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Enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada, a tasty dish featuring grilled steak piled high on crispy tostadas with fresh toppings.

Tasty Carne Asada Tostadas

These carne asada tostadas are a flavor explosion, perfect for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. Marinated flank or skirt steak is grilled to perfection and piled high on crispy tostada shells with refried beans, fresh toppings, and your favorite salsa for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Flank Steak or Skirt Steak
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Oregano, Mexican oregano if possible
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 12 Corn Tostada Shells
  • 1 cup Shredded Lettuce
  • 1 cup Diced Tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Diced Red Onion
  • 1/2 cup Crumbled Queso Fresco or Cotija
  • Avocado or Guacamole
  • Sals a
  • Lime Wedges for serving
  • Optional: Sour Cream or Mexican Crema

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large resealable bag or dish
  • Grill
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Saucepan
  • Spoon
  • Microwave (optional)
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. **Marinating the Carne Asada:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the flank steak or skirt steak in a large resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's evenly coated.
  3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
  4. **Grilling the Carne Asada:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  5. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade.
  6. Grill the steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for well-done. Use a meat thermometer; 130-135°F for medium-rare is ideal.
  7. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
  8. **Assembling the Tostadas:** Warm the refried beans in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
  9. Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans onto each tostada shell.
  10. Top with the sliced carne asada.
  11. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and crumbled queso fresco.
  12. Drizzle with your favorite salsa and top with avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole.
  13. Serve immediately with lime wedges and optional sour cream or Mexican crema.

Notes

For best results, marinate the carne asada for at least 2 hours. Slicing the steak against the grain is crucial for tenderness. To prevent soggy tostadas, assemble them just before serving. Leftover carne asada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or use a hotter salsa.