Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada (Print version)

Crisp tostada shells layered with refried beans, grilled carne asada, avocado, salsa, crema, queso fresco, and lime.

# Ingredients:

For the carne asada

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) flank steak or skirt steak
02 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh orange juice
03 - 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
10 - 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the tostadas

12 - 8 corn tostada shells, warmed
13 - 1 1/2 cups (390 g) refried pinto beans, warmed
14 - 2 cups shredded lettuce or thinly sliced cabbage
15 - 1 large avocado, sliced or diced
16 - 1 cup pico de gallo or salsa roja, drained if watery
17 - 1/3 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
18 - 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
19 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
20 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
21 - Hot sauce, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Whisk orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish or zip-top bag.
02 - Add the steak and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 1-6 hours. Remove from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking.
03 - Preheat a grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan if needed.
04 - Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for flank steak, or 2-4 minutes per side for thinner skirt steak, until browned and cooked to your liking.
05 - Transfer the steak to a board and rest for 8-10 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain.
06 - Spread warm refried beans over each tostada shell. Top with sliced carne asada, lettuce, avocado, salsa, crema, queso fresco, cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce if using. Serve immediately.

# Good to know:

01 - Best assembled right before serving so the shells stay crisp.
02 - Marinate skirt steak for less time than flank steak because it is thinner.
03 - Use certified gluten-free corn tostada shells if needed.

Back