Tostadas are a popular Mexican dish consisting of a crispy, fried tortilla topped with various ingredients. They make a fun, hand-held meal and can be customized in many ways. When assembling tostadas, it’s important to understand what they are traditionally served with in order to build the most authentic and delicious toppings.
Beans
Beans are a quintessential component of Mexican cuisine and are almost always found on tostadas. The most common type used is refried beans, which are pinto beans that have been cooked, mashed, and fried, resulting in a thick, creamy texture. Refried beans add protein, fiber, and hearty flavor to balance out the other toppings. Here are some key points about serving beans on tostadas:
- Spread refried beans evenly across the tortilla so they act as a “glue” to hold the toppings in place.
- Make sure to spread from edge to edge to create a barrier and prevent ingredients from falling off.
- Add a dollop or smear of beans even if using other protein fillings like meat or chicken.
- For extra creaminess, stir shredded cheese like queso fresco into the beans.
While refried beans are standard, whole pinto beans or black beans can also be used. Canned beans are convenient, but homemade cooked beans will be creamier.
Lettuce
Crisp, fresh lettuce adds an important crunch factor and brightness to tostadas. Using lettuce helps balance the textural contrasts. Here are some common lettuce options:
- Shredded Romaine: Romaine lettuce is a classic choice with its sturdy leaves that hold up well. Shredded pieces add crispness without being too watery.
- Shredded Iceberg: Iceberg lettuce has super crisp, chunky shreds that stand up to the toppings. It has a very mild flavor.
- Baby Greens: A mix of baby lettuces like arugula, kale, and spinach gives a variety of textures. They tend to be more delicate than romaine or iceberg.
To serve lettuce on a tostada:
- Layer it evenly over the beans for maximum coverage.
- Put lettuce on after beans but before wet ingredients so it doesn’t get soggy.
- Choose shredded varieties rather than whole leaves which can be tricky to eat.
- Pat greens dry if they seem wet to prevent your tostada from getting soggy.
Protein Toppings
Adding a protein topping amplifies the nutrition and heartiness of tostadas. Here are some classic Mexican protein options:
| Protein | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Browned, spiced ground beef adds familiar, meaty flavors. |
| Shredded Chicken | Poached, shredded chicken is a milder alternative to beef. |
| Chorizo | Spicy Mexican sausage has tons of robust flavor. |
| Carnitas | Braised, shredded pork is juicy and pairs well with beans. |
| Grilled Shrimp | Brings a lighter, fresher seafood option. |
Tips for adding protein to tostadas:
- Cook ground meats like beef, pork, or turkey with taco seasoning for lots of flavor.
- Cut or shred meats and sausages into small pieces that can be easily tucked into bites.
- Warm proteins like meats, chicken, and shrimp before adding to prevent a temperature contrast.
- Spread proteins evenly over the lettuce and beans to ensure every bite is satisfying.
Cheese
A generous sprinkle of cheese ties everything on a tostada together! Cheese adds creamy texture and salty, tangy flavor. Some great options include:
- Queso Fresco: A soft, crumbly Mexican cheese perfect for melting into the other ingredients.
- Cotija: A firm cheese with salty, nutty notes to accent the other flavors.
- Monterey Jack: The melty texture integrates everything together.
- Cheddar: A sharp cheddar adds lots of cheesy richness.
- Feta: Brings a tangy, piquant vibe to the tostada.
Tips for topping with cheese:
- Shred, crumble, or dice cheese into small pieces so it melts and distributes better.
- Sprinkle cheese over lettuce or proteins so it doesn’t burn on the hot tortilla.
- Use 2-3 varieties of cheese for diverse flavors and textures.
- Add cheese last since extended heat will make it oily.
- Pile on plenty of cheese as it plays a starring role!
Salsa
What’s a Mexican dish without salsa? Cool, vibrant salsas make tostadas really sing. Options include:
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh chopped tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Tomatillo Salsa: Blend of tart green tomatillos, garlic, onions, cilantro, and serrano chiles.
- Roasted Tomato Salsa: Smoky flavor from charred vine-ripened tomatoes and chilies.
- Avocado Salsa: Creamy diced avocado with cilantro, lime, and onions.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet, tropical twist using diced mango, red onion, chili powder and lime.
Salsa tips:
- Make or buy fresh salsas instead of jarred for maximum flavor.
- Add salsa after lettuce so the greens don’t get soggy and wilt.
- Use a slotted spoon if the salsa seems watery so juices don’t soak the tortilla.
- Spoon salsa into a pile in the center so it doesn’t run off the crispy edges.
- Let guests add extra salsa on top to amp up the spice.
Accompaniments
Certain garnishes and sides help enhance tostadas for the full experience. Classic accompaniments include:
- Sliced Radish: Thinly sliced radishes add pleasant crunch and peppery bite.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Tangy, spicy pickled jalapeño slices wake up all the flavors.
- Guacamole: Fresh, creamy guac cools down spicy salsas and brings richness.
- Sour Cream: Cool, tangy dollops balance out the other flavors.
- Lime Wedges: Fresh lime juice brightens up all the ingredients.
Tips for serving accompaniments:
- Pile radishes, pickled jalapeños, and guacamole on top of the other ingredients.
- Offer sour cream and lime wedges on the side for squeezing and dipping.
- Stick to just a few accompaniments to avoid overloading the tostada.
- Let guests customize with their favorite add-ons.
Putting It All Together
Now that the key components have been covered, here are some final tips for assembling perfect tostadas:
- Use a 6-inch corn or flour tortilla for the right ratio of crispy to topping.
- Fry tortilla in 1/2 inch oil until golden brown and crispy, about 1 minute per side.
- Drain fried tortilla on paper towels to soak up grease.
- Spread 2-3 tablespoons refried beans first as the “glue.”
- Layer on shredded lettuce, protein, cheese, salsa, and any accompaniments.
- Don’t overfill or toppings will fall off. Less is more.
- Best served right after frying so the tortilla stays ultra crispy.
The beauty of tostadas lies in how customizable they are to suit any tastes. Use your favorite beans, proteins, cheeses and toppings to create your ideal tostada. Just stick to the basics like the fried tortilla, beans, lettuce, and salsa. Then the possibilities for delicious flavor combinations are endless!
Conclusion
Tostadas are the perfect hand-held Mexican meal or appetizer. While the crispy fried tortilla is the foundation, it’s the thoughtful layering of contrasting textures and flavors that makes them so craveable. Beans, lettuce, protein, cheese, salsa, and extras like guacamole each play an important role. Follow the guidelines on how to assemble and portion the components for ideal tostada enjoyment. Feel free to get creative with ingredients to put your own spin this traditional favorite. Loaded up with all the right stuff, tostadas satisfy big time!