If you’re looking for a fiesta of flavors in one dish, Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada will be your new favorite! Picture crispy corn tostadas topped with juicy, perfectly seasoned grilled carne asada, fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and a hint of tangy salsa. It’s a bite of pure deliciousness that’ll make you feel like you’re on a sunny Mexican beach. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, feeding the family, or craving something hearty and satisfying, these tostadas are the way to go. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada
Here’s why these Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada are worth making:
Perfect for Any Occasion
These tostadas are perfect for casual weeknight dinners, Taco Tuesdays, or even a fun family meal. Serve them at a gathering and watch them disappear. They’re customizable, making them easy to serve to guests with different tastes.
Full of Flavor
The carne asada is marinated to perfection, grilled until tender and flavorful, and piled high on a crispy tostada shell. Top it off with fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and a drizzle of sour cream, and you’ve got a masterpiece of Mexican flavors.
Simple and Quick
Making tostadas might sound like a lot of work, but it’s really simple. With just a few ingredients and a little prep, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes amazing in no time!
Customizable
You can top your tostadas with whatever you like! Extra spicy salsa, cilantro, jalapeños, or even cheese—make them just the way you like it.
Budget-Friendly
This dish uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. You’ll be amazed by how delicious and satisfying it is without breaking the bank.
Ingredients in Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada
Here’s everything you need to bring this mouthwatering dish to life:
Carne Asada
Flank steak or skirt steak is traditionally used for carne asada. The marinated beef is grilled to perfection, giving it that smoky, tender texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
Tostada Shells
Crispy, golden tostada shells are the base for this dish. You can buy them pre-made or make your own at home if you’re feeling adventurous!
Avocado
Creamy, fresh avocado adds a rich and smooth contrast to the crispy tostada and savory carne asada.
Salsa
A tangy, fresh salsa—whether it’s tomato-based or a spicier verde salsa—adds that necessary burst of flavor.
Sour Cream
A dollop of sour cream provides a creamy balance to the rich beef and the crunch of the tostada.
Lime
A squeeze of fresh lime over the top adds the perfect zesty finish and balances the richness of the dish.
Optional Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Cotija cheese
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 450
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g
Instructions
Time to get cooking! Here’s how to make these Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada:
1. Marinate the Carne Asada
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the steak and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have more time).
2. Cook the Carne Asada
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the carne asada on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on how thick the steak is and how done you like your meat. The steak should be medium to medium-rare for the best flavor and tenderness. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
3. Prepare the Tostada Shells
If you’re using pre-made tostada shells, simply set them aside. If you want to make your own, heat some vegetable oil in a skillet and fry corn tortillas until they’re crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
4. Prepare the Toppings
While the meat is cooking, prep your toppings: slice the avocado, chop your cilantro, dice the tomatoes, and cut your lime into wedges. Make sure your salsa and sour cream are ready to go.
5. Assemble the Tostadas
Place each crispy tostada shell on a plate. Begin by layering a generous amount of sliced carne asada on top of each tostada. Add a scoop of salsa, a few slices of avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finish the tostadas with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and any other toppings you like. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch, flavor, and satisfaction of this fantastic Mexican dish!
How to Serve Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada
Here are some ideas for serving this dish to make your meal even more memorable:
With a Side of Rice
Pair your tostadas with a side of Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice to complete the meal. The rice soaks up the delicious juices from the carne asada and salsa.
With Refried Beans
Serve these tostadas alongside a bowl of refried beans for a filling and comforting addition. Beans and tostadas go together like peanut butter and jelly!
With Guacamole
Make sure you have some fresh guacamole on hand for extra creaminess. It’s the perfect match with the crunch of the tostada and the juicy carne asada.
As an Appetizer
If you’re serving these for a party or a gathering, these tostadas can easily be served as appetizers. Make mini versions by using small tostada shells or cutting the large ones in half.
Additional Tips
Get Creative with the Toppings
Feel free to add your favorite toppings! You could add shredded cheese (like Cotija or Monterey Jack), jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even pickled onions for an extra zing.
Marinate the Beef Longer
For even more flavor, marinate the carne asada for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to really sink in, making the beef even more tender and flavorful.
Grill or Pan-Seared Beef
If you don’t have a grill, don’t worry! You can also pan-sear the carne asada on the stove in a hot skillet for the same great results. Just make sure to get a good sear on both sides.
Make Ahead
If you want to save some time, you can grill the carne asada and prep your toppings earlier in the day. Then, just assemble the tostadas when you’re ready to eat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Yes! While carne asada is traditional, you can swap the beef for chicken or pork if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the marinating time and cook until fully done.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tostada shells will lose their crispness, so it’s best to store the toppings and beef separately.
Q3: Can I make the carne asada ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can grill the carne asada ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the tostadas.
Q4: Can I use store-bought salsa?
A4: Absolutely! While homemade salsa is amazing, store-bought salsa will work just fine and save you time.
Q5: What can I use instead of sour cream?
A5: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, try Greek yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream substitute. It’ll still give you that creamy touch.
Q6: How can I make the tostadas spicier?
A6: Add some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy salsa to amp up the heat!
Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Simply make sure your tostada shells are gluten-free, or opt for corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas when making your own tostadas.
Q8: What’s the best way to cook carne asada if I don’t have a grill?
A8: You can cook the carne asada in a grill pan or a regular skillet over medium-high heat. Just get it hot before placing the meat on and cook until browned on both sides.
Q9: How do I make the tostadas extra crispy?
A9: To make your tostada shells extra crispy, bake them in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes after frying them in oil.
Q10: How can I make these tostadas vegetarian?
A10: For a vegetarian option, skip the carne asada and top the tostadas with seasoned grilled vegetables, black beans, and guacamole for a delicious alternative.
Conclusion
These Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. From the marinated beef to the fresh toppings, each bite is a party in your mouth! Whether it’s for a weeknight meal, a family gathering, or a special occasion, these tostadas will quickly become a favorite. So, grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and let’s dig in! Enjoy!
PrintMexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada bring together marinated, grilled flank or skirt steak, crispy tostada shells, and fresh toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro. The combination of smoky carne asada and creamy toppings creates an irresistible flavor-packed bite. Perfect for a casual dinner or a festive occasion, these tostadas are customizable and full of vibrant Mexican flavors.
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
- Marinate the Beef Carne Asada: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the flank or skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the steak. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for the best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Cook the Beef Carne Asada: Preheat your grill or skillet over high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Grill or cook the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
- Assemble the Tostadas: Place the tostada shells on a serving platter. Top each tostada with a generous amount of sliced carne asada. Add a layer of guacamole, followed by a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema. Sprinkle with diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Serve: Serve the tostadas immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top
Notes
- Marinate the carne asada overnight for the best flavor.
- You can substitute sour cream with Mexican crema for a richer taste.
- For a spicier kick, add extra sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the tostadas.
- If you prefer a different cut of beef, rib-eye or skirt steak are great alternatives to flank steak.
- Feel free to add other toppings like shredded cheese or pickled onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tostada with carne asada
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg