The Ultimate Mexican Tostadas De Beef Carne Asada Recipe

Crispy, loaded mexican tostadas de beef carne asada spark memories of street-side culinary adventures in mexico city.

Vibrant colors and bold flavors dance across ceramic plates, promising an explosion of taste.

Tender beef slices marinated with zesty spices create a mouthwatering centerpiece for this classic dish.

Small corn tortillas become golden platforms supporting juicy meat and fresh garnishes.

Crunchy textures and rich seasonings blend perfectly, inviting you to savor every delectable bite.

Simple ingredients transform into a spectacular meal that connects tradition with modern cooking.

You will absolutely love creating this authentic recipe that celebrates mexican street food culture.

Side Picks For Mexican Tostadas De Beef Carne Asada

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Lime-infused tequila cocktail perfectly complements the citrusy marinade and cuts through rich beef flavors.
• Enhance with Mexican Lager: Crisp, light beer like Corona or Modelo balances the spicy chili and cumin notes in the carne asada.
• Boost Flavor with Agua Fresca: Refreshing fruit-based drink made with watermelon or pineapple provides a cool counterpoint to the grilled meat's intensity.
• Create Salsa Verde Accompaniment: Tangy green sauce with tomatillos and jalapeños adds bright, acidic notes that elevate the tostada's overall taste profile.

Best Way To Store Mexican Tostadas De Beef Carne Asada

• Store cooked carne asada and tostada components separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep meats in sealed containers for 3-4 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap sliced carne asada in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze meat for up to 3 months. Separate tortillas, beans, and toppings into individual containers before freezing to preserve texture.
• Warm refrigerated steak in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Microwave tortillas between damp paper towels for 15-20 seconds. Revive cold beans by stirring in a little water and heating slowly.

Mexican Tostadas De Beef Carne Asada FAQ Guide

• What cut of beef works best for carne asada?

Flank steak or skirt steak are ideal because they’re lean, flavorful, and absorb marinades well. These cuts have strong beef flavor and become tender when marinated and grilled quickly at high heat.

• How spicy is this carne asada recipe?

The recipe uses chili powder which provides mild heat. You can adjust spice levels by adding more or less chili powder, or including fresh jalapeños if you want extra kick.

• Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! A cast-iron skillet works perfectly for creating the caramelized crust. High heat is key to achieving that authentic grilled texture and flavor.

Reasons To Crave Mexican Tostadas De Beef Carne Asada

• Flavor-Packed Marinade Magic: Lime juice and spices transform ordinary beef into a zesty, mouth-watering carne asada with deep, complex flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Crispy Texture Delight: Perfectly fried corn tortillas create a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire tostada experience, providing a delightful contrast to the tender, juicy meat.
• Quick and Customizable Feast: Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal touches with various toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Achieve professional-level Mexican cuisine in your own kitchen, impressing guests with restaurant-worthy tostadas that are surprisingly simple to prepare.

What You’ll Need For Mexican Tostadas De Beef Carne Asada

• Beef Steak: A protein-rich cut that serves as the star of the carne asada tostadas.
• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican base that becomes crispy when fried, providing a crunchy foundation for the tostadas.
• Refried Beans: A creamy, flavorful spread that acts as the first layer on the tostada.

• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps tenderize the beef.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor to the meat.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a complex, savory seasoning for the steak.

• Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, color, and additional flavor layers.
• Mexican Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty element to the tostada.
• Cilantro, Sour Cream, Avocado: Fresh garnishes that enhance the overall taste and presentation.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the tortillas to achieve a crispy texture.
• Hot Sauce, Salsa: Optional condiments for adding extra heat and flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Offers a fresh citrus squeeze to brighten the dish.

How To Make Mexican Tostadas De Beef Carne Asada

Step 1: Blend Zesty Marinade

Whisk together lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Thoroughly coat the steak, ensuring complete coverage. Allow the meat to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours, letting flavors deeply penetrate the beef.

Step 2: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat grill or cast-iron skillet to high temperature (around 450°F). Remove steak from marinade and carefully pat dry with paper towels to guarantee perfect searing.

Step 3: Grill Savory Beef

Cook steak for 4-5 minutes per side to achieve medium-rare doneness with a rich caramelized exterior. Allow meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin, tender strips.

Step 4: Crisp Tortilla Base

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F. Fry corn tortillas until they become crisp and golden, approximately 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Warm Bean Spread

Gently heat refried beans in a separate pan, creating a smooth, spreadable layer for the tostada foundation.

Step 6: Layer Tostada Foundation

Spread a thin layer of warm refried beans on each crispy tortilla. Top generously with sliced carne asada.

Step 7: Add Fresh Toppings

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped onions

Distribute Mexican cheese evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Final Garnish

• Fresh cilantro
• Dollop of sour cream
• Avocado slices

Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.

Step 9: Customize Heat Level

Provide additional hot sauce or salsa on the side for guests craving extra spiciness.

Handy Tips For Mexican Tostadas De Beef Carne Asada

• 30 minutes to infuse deep, zesty flavors and tenderize the steak thoroughly.
• Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Remove excess marinade and dry meat completely to achieve a beautiful, crispy caramelized exterior when grilling.
• Slice Against the Grain: Cut steak into thin strips perpendicular to muscle fibers to ensure maximum tenderness and easier eating.
• Control Tortilla Crispness: Fry corn tortillas quickly at high heat (350°F) for 1-2 minutes to get golden, crunchy tostada bases without burning.
• Balance Toppings Strategically: Layer ingredients from bottom to top – refried beans, meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables to create a harmonious texture and taste profile.

Creative Takes On Mexican Tostadas De Beef Carne Asada

• Vegetarian Tostadas: Replace beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu, marinated in the same lime and spice mixture. Maintain all other assembly steps for a plant-based alternative.
• Seafood Variation: Swap steak with grilled shrimp or white fish like tilapia, using identical marinade and cooking techniques. Add a zesty citrus slaw for extra freshness.
• Low-Carb Option
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking tortillas and seasonings. Use corn tortillas and verify marinade ingredients meet dietary restrictions.

Mexican Tostadas De Beef Carne Asada Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes to 2 hours and 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican tostadas de beef carne asada bring bold flavor and crispy textures to your dinner table. Authentic spices and tender grilled meat create a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 lbs beef (flank or skirt steak)
• 0.25 cup lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Tostada Base:

• 8 corn tortillas
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Toppings and Garnishes:

• 1 cup refried beans
• 1.5 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 0.5 cup diced onions
• 0.5 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 cup shredded mexican cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 limes, cut into wedges

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Instructions

1. Marinate the beef by combining lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish, thoroughly coating the steak. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to enhance flavor penetration.
2. Preheat grill or cast-iron skillet to high heat (around 450°F). Remove steak from marinade and pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
3. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, achieving a dark caramelized crust. Let meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F. Carefully fry corn tortillas until crisp and golden, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Warm refried beans in a separate pan, creating a smooth spreadable layer for the tostada base.
6. Assemble tostadas by spreading a thin layer of refried beans on each crispy tortilla, then generously top with sliced carne asada.
7. Sprinkle shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions over the meat. Distribute Mexican cheese evenly across the surface.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and avocado slices. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
9. Offer additional hot sauce or salsa on the side for guests who prefer extra heat.

Notes

• Select lean beef cuts like flank or skirt steak for optimal tenderness and flavor absorption during marination.
• Pat meat completely dry before grilling to achieve restaurant-quality caramelized exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Use fresh corn tortillas and maintain consistent oil temperature while frying to guarantee crispy, golden tostada shells without absorbing excess grease.
• Consider dietary modifications by substituting beef with grilled chicken, plant-based protein, or seasoned jackfruit for vegetarian/vegan alternatives.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg