Mexican Tostadas with Carne Asada

These Mexican Tostadas with Carne Asada are a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together tender, marinated beef, crispy tostada shells, and fresh toppings like guacamole and pico de gallo. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal, these tostadas are guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada:

• 1 lb flank or skirt steak
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Tostadas:

• 6 tostada shells
• 1 cup guacamole
• 1 cup pico de gallo
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sour cream, cheese

Instructions

1. Marinate the Steak

1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Coat the steak in the marinade, ensuring it is fully covered.
3. Let the steak rest for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.

2. Cook the Carne Asada

1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the marinated steak for 4-5 minutes per side or until it reaches your preferred doneness (medium-rare to medium works well for this dish).
3. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain.

3. Assemble the Tostadas

1. Spread a generous amount of guacamole over each tostada shell.
2. Layer each tostada with slices of the cooked carne asada.
3. Top with pico de gallo and any optional toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, or cheese.

4. Serve

1. Garnish the tostadas with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, vibrant tostadas!

Tips and Variations

• Use Different Proteins: While carne asada is traditional, you can swap it with chicken, pork, or ground beef for a variation.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add jalapeños to the pico de gallo or drizzle some hot sauce over the tostadas.
• Make It Your Own: Add more toppings like black beans, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of queso fresco for extra flavor and texture.

How to Store

• Leftovers: If you have leftover carne asada, store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Tostada Shells: Keep the tostada shells separate to avoid sogginess. Store them in a sealed bag or container for up to a week.
• Assembling Later: To store assembled tostadas, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 days. For best results, add guacamole and pico de gallo just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for carne asada?

Yes! You can use skirt steak or ribeye if flank steak is not available, but flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor.

How can I make the carne asada spicier?

To add more heat to your carne asada, mix chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the marinade or use a spicier salsa in place of pico de gallo.

Can I make the carne asada ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the steak the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply grill or pan-sear it for a quick, flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Mexican Tostadas with Carne Asada are a fun, vibrant, and satisfying dish packed with bold flavors and textures. From the marinated steak to the creamy guacamole and zesty pico de gallo, every bite is a fiesta of taste! Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or hosting friends, these tostadas are sure to become a favorite!