Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada Recipe

1. Marinate the Steak:
   • In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the steak and ensure it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor).
2. Cook the Steak:
   • Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4–6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
3. Rest and Slice:
   • Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Preparing the Tostada Base

1. Warm the Refried Beans:
   • Heat the beans in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Tostada Shells:
   • If using store-bought tostada shells, set them aside. For homemade, fry corn tortillas in hot oil until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Assembling the Tostadas

1. Spread the Beans:
   • Take a tostada shell and spread a generous layer of refried beans over the surface.
2. Add the Carne Asada:
   • Top the beans with a portion of sliced carne asada.
3. Pile on the Toppings:
   • Add shredded lettuce, a spoonful of pico de gallo, and avocado slices or mashed avocado.
4. Add Cheese and Cream:
   • Sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese and drizzle with sour cream or Mexican crema.
5. Finish with Hot Sauce:
   • Add a dash of hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick, if desired.

Step 4: Garnishing and Serving

1. Garnish:
   • Sprinkle the tostadas with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
2. Serve Immediately:
   • Tostadas are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their crispiness. Serve them as a main dish or pair them with Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Tostadas de Carne Asada

1. Marination Time:
   • The longer you marinate the steak, the deeper the flavor. Overnight marination yields the best results.
2. Homemade Tostada Shells:
   • Homemade shells have a fresher, crunchier texture. Simply fry corn tortillas in hot oil for about 1 minute per side.
3. Customizable Toppings:
   • Add ingredients like pickled onions, shredded radishes, or jalapeño slices for additional flavor and crunch.
4. Make It Spicy:
   • Incorporate sliced serrano peppers or a spicy salsa to heat things up.
5. Meal Prep Friendly:
   • You can cook the carne asada and prepare the toppings in advance for quick assembly later.

Why You’ll Love Tostadas de Carne Asada

This recipe combines the smoky, citrusy flavors of perfectly grilled carne asada with the satisfying crunch of tostada shells and a medley of fresh toppings. Each bite is a delightful balance of textures and tastes, making it impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these tostadas will undoubtedly leave everyone asking for seconds.