Description
Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada
Add a twist to your tostadas with sweet corn and smoky grilled carne asada. A fiesta of flavors!
Ingredients:
2 lbs flank steak
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
8 tostada shells
1 cup roasted corn
1 cup guacamole
1/2 cup cotija cheese
Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
Marinate steak with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin for 30 minutes.
Grill steak and slice thinly.
Top each tostada with roasted corn, steak, guacamole, and cotija cheese.
Serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.
#CornLovers
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Tostadas de Carne Asada every time.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin until fully combined.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the 2 lbs of flank steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, up to 4 hours.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness (medium-rare is recommended). Let the steak rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes to retain its juices.
- Prepare Toppings: While the steak rests, gather your 8 tostada shells, 1 cup roasted corn, 1 cup guacamole, and 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese. Slice the rested steak very thinly against the grain.
- Assemble the Tostadas: On each crispy tostada shell, layer in this order: a spoonful of roasted corn, several slices of carne asada, a generous dollop of guacamole, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Garnish with fresh lime wedges.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your meal with these complementary ideas. Serve the tostadas immediately to maintain the shell’s crunch. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple cabbage slaw dressed with lime and cilantro. For beverages, a classic margarita, an ice-cold Mexican beer, or a refreshing agua fresca perfectly balance the smoky, savory flavors.
How-to Summary
Marinate flank steak in a lime-chili-cumin blend, grill to perfection, and slice thinly. Top crispy tostada shells with roasted corn, the sliced steak, fresh guacamole, and crumbled cotija cheese. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes. While flank steak is traditional, skirt steak or hanger steak are excellent alternatives due to their flavor and texture suitable for grilling.
How can I roast the corn? You can roast corn cobs directly on the grill, cook kernels in a dry skillet until charred, or use a high-quality frozen roasted corn, thawed.
What if I don’t have a grill? A stovetop grill pan, a broiler, or even a very hot cast-iron skillet will work well to achieve a good sear on the steak.
How do I prevent soggy tostadas? Assemble just before serving. Ensure your guacamole is thick and consider adding a layer of refried beans underneath the steak as a moisture barrier.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can marinate the steak and prepare all toppings (guacamole, roasted corn, cheese) in advance. Grill and slice the steak just before assembling to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Resting Time: Not letting the grilled steak rest before slicing will cause all the flavorful juices to run out, leaving the meat dry.
- Slicing With the Grain: Always slice flank steak thinly against the grain. Cutting with the grain results in tough, chewy pieces.
- Over-marinating: Due to the high acidity in the lime juice, marinating for more than 4-6 hours can begin to break down the meat’s texture, making it mushy.
- Using Soggy Toppings: Avoid overly wet salsas or runny condiments as the first layer, as they will quickly make the tostada shell limp.
Conclusion
These Mexican Tostadas de Carne Asada combine the smoky depth of grilled steak with the sweet pop of roasted corn and creamy guacamole for an unforgettable and customizable meal. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can easily bring the vibrant, authentic flavors of a street food fiesta right to your own table. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all #CornLovers and beyond.
