Description
Crispy, flavorful, and incredibly fun to make, Mexican Tostadas are a perfect dish for any occasion. Picture a crunchy tortilla topped with creamy beans, fresh veggies, and your favorite garnishes—it’s like a taco, but even better! This versatile recipe allows you to mix and match toppings to suit your taste, making it a hit for family dinners, parties, or even a quick snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tostadas:
- Corn oil or extra virgin olive oil (for frying)
- 12 corn tortillas
- Salt (to taste)
For the Toppings:
- 3 1/2 cups refried beans (homemade or from 2 [15-ounce] cans)
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced and seasoned with salt and vinegar
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1–2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and chopped (or guacamole)
- 8 ounces grated Monterey Jack, Cheddar, queso fresco, or cotija cheese
- 1 cup salsa or 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
- A handful of chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Prepare the Refried Beans:
- Warm the refried beans in a frying pan over medium heat. If using canned beans, drain and add a splash of water before mashing.
- For enhanced flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of bacon fat or a slice of cheddar cheese. Keep the beans warm, adding water as needed to maintain a creamy consistency.
Dry the Tortillas:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F. Lay the tortillas directly on an oven rack and let them dry for about 10 minutes. This step ensures a better fry.
Fry the Tortillas:
- Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Test the oil with a small piece of tortilla; it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry each tortilla one at a time for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs to remove each tortilla, letting excess oil drip off. Place on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
- Keep the fried tortillas warm in the oven while you prepare the rest.
Assemble the Toppings:
- Arrange the toppings in separate bowls for easy access: beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, cheese, salsa, and jalapeños.
Build Your Tostadas:
- Take a fried tortilla and spread a generous spoonful of refried beans across the surface.
- Layer on lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and your choice of salsa or jalapeños.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the tostadas immediately to ensure they remain crisp. Encourage your guests to assemble their own tostadas for a fun, interactive meal.
Notes
- Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, bake the tortillas at 400°F for 5–7 minutes per side until crisp.
- Storage: Store leftover fried tortillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven to restore crispiness.
- Customization: Add shredded chicken, ground beef, or shrimp for added protein.
- Vegetarian Option: Stick to beans, cheese, and fresh veggies for a delicious meat-free meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican