QUICK CARNE ASADA TOSTADAS

I can almost smell the smoky aroma of grilled carne asada wafting through the air, instantly transporting me back to summer evenings spent with family, laughing and sharing stories around the picnic table. My grandma used to whip up the most amazing tostadas using leftover carne asada, and they were always gone in a flash. Recreating that magic is easier than you think, and today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada – Summer Dinner you’ll ever make!

The Ultimate Easy Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada – Your Summer Dinner Savior

Let’s face it: summer is all about easy, delicious meals that don’t require you to spend hours slaving away in a hot kitchen. These carne asada tostadas are exactly that! We’re talking tender, flavorful steak piled high on crispy tostadas, topped with all your favorite fresh and vibrant toppings. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Tostadas

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have these tostadas on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The marinade for the carne asada is the key to its incredible flavor. It’s a simple blend of citrus, garlic, and spices that will make your taste buds sing.
• Customizable: The beauty of tostadas is that you can customize them to your liking. Add your favorite toppings, adjust the spice level, and make them your own!
• Perfect for Summer: These tostadas are light, refreshing, and packed with fresh ingredients. They’re the ideal summer meal for enjoying outdoors.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a party, these tostadas are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients: Your Shopping List for Tostada Perfection

Here’s everything you need to create these amazing tostadas. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are pantry staples!

For the Carne Asada Marinade:

• 1/4 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
• 1/4 cup lime juice: Adds a bright, citrusy tang.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides umami and helps tenderize the meat.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the steak.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that classic Mexican flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Earthy and aromatic.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth of flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano: A classic Mexican herb.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning!

For the Carne Asada:

• 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak: Flank steak is leaner, while skirt steak is more flavorful. Both work great!

For the Tostadas:

• 12 corn tortillas: Look for good-quality tortillas that are pliable and not too dry.
• Vegetable oil for frying: You’ll need about 1/2 inch of oil in your skillet.

Toppings: The Fun Part!

This is where you can really get creative! Here are some of my favorite toppings:

• Refried beans: Adds a creamy, savory base.
• Shredded lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds sweetness and acidity.
• Diced red onion: Adds a sharp, pungent bite.
• Avocado or guacamole: Adds creaminess and richness.
• Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija cheese all work well.
• Sour cream or Mexican crema: Adds a tangy, cooling element.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite, from mild to spicy!
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Lime wedges: For squeezing over the tostadas.
• Jalapeños (optional): For extra heat.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps to create your own amazing carne asada tostadas.

Step 1: Marinate the Carne Asada

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. The marinade should smell amazing!
2. Place the flank steak or skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be!

Step 2: Prepare the Tostadas

1. Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of tortilla sizzles gently when dropped in.
2. Using tongs, carefully place one tortilla at a time into the hot oil.
3. Fry for about 30-60 seconds per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
4. Remove the tostada from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Step 3: Grill the Carne Asada

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade.
3. Grill the steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more well-done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired internal temperature.
4. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Step 4: Assemble the Tostadas

1. Spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada.
2. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and your choice of other toppings.
3. Pile the sliced carne asada on top of the toppings.
4. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Success Tips: Your Secrets to Tostada Triumph

Want to make sure your tostadas are absolutely perfect? Here are a few golden tips that will guarantee success!

• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When frying the tortillas, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry them one at a time (or two if your skillet is large enough) to ensure they get crispy and golden brown.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your carne asada is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
• Let the Steak Rest: Allowing the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing is crucial for tender and juicy carne asada.
• Warm Your Tortillas Before Frying: For easier handling and a slightly softer texture, quickly warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave before frying.
• Prep Your Toppings Ahead of Time: Save time by prepping all your toppings while the carne asada is marinating. This way, you can quickly assemble the tostadas once the steak is grilled and the tortillas are fried.

Variations: Tostadas Your Way

The beauty of tostadas is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature tostada masterpiece. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Tostadas: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the carne asada marinade, use a spicy salsa, or top the tostadas with sliced jalapeños.
• Vegetarian Tostadas: Replace the carne asada with grilled or black beans, or try crumbled tofu or tempeh. You might also love the Cilantro Lime Spicy Black Bean Burgers recipe as a delicious vegetarian topping!
• Seafood Tostadas: Use grilled shrimp, fish, or scallops instead of carne asada.
• Sweet and Savory Tostadas: Add grilled pineapple or mango salsa for a touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Summer Feast

These carne asada tostadas are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions to complete your summer feast:

• Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the tostadas perfectly.
• Black Beans: A healthy and flavorful side dish that adds extra protein and fiber.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob is a quintessential summer side dish. You can even use the corn for inspiration to make a STREET CORN CHICKEN RICE BOWL. If you’re looking for a healthier spin, you can also try the Healthy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.
• Guacamole and Chips: A classic appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser. For another great appetizer, consider making the ULTIMATE SPICY COWBOY QUESO!
• Salad: A light and refreshing salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the tostadas.

Make-Ahead Tips: Planning Your Tostada Party

Want to get ahead of the game? Here are a few tips for making these tostadas ahead of time:

• Marinate the Carne Asada: The carne asada can be marinated for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• Prepare the Toppings: Chop the vegetables, shred the cheese, and make the guacamole up to a day in advance. Store everything in separate containers in the refrigerator.
• Fry the Tostadas: The tostadas can be fried up to a few hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crispy.

Recipe: Easy Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada – Summer Dinner

Here’s the complete recipe for you to print out and keep handy!

Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

• Carne Asada Marinade:
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Carne Asada: 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak
• Tostadas: 12 corn tortillas, vegetable oil for frying
• Toppings: Refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, avocado or guacamole, shredded cheese, sour cream or Mexican crema, salsa, cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeños (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Carne Asada: In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients. Place the steak in a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
2. Prepare the Tostadas: Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortillas one at a time for 30-60 seconds per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
3. Grill the Carne Asada: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
4. Assemble the Tostadas: Spread refried beans on each tostada. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and other toppings. Pile the sliced carne asada on top. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Want to try grilling chicken instead of carne asada? You should check out my Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Recipe, it’s another summer favorite!

Another twist you might enjoy is a STREET CORN CHICKEN RICE BOWL, it captures some of the same flavors in a new way.

Conclusion: Your Tostada Adventure Awaits!

So there you have it! Everything you need to create the most amazing Easy Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada – Summer Dinner. I promise you, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your summer meal rotation. Gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and get ready for a flavor fiesta! Enjoy every delicious bite!