Mexican food is full of strong flavors, colorful presentations, and a deep history, and the tostada is a meal that perfectly symbolizes all of this. A tostada, derived from the Spanish word for “toasted,” is a crispy, fried or baked tortilla piled high with tasty toppings such as beans, meat, veggies, cheese, and sauces. Tostadas are versatile, tasty, and simple to prepare at home.
This recipe will show you how to make authentic Mexican tostadas from scratch, including homemade tostada shells, classic toppings, and variants.
🌮 What is a tostada?
Tostadas are essentially open-faced, crunchy tortillas topped with a variety of Mexican seasonings. Traditionally, a stale corn tortilla is fried until crispy before being stacked high with refried beans, seasoned meats, lettuce, salsa, cheese, and other toppings.
Tostadas are similar to a crisp taco that rests flat, making them ideal for assembling layered bites with each forkful.
Ingredients: (Serves 4)
Regarding the Tostada Shells:
8 corn tortillas, store-bought or homemade.
Vegetable oil (to fry or brush)
Salt (Optional)
For the refried beans:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard.
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cups cooked pinto beans (or one can, drained and rinsed)
1/4 cup water or bean broth.
Salt to taste.
For the Chicken (or Beef) topping:
2 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast (or ground beef)
1 tablespoon oil.
1/2 teaspoon cumin.
1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.
1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Optional: juice a lime.
Fresh toppings:
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce.
1 cup chopped tomatoes.
1 avocado (sliced or mashed)
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco, or shredded cheddar
1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema.
Fresh cilantro leaves.
Optional: sliced radishes or pickled jalapeños.
Hot sauce or salsa (optional, but encouraged).
Step-by-step instructions.
1. Prepare the tostada shells.
Option 1: Frying (Traditional and Crunchy).
In a skillet, heat about 1/2 inch vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add one tortilla at a time, pressing down with tongs to ensure it lays flat.
Fry for about 30 seconds on each side, until brown and crisp.
Drain on a paper towel-lined dish and season lightly with salt.
Option 2: Baking (a healthier option)
Preheat the oven to 400° F (200° C).
Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and lightly spray with oil on both sides.
Bake for 5-7 minutes per side, until crispy and brown.
2. Make the refried beans.
In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
Sauté the onions and garlic until aromatic and transparent.
Combine the beans with a splash of water. Mash with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth (a few pieces are acceptable).
Cook until thickened, stirring frequently. Season with salt to taste.
3. Prepare the meat.
In a skillet, heat the oil and add the shredded chicken or ground beef.
Sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir to blend and heat well. Finish with lime juice, if using.
Set aside.
4. Prepare the Tostadas.
Now comes the fun part: assembling your tostadas.
Begin with a tostada shell.
Use a heaping scoop of refried beans.
Spread a layer of seasoned chicken or beef.
Garnish with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes.
Add some avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole.
Sprinkle with cheese.
Add sour cream or crema, and top with cilantro.
Finish with hot sauce, salsa, or pickled jalapeños for a spicy bite.
Repeat until all tostadas have been assembled. Serve immediately to get the greatest crunch.
📝 Tips to Make the Best Tostadas
Use Day-Old Tortillas: They are stronger and crisp up nicely.
Don’t Overload: Keep the toppings balanced, as too much weight might cause the shell to shatter.
Tostadas should be served right away to maintain their crunchiness.
Make it a Bar: Allow customers to create their own tostadas with a topping station.
🔄 Variations and Substitutions.
One of the most appealing aspects of tostadas is their versatility. Here are a few ideas:
Protein swaps:
Fish Tostadas: Serve grilled or fried white fish (such as cod or tilapia) with cabbage and chipotle crème.
Vegetarian Tostadas: Replace the meat with grilled vegetables, mushrooms, or even tofu.
To make shrimp tostadas, sauté them with garlic, lime, and chili powder for a coastal twist.
Bean Options:
For a more flavorful option, try black beans or refried black beans.
To add texture, mix entire beans with seasonings and lime juice.
Cheese Options:
Queso fresco is real, although cotija, shredded Monterrey Jack, and pepper jack are other excellent options.
Sauces and Salsa:
For a distinct flavor, try adding salsa verde, pico de gallo, or mango salsa.
A spray of chipotle mayo or lime crema elevates the dish.
🧂 Nutrition (per tostada, about.)
Calories: 250-350 (depending on toppings).
Protein: 15-20 grams.
Carbs: 20-30 grams.
Fat: 10-20g
Fiber: 5-7 grams.
Nutritional values vary greatly depending on toppings and cooking methods.
🇲🇽 Cultural Note:
Tostadas are popular throughout Mexico and Latin America. They are frequently seen at family reunions, taquerías, and street food carts. Every location has its own variety — some add ceviche, while others use pork carnitas or even refried lentils. They’re practical, delicious, and an excellent way to repurpose leftovers.
🥂 What to serve with tostadas?
Drinks include agua fresca (such as hibiscus or tamarind), Mexican sodas, and a delicious michelada or margarita.
Side dishes include Mexican rice, elote (street corn), and tortilla soup.
For dessert, finish with churros, flan, or tres leches cake to complete the festival.
Final Thoughts.
Mexican tostadas are the ideal food for anyone seeking robust flavor, texture, and a fun eating experience. They’re simple to modify, inexpensive, and ideal for family dinners, parties, or meal preparation. Once you’ve mastered frying or baking the shells and carefully arranging the fillings, the possibilities are limitless.
Tostadas, whether they’re simple with beans and cheese or loaded with meats and gourmet toppings, bring people together one crispy bite at a time.
