Mexican Food > Tostadas

Tostadas are flat tortillas that have been deep-fried or toasted until it becomes crisp and crunchy. It is typically topped with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and various types of salsa and spices for some extra flavor.

This creates a savory snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. Some variations replace the tortilla with other ingredients, such as chorizo or chicken thighs, for an added twist on this classic dish!

History of tostadas

Tostadas can be traced back to pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican cultures that date back over 3,000 years ago. These ancient civilizations used corn as a key ingredient in their diet, making it easy for them to create crunchy tortilla shells topped with delicious toppings.

Over time, these recipes evolved into the modern tostada we know and love today! In Mexico, you’ll find unique variations of this traditional snack like tequilas (fried chicken or beef) and sopes (a thicker version of a corn tortilla). However you enjoy them, it’s clear that tostadas are here to stay!

How to make tostadas

To make your own authentic tostada the first step is to create the base. Start by heating a lightly-oiled skillet over medium heat, then add small corn tortillas one at time.

Cook each side for 1 minute until they are lightly golden brown and slightly crispy. Once cooked, put them aside on a plate while you prepare the toppings.

The toppings can be as varied as you like! The traditional mix includes refried beans, some type of meat (either beef or chicken), lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. You can also get creative with guacamole or salsa to give your tostada an extra kick of flavor!

Tostadas FAQ

One reason for tostada’s popularity may be its versatility. You can top them with practically anything, from beans and cheese to shredded beef or chicken, veggies, guacamole, and more! This makes it easy to create a tasty meal that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary restrictions. Plus, you don’t have to worry about getting bored—you can mix it up every time you make a tostada!

Another possible explanation could be the relatively low cost of the ingredients involved in making tostadas. It is super cheap in Mexico and Mexicans love affordable eats!

An essential element of a classic tostada is the tortilla. It’s usually deep-fried until golden brown and super crisp before being topped with refried beans, shredded chicken or beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese—you name it! Finally, it all gets drizzled with salsa and sour cream for an extra special kick.

Yes, and no. The two dishes are different. Tacos consist of a soft or hard tortilla filled with your favorite ingredients, such as beef, chicken, cheese, and lettuce.

On the other hand, tostadas are made by frying a flat round tortilla until it’s crispy and stacking it with all kinds of toppings – think refried beans, avocado slices, and cheese!

Tostadas come in wide different varieties. One classic type of Mexican tostada is the Tostada de Ceviche, which typically consists of diced fish or shrimp mixed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice. The mixture is placed on a pre-made fried corn tortilla shell and topped with sour cream and avocado slices.

Carne Asada (grilled steak) is marinated in spices and cooked over an open flame, this tender cut of beef can be served hot or cold atop your tostada. For those looking for something a little lighter, try pollo asado (grilled chicken). Juicy and flavorful, it’s sure to liven up your dinner plate.

Lastly, carnitas – slow-cooked pork – is ideal for anyone who loves big flavor in their meal.

A tostada starts with a flat and crispy fried corn or flour tortilla. It’s then topped with beans, diced tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and other toppings. On the other hand, a tortilla is simply an unleavened flatbread made from wheat flour or masa harina (corn flour).

Tostadas are crunchy disks made from fried corn or flour tortillas that are then topped with various savory fixings like meats, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese. This tasty dish is usually eaten with your hands for an easy snack or light meal.

Chalupas also feature a fried tortilla base but tend to be thicker than tostadas and often come with toppings already baked on top of the shell, like melted cheese or refried beans.

Yes and no. The hard shell taco from the US is made with flat, deep-fried corn tortilla that creates a crisp pocket for your fillings. On the other hand, Mexican tostadas are crunchy round corn tortillas that are shallow-fried or baked until golden brown. Both shells hold up well to toppings such as beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa but culturally, they are not the same.

First, pick up the tostada with both hands and bite the crunchy shell – just enough so you don’t break through it! Next, begin layering your favorite toppings like beans or guacamole on top of the shell. You can also add salsa or sour cream for extra flavor.

Finally, hold the tostada in one hand and use a knife and fork if needed for easier eating. Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Still have questions about tostadas?

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Mexican Food Guide