When it comes to comfort food with a bold twist, few dishes can match the irresistible flavors of Carne Asada Tostadas. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, craving something savory on a weekend afternoon, or looking for a new family favorite, this dish delivers both in flavor and presentation. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crunchy tostada shell, topped with juicy, marinated carne asada, creamy guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes—savory, tangy, and downright delicious.
This recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, often found in street food markets or around family dinner tables. It’s a dish that’s not only easy to make, but one that brings everyone together to share in the joy of great food. Ready to indulge? Let’s dive into how to make these Carne Asada Tostadas that are sure to wow your friends and family alike.
What is Carne Asada?
Before we get started, let’s quickly touch on the star of the show: Carne Asada. This is a classic Mexican dish made from marinated and grilled beef, usually flank or skirt steak, that’s cooked to perfection and served in a variety of ways. It’s beloved for its smoky, juicy flavor and can be used in tacos, burritos, or, of course, these tostadas.
Why Tostadas?
Tostadas, meaning “toasted” in Spanish, are crispy, fried tortillas that act as the perfect base for your toppings. Whether you go with guacamole, refried beans, or fresh salsa, the crunchiness of the tostada adds a delightful contrast to the juicy carne asada. The result is a combination of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing.
Now that you’re familiar with the components, let’s get to the recipe!
Ingredients for Carne Asada Tostadas
For the Carne Asada:
- 1 pound flank or skirt steak – The key to great carne asada is the cut of meat. Flank or skirt steak are perfect because they’re flavorful, tender, and cook quickly on the grill or stovetop.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps the marinade coat the steak evenly and adds a nice, smooth finish when grilling.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic gives this dish that deep, aromatic flavor that blends perfectly with the spices.
- Juice of 1 lime – Lime adds a zesty freshness and a slight tang that cuts through the richness of the steak.
- 1 teaspoon cumin – Cumin is a spice that gives carne asada its signature earthy flavor, bringing depth and warmth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – Chili powder adds the perfect level of heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – This spice provides a subtle smokiness that complements the grilled steak.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt brings all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A bit of freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of sharpness and balances the richness.
For the Tostadas:
- 6 tostada shells – You can easily find pre-made tostada shells at the store or make your own by frying tortillas until they are golden and crispy.
- 1 cup guacamole – Guacamole is creamy, cool, and the perfect pairing for the warm, flavorful carne asada.
- 1 cup pico de gallo (fresh tomato salsa) – This fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime is a light and refreshing topping that complements the richness of the carne asada.
- Optional: shredded lettuce, sour cream, or cheese – Feel free to add any additional toppings that suit your taste. Shredded lettuce adds crunch, while sour cream or cheese brings a creamy, indulgent touch.
Directions for Carne Asada Tostadas
1. Marinate the Carne Asada
Start by preparing the marinade for the carne asada. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are combined.
Place the flank or skirt steak into the bowl and rub the marinade generously over the surface of the meat. Make sure the steak is fully coated for maximum flavor. Once the steak is marinated, cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours is ideal for deeper flavor. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marination will work, but the longer you let it sit, the more the flavors will develop.
2. Cook the Steak
Once your steak has marinated to perfection, it’s time to cook it. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the steak and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on how well done you like your steak. The key is to avoid overcooking it, as you want the meat to stay juicy and tender.
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring each slice is succulent and flavorful.
After the steak has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. This will help ensure the meat is tender and easy to chew, as slicing against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers.
3. Assemble the Tostadas
Now that your carne asada is ready, it’s time to assemble the tostadas! Start by spreading a generous layer of guacamole onto each tostada shell. The creaminess of the guacamole provides a perfect balance to the flavorful steak and helps keep the tostada crispy.
Next, top the guacamole with the freshly sliced carne asada. Make sure to distribute the slices evenly across each tostada for a satisfying bite every time.
Then, add a generous spoonful of pico de gallo on top of the steak. The freshness of the pico de gallo, with its tangy tomatoes, crisp onions, and vibrant cilantro, adds a burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich carne asada.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish the tostadas with fresh lime wedges for a squeeze of citrus right before eating. For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle with a few sprigs of cilantro.
Serve your Carne Asada Tostadas immediately and enjoy the party of flavors and textures in every bite!
Tips for Perfect Carne Asada Tostadas
- Choosing the Right Cut of Meat: Flank steak and skirt steak are the go-to cuts for carne asada because they’re full of flavor and become incredibly tender when cooked quickly. If you can’t find either, you can use other cuts like ribeye or sirloin, though you may need to adjust the cooking time for different thicknesses.
- Grilling vs. Skillet: While grilling adds a smoky flavor, cooking the steak in a cast-iron skillet can yield a beautifully seared crust. If you prefer grilling, make sure your grill is preheated to ensure a nice char on the outside without overcooking the inside.
- Tostada Shells: If you want to make your own tostada shells, fry corn tortillas in oil until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can buy pre-made tostada shells at most grocery stores.
- Guacamole Variations: Feel free to customize your guacamole! You can add diced onions, jalapeños, or even a bit of fresh pineapple for a sweet and spicy twist.
Why You’ll Love These Carne Asada Tostadas
Versatile: This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or a festive occasion like Cinco de Mayo. The toppings can be easily customized to suit any taste.
Flavor-Packed: The marinated carne asada is smoky, savory, and incredibly juicy. When paired with creamy guacamole and tangy pico de gallo, you have a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a show-stopping dish in no time.
Conclusion: A Taste of Mexico Right at Home
If you’re looking to bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food into your kitchen, Carne Asada Tostadas are the way to go. From the marinated, perfectly grilled beef to the crispy tostada shells and fresh toppings, each bite is a celebration of bold and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re preparing this for a small family meal or a big get-together, these tostadas are sure to impress.
So grab your apron, fire up the skillet or grill, and get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy!
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CARNE ASADA
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 tostadas 1x
Description
When it comes to comfort food with a bold twist, few dishes can match the irresistible flavors of Carne Asada Tostadas. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, craving something savory on a weekend afternoon, or looking for a new family favorite, this dish delivers both in flavor and presentation. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crunchy tostada shell, topped with juicy, marinated carne asada, creamy guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes—savory, tangy, and downright delicious.
Ingredients
For the Carne Asada:
1 pound flank or skirt steak
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tostadas:
6 tostada shells
1 cup guacamole
1 cup pico de gallo (fresh tomato salsa)
Optional: shredded lettuce, sour cream, or cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the Carne Asada:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the steak and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor). - Cook the Steak:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is achieved. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain. - Assemble the Tostadas:
Spread a layer of guacamole on each tostada shell. Top with slices of carne asada. Add pico de gallo or any additional toppings you like. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh lime wedges and cilantro.
Notes
- Flank steak and skirt steak are ideal for carne asada due to their flavor and tenderness when cooked quickly.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the steak. If using a skillet, a cast-iron pan works best for a good sear.
- If you prefer homemade tostada shells, fry corn tortillas in oil until golden and crispy.
- Customize the guacamole by adding diced onions, jalapeños, or fresh pineapple for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes