your preference. Serve immediately while the tostadas are crisp and the steak is juicy.
Notes
- You can substitute tostada shells with small corn tortillas crisped in the oven or skillet for a homemade touch.
- Carne asada can be grilled, broiled, or pan-seared depending on your preference and weather conditions.
- These tostadas are excellent for gatherings or build-your-own tostada bars, allowing guests to customize their toppings.
