Tostada: Mexico’s Versatile Corn Tortilla Dish

Mexican food is famous all over the world for its enticing flavors and unique combination of ingredients. One of these popular Mexican foods is the tostada.

While the popularity of the tostada has made it available in many regions and countries, it is most notably a Mexican dish hailing from the state of Oaxaca.

 A tostada is a Mexican favorite that has a fried corn tortilla base and is served up with refried beans, meat, and toppings of your choice, usually with fresh vegetables and your favorite sauces. You can find tostadas with ground beef, shredded chicken, pork, or even avocado. 

In the rest of this article, we will explore the history of the tostada and how it came to be the popular Mexican food it is today.

We will also see a recipe to get you started making your very own tostadas at home.

What Is a Tostada?

Tostadas are a traditional Mexican dish that serves as a culinary staple in many homes, street food stalls, and restaurants both in Mexico and around the world.

The term “tostada” translates to “toasted” in English, and that’s a perfect descriptor of the main component of this dish – a toasted or deep-fried corn tortilla.

A tostada begins with a crispy, flat tortilla base. This tortilla is typically made from corn, and it is fried or toasted until it achieves a delightful crispness.

It’s essentially an edible plate, serving as the foundation for a multitude of toppings.

Commonly, a layer of refried beans is spread over the crispy tortilla, serving as a delicious adhesive for the remaining toppings.

Next comes the protein, which can vary widely from shredded chicken, beef, or pork to fish or even vegetarian and vegan alternatives.

A plethora of fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados often follow, providing a refreshing crunch and vibrant color.

Mexican cheese, typically a crumbly variety like queso fresco, is sprinkled over the top, along with a generous dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema.

The finishing touches might include a drizzle of tangy salsa, a sprinkling of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of zesty lime juice.

History of Tostada

Maize, or corn, has held an important place in history when it comes to the ancient civilizations in Latin America.

It was not only an important food, but it was also significant in many religious and cultural ceremonies.

Using corn for food, particularly in the practice of making tortillas, has existed in this part of the world for thousands of years. 

Tostadas came about as a way to use leftover tortillas. For corn tortillas that were too stale to eat but were not yet old enough to throw away, tostadas became a perfectly delicious solution.

By deep-frying these leftover tortillas, they could be naturally preserved for a few more days or even weeks.

While best enjoyed hot, a fried crispy tortilla can still be cooled and stored to be used later. 

Nowadays, tostadas are a traditional Mexican street food, seen all over Mexico, from street carts to restaurants. There are even famous variations of these in their home state of Oaxaca.

If traveling in this region, you may see a pizza-sized version of the tostada known as tlayudas. 

The popularity of the tostada has helped it spread around the world, and it is not uncommon to see it on the menu at Mexican-themed restaurants in many different countries. 

How To Make Traditional Tostada 

While it’s possible to supplement many of these steps with store-bought options, making everything fresh will lead to the best tasting tostada.

Try to resist the urge to buy the packaged tostadas in the market. Instead, follow this easy recipe to make your very own homemade tostada.

Prepare Your Toppings

To top off your tostada right, you will need to prepare some fresh ingredients ahead of time.

You will need to prepare your vegetables along with a pico de gallo that suits your tastes. Let’s check out the first step.

Vegetable Preparation

You will need some lettuce as one of your tostada toppings. A half a head of lettuce will suffice for this recipe.

Make sure it’s fresh and washed, and then slice it up and set it aside. This topping will be used once you have your refried beans spread over your fried tortilla. 

If you can find fresh avocados in your area, grab one and slice it up. You can use this as a tasty topping as well. 

While you’re chopping, take 3-4 cloves of garlic and dice them as well. You will add this to meat when it is cooking later on. 

Pico De Gallo

Next, it’s time to make your own fresh and tasty pico de gallo. You can prepare this by dicing up half of a purple onion, a handful of fresh cilantro, two small tomatoes.

You can adjust the proportions depending on your taste. When everything is chopped into small pieces, mix them all in a bowl. 

You’ll want to top off your pico de gallo with salt, pepper, and lime juice.

This mixture will be a fresh and flavorful topping for your tostada that you can also use on other dishes you may be tempted to try, like tacos or burritos. 

Heat and Mash Refried Beans

To make your tasty layer of refried beans, you’ll need to get started heating and mashing your beans.

Choose pinto beans as your base and make sure they have already been soaked and cooked. Heat 3 cups or 384 grams of prepared pinto beans in a pan.

Make sure to add some water as well, as it will make it easier to mash them.

Once the beans have been heated and there is still sufficient water, you will want to start mashing the beans.

Spend a few minutes gently mashing the beans, turning them into a slightly chunky paste.

Don’t worry if it seems like there is too much water in the mixture. You can allow that to cook down when the mashing process is complete. 

Prepare the Ground Beef

Next, you will want to prepare the meat for the tostada. Ground beef is the most traditional choice, but you could substitute this for any other kind of meat you would like to try.

For this recipe, take 1.5 pounds (approximately .7 kilograms) of ground beef and break it into small chunks. Heat some oil in a skillet and add your meat.

Now it’s time to add the garlic you previously prepared. Throw in some salt and pepper as well as a teaspoon (5 ml) of cumin and a tablespoon (15 ml) of dried oregano and your favorite chili powder.

Now, keep stirring, letting your meat cook. You can help your meat break down into smaller pieces and make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Feel free to remove a bit of fat to taste as it breaks off in the cooking process. 

Fry Tostada Shells

Now it’s time to fry your very own hot and crispy tostada shells. You’ll want to take a deep skillet and pour in about a quarter-inch (about 6.5 mm) of vegetable oil.

Heat this oil and drop in one tortilla at a time. Keep the heat on medium-high, frying the tortilla. You can remove it and place it on a paper towel to drain off the extra oil.

You can salt your tostada shell to taste.

If you are looking for a lower fat option, you can consider baking your tortillas instead. 

Baked tostada shells Youwill still be crispy and without all of the fat involved with deep frying. 

Assemble the Tostada

Once your shells are no longer piping hot, you’re ready for the assembly. Take one of your fried tostadas and spread a generous layer of your refried beans on top.

Make sure to put enough, as your other ingredients will stick to it. Next, layer on your ground beef, letting it stick to the refried beans below. 

Next, it’s time for all your prepared toppings. You can add slices of avocado, a handful of lettuce, and as much pico de gallo as you would like.

Feel free to add sour cream or your favorite salsa as well. You can also throw some shredded cheese on top along with a bit of lime. 

To see a demonstration of this recipe, you can check out this video on Youtube from the Cooking with Kirby channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YlfuBJhI7o

Tostada Recipe Variations

Tostadas offer a fantastic canvas for a wide variety of flavors and dietary preferences.

Here are some variations on the traditional tostada recipe:

1. Tostadas de Tinga: Tinga is a Mexican dish where shredded chicken is cooked with onions, tomatoes, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This spicy, smoky chicken can be used as the protein in your tostada for a different take on the classic.

2. Seafood Tostadas: For a refreshing, light alternative, try using ceviche, grilled shrimp, or even crab as your protein. Top with fresh avocado, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro.

3. Vegan Tostadas: Skip the meat and use a combination of beans, grilled veggies, and vegan cheese. Top with avocado, fresh lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of vegan sour cream or a tangy salsa.

4. Breakfast Tostadas: Start your day with a Mexican breakfast tostada. Top your tostada shell with refried beans, scrambled eggs, cheese, and a spoonful of salsa. A sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice finish it off perfectly.

5. Dessert Tostadas: Who said tostadas have to be savory? For a sweet treat, try a dessert tostada. Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese on a crispy tostada shell, then top with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

6. Tostadas de Carne Asada: Carne asada, or grilled meat, is a popular filling for tostadas. Marinated grilled steak, sliced thin and layered on the tostada shell, makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

7. Chorizo Tostadas: Mexican chorizo, a type of spicy sausage, can be cooked, crumbled, and used as the main protein for your tostada. It’s especially delicious when combined with scrambled eggs for a breakfast variation.

Remember, these are just ideas to inspire your culinary creativity.

Feel free to mix and match, and invent your own delicious tostada variations!

Serving and Eating Tostadas

Serving and eating tostadas can be a fun and interactive experience, especially when hosting a gathering or a family meal.

Here are some suggestions for serving and enjoying your tostadas:

Serving Tostadas:

1. Tostada Bar: One fun idea is to set up a tostada bar. Have the crispy tostada shells at one end, followed by a variety of toppings like refried beans, different proteins, various chopped vegetables, cheeses, salsas, and garnishes. This allows your guests to build their own tostadas according to their preference, and it also caters to different dietary needs and restrictions.
2. Pre-made Tostadas: Alternatively, you can assemble the tostadas ahead of time if you prefer a specific combination of flavors. Remember to serve them quickly after assembling to prevent the tostada shells from becoming soggy.

Eating Tostadas:

1. Tostadas can be a bit messy to eat due to their flat shape and the mound of toppings. However, this is part of the fun! Just take a bite from the edge and work your way around. Having plenty of napkins on hand is a good idea.
2. As tostadas are typically a one-plate meal, they are usually served with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad to complete the dish.

Pairing Tostadas with Drinks

A tostada’s versatility extends beyond its toppings; it can also pair exceptionally well with a variety of Mexican beverages.

The best pairings will complement the flavors of your tostada, adding a refreshing contrast or enhancing the existing flavor profiles.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Mexican Beers: The refreshing and crisp character of Mexican beers, like a Corona or Modelo Especial, can be a perfect match for tostadas. The carbonation and light hoppy notes can cleanse the palate, making each bite as delicious as the first.
2. Margaritas: A classic choice for many Mexican dishes, margaritas’ tart, citrusy, and sweet notes can balance the spicy and savory flavors of the tostada. Whether you prefer a classic lime margarita, a sweet strawberry version, or an adventurous spicy mango one, the combination is a delight.
3. Sangria: Sangria, a wine-based punch with fresh fruit, can add a touch of sweetness that nicely complements the savory and spicy tostada toppings. Red sangria adds a robust depth of flavor, while white or rose sangria provides a lighter, more refreshing pairing.
4. Michelada: This beer cocktail, which includes tomato juice, lime juice, and assorted sauces, spices, and peppers, makes a hearty accompaniment to tostadas. The Michelada’s savory, tangy, and spicy profile complements the tostada’s flavors well.
5. Non-Alcoholic Options:
   • Horchata: This creamy, cinnamon-spiced rice milk drink can provide a cooling counterpoint to spicy tostada flavors.
   • Agua Fresca: These refreshing beverages, made from fruits, seeds, cereals, or flowers blended with sugar and water, can offer a sweet and refreshing contrast. Popular flavors include watermelon, strawberry, and hibiscus (known as agua de Jamaica in Mexico).

Remember, the best pairings will depend on the specific toppings of your tostada.

For instance, a seafood tostada might pair best with a light beer or white sangria, while a beef or chicken tostada might stand up well to a bold margarita or a robust red sangria.

Final Tostada Thoughts

Tostadas are a delicious Mexican treat that can be easily made at home and enjoyed anywhere in the world.

The next time you find yourself with leftover corn tortillas, it’s time to try out this tasty Mexican recipe.

You can either bake or fry your tostada shell.

Experiment freely with toppings like guacamole, chicken tinga, carnitas or until you find your own favorite combination. Enjoy!

Sources

• Britannica: Tostada
• Carlsbad Craving: Tostada
• Youtube: Ground Beef Tostadas

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