Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada with Flank Steak and Fresh Toppings (Print version)

Crisp tostadas piled with citrus-marinated flank steak, guacamole, pico, crema, cotija, and fresh lime.

# Ingredients:

For the carne asada

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) flank steak
02 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice
03 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice
04 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the tostadas

12 - 6 crisp corn tostada shells
13 - 1 1/2 cups guacamole
14 - 1 1/2 cups pico de gallo, drained if very juicy
15 - 1 cup shredded green or purple cabbage
16 - 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
17 - 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
18 - 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
19 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
20 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Whisk the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish or zip-top bag.
02 - Add the flank steak and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while the grill heats.
03 - Heat a grill or cast-iron grill pan over high heat. Oil the grates lightly. Remove the steak from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off.
04 - Grill the flank steak for 4-6 minutes per side, until charred outside and about 130-140°F in the thickest part, depending on your preferred doneness.
05 - Transfer the steak to a cutting board and rest for 10 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain, then cut larger strips into bite-size pieces if needed.
06 - Spread each tostada shell with guacamole. Top with sliced steak, pico de gallo, cabbage, crema, cotija, jalapeno, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve right away.

# Good to know:

01 - Plan for at least 30 minutes of passive marinating time.
02 - Use certified gluten-free corn tostada shells if cooking for a strict gluten-free diet.
03 - Best assembled immediately before serving.

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