If you’re craving something that perfectly combines bold, smoky flavors with a crunchy, satisfying bite, you’ve got to try this Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada Recipe. Each tostada comes alive with tender, marinated strips of carne asada layered on crispy corn tostada shells and topped with creamy guacamole, cool crema, and fresh, zesty garnishes. It’s a fiesta of textures and tastes that’s simple to make but feels truly special—perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a vibrant meal anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that work together to create that unforgettable flavor and texture harmony. From the juicy, marinated steak to the fresh toppings, every component plays an essential role in building the dish’s bold personality.
- 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak: Ideal cuts for tender, flavorful carne asada that’s easy to slice thin.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Helps the marinade penetrate the meat and keeps it juicy on the grill.
- 1/4 cup lime juice: Adds bright acidity that tenderizes the steak and lifts the overall flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers deep, aromatic notes that marry perfectly with the spices.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides earthy undertones essential to authentic carne asada seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a rich smokiness that makes the beef irresistible.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to finish each tostada.
- 8-10 corn tostada shells: The crispy foundation that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- 2 cups guacamole: Creamy and lush, it balances the smoky beef with coolness.
- 1 cup sour cream or Mexican crema: Adds tangy richness and silky texture.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: Provides juicy bursts of freshness and color.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Extra herbal punch for topping.
- Sliced jalapeños, optional: For those who love a spicy kick.
- Lime wedges, for serving: The perfect final touch to squeeze over the assembled tostadas.
How to Make Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef Carne Asada
Start by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade that infuses every inch of the steak with flavor. Place the flank or skirt steak into the marinade and refrigerate for at least an hour. If you can plan ahead, letting it soak overnight will deepen the taste and tenderize the meat perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Carne Asada
When ready, preheat your grill or hot skillet to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, giving it a little shake to let excess drip away. Grill or cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness and the thickness of your cut. The high heat sears the meat, locking in all those bold, marinated flavors. After cooking, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain—this step ensures each bite is tender and juicy.
Step 3: Assemble the Tostadas
Lay out your crunchy corn tostada shells on a large platter and pile on generous amounts of sliced carne asada. Add a creamy layer of guacamole followed by a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema. Top each with diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices if you like a bit of heat. This sturdy and colorful assembly is what makes the Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Bring out some lime wedges and encourage everyone to squeeze fresh lime juice over their tostadas for an extra layer of brightness. Serve right away so the shells stay satisfyingly crisp, and watch your friends and family dig in with delight.
How to Serve Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings can elevate your Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. Fresh cilantro sprigs add herbal brightness that cuts through the richness, while diced tomatoes bring juicy freshness and vibrant color. For those who love a little extra heat, thin slices of jalapeño provide a lively contrast without overpowering the other flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the star of your table, but pairing it with simple sides can create a perfect meal. Consider serving with a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad or some Mexican street corn (elote) to complement the smoky beef and creamy toppings. A bowl of black beans or rice also rounds out the meal with comforting, hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like mixing things up? Serve this Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada Recipe as a party platter, letting guests pile their own toppings for a fun interactive experience. You can also turn it into tacos by swapping tostada shells for warm tortillas or create a layered tostada dip for a twist that keeps all the same flavors but with a shareable dip style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep sliced carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the tostada shells separately in a sealed bag to maintain their crunch, and refrigerate guacamole and crema in their own containers to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
While the assembled tostadas don’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked carne asada strips. Place them in a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 2 months for best flavor. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your carne asada, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat. Keep tostada shells separate and crisp them quickly in the oven for a few minutes if they’ve softened after storage.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for carne asada?
Flank steak and skirt steak are the most popular choices because they’re flavorful and slice easily against the grain. They also absorb marinades well, making the meat tender and juicy after grilling.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! A hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan works just as well, giving you a nice sear and bringing out the smoky, charred flavors even without an outdoor grill.
How long should I marinate the steak?
Marinating for at least one hour is great for flavor, but overnight marinating is ideal for tenderness and deeper taste infusion. Just be sure not to marinate longer than 24 hours to avoid the meat becoming mushy.
Are tostada shells homemade or store-bought?
You can use either! Store-bought tostada shells save time and still offer great crunch, but if you want an extra homemade touch, you can crisp corn tortillas in a skillet or oven until golden and crispy.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
Simply omit the jalapeños or substitute with mild peppers. The recipe still packs plenty of flavor thanks to the marinade and fresh toppings, so everyone can enjoy it at their preferred spice level.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about the combination of textures, fresh ingredients, and smoky steak in this Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada Recipe. It’s a recipe that feels like a celebration with every bite, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it soon. Whether for a casual family dinner or a vibrant gathering with friends, these tostadas have the power to bring everyone together around the table with smiles and satisfied appetites.
Print
Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This recipe for Mexican Tostadas de Beef Carne Asada features tender and flavorful grilled flank or skirt steak marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, and spices. Served on crispy corn tostada shells and topped with creamy guacamole, sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, cilantro, and optional jalapeños, these tostadas make a vibrant, satisfying meal perfect for gatherings or a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Carne Asada Marinade
- 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings & Assembly
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 8–10 corn tostada shells
- 2 cups guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños, optional
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef Carne Asada: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the flank or skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
- Cook the Beef Carne Asada: Preheat a grill or skillet over high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill or cook the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness and your preferred doneness. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Slice the steak thinly against the grain into strips.
- Assemble the Tostadas: Arrange the corn tostada shells on a serving platter. Top each shell with a generous portion of sliced carne asada. Add a layer of guacamole followed by a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema. Sprinkle diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño slices on top if desired.
- Serve: Serve the assembled tostadas immediately with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the top for added zest.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the steak overnight to fully infuse flavors.
- If you don’t have a grill, a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan works well to cook the steak with good searing.
- You can make homemade guacamole for fresher taste or use store-bought to save time.
- Slicing the steak against the grain ensures tender, easy-to-chew pieces.
- Adjust jalapeño slices according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder version.
