Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada

Introduction

Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Mexican cuisine. I first tried these tostadas at a local Mexican restaurant, and they quickly became one of my family’s favorite meals. The combination of perfectly marinated carne asada, creamy guacamole, tangy sour cream, and the crispy tostada shell creates an irresistible bite. The marinated flank or skirt steak, grilled to perfection, brings a smokey richness that pairs beautifully with the fresh toppings. My family absolutely loves how customizable this dish is—everyone can add their favorite toppings, from spicy jalapeños to extra cilantro. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or a festive meal for friends and family, these tostadas are always a hit.

Ingredients

For the Beef Carne Asada:

• 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

For the Tostadas:

• 8-10 corn tostada shells
• 2 cups guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños, optional
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef Carne Asada: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture creates a zesty marinade that will infuse the steak with flavor. Place the flank or skirt steak into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring that it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for the best flavor, marinate overnight.
2. Cook the Beef Carne Asada: Preheat your grill or skillet over high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the steak on the hot grill or skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat. After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips to maximize tenderness.
3. Assemble the Tostadas: Lay the corn tostada shells on a serving platter or individual plates. Top each tostada with a generous amount of sliced carne asada. Then, add a spoonful of guacamole on top of the steak, followed by a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema. Sprinkle diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro over the toppings. For an extra kick, add some sliced jalapeños on top.
4. Serve: Serve the tostadas immediately, accompanied by lime wedges for squeezing over the top. The fresh lime juice will enhance the flavor of the carne asada and add a zesty finish to each bite.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8-10 servings (depending on the size of your tostadas)
• Calories per Serving: 350-400 calories (depending on toppings)
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 25-30 minutes (plus marinating time)

How to Serve

• As a main course: Serve these tostadas as a main meal for dinner. They’re filling and full of flavor, so they’re perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together.
• For parties or gatherings: These tostadas make for a great party dish, as they’re easy to assemble and everyone can customize their toppings.
• Topped with extra toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as shredded cheese, refried beans, or sliced avocado to make the dish even heartier.
• With a side of rice and beans: Pair your tostadas with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a full, satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

1. Marinate Overnight: For the most flavorful carne asada, marinate the steak overnight. This will allow the spices and lime juice to deeply penetrate the meat for a richer taste.
2. Use Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright and vibrant flavor to the tostadas. Use plenty of it for the best flavor, and garnish each tostada with a little extra for color and freshness.
3. Grill or Pan-Seared: If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook the carne asada in a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan. Just make sure the skillet is hot before placing the steak to get a good sear.
4. Customize Your Guacamole: You can make your guacamole as spicy or mild as you like by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or adding diced onions and tomatoes to the mix.
5. Don’t Overcook the Steak: To keep the carne asada tender, avoid overcooking the steak. Flank or skirt steak is best cooked medium-rare to medium. Overcooking will result in a tougher texture.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Carne Asada: Add extra jalapeños or chili powder to the marinade to make the carne asada spicier.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the carne asada with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Taco Style: Instead of tostadas, serve the carne asada in soft or hard taco shells, topped with the same guacamole, sour cream, and other toppings.
• Chicken Carne Asada: For a lighter version, swap the beef with grilled chicken thighs or breasts marinated in the same marinade.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Margarita: Pair your Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada with a refreshing margarita for a perfect balance of flavors. A classic lime margarita works wonderfully, or you could try a strawberry or mango margarita for a fruity twist.
• With Salsa: Serve with a side of salsa, either mild or spicy, to dip your tostadas into for added flavor.
• Side of Mexican Street Corn: Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a great side dish that complements the flavors of the tostadas. It’s grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime.
• With Mexican Rice: Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with the richness of carne asada. The seasoned rice adds a lovely texture to the meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftover Carne Asada: If you have leftover carne asada, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place it in a skillet or microwave and reheat until warmed through.
• Storing Tostadas: The tostada shells can be stored at room temperature in a sealed bag for up to a week. However, once assembled, the tostadas should be eaten right away, as the shells will become soggy if they sit with the toppings for too long.
• Freezing Tostadas: While it’s not ideal to freeze the fully assembled tostadas, you can freeze the carne asada and guacamole separately. Assemble fresh tostadas when you’re ready to eat.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for carne asada?
   Yes, other cuts like rib-eye or skirt steak will work as well. However, flank and skirt steak are typically the best options for carne asada.
2. How do I know when the carne asada is done?
   The steak should be cooked medium-rare to medium for the best flavor and tenderness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium.
3. Can I make the carne asada without a grill?
   Yes, you can cook the carne asada in a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
4. Can I make the guacamole ahead of time?
   Yes, guacamole can be made a few hours in advance. To prevent browning, cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole.
5. Can I make these tostadas spicy?
   Absolutely! Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce to the toppings to give your tostadas a spicy kick.
6. How can I make the carne asada more flavorful?
   Marinating the steak overnight allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, creating a more flavorful and tender result.
7. **Can I use store-bought sour cream instead of Mexican crema

?**
Yes, regular sour cream is a good substitute for Mexican crema if you can’t find it.

8. What other toppings can I add to the tostadas?
   You can add shredded cheese, sliced onions, avocado, or even pickled red onions for additional flavor and texture.
9. How long should I marinate the carne asada?
   Marinate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, marinate overnight.
10. Can I use a different type of shell for the tostadas?
    Yes, you can use hard taco shells or even soft tortillas for a different twist on this dish.

Conclusion

Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada are a flavorful and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With marinated, grilled carne asada, fresh toppings like guacamole and sour cream, and the crispy crunch of tostada shells, every bite is a celebration of Mexican flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a weeknight dinner, these tostadas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings, a refreshing drink, and good company for a truly satisfying meal!

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