Grilled Beef Tostadas with Carne Asada

Grilled Beef Tostadas with Carne Asada are a bold, flavorful dish built on layers of crispy tostada shells, juicy marinated steak, and fresh toppings like guacamole, salsa, and crumbled cheese. Each bite is a mix of smoky, crunchy, and creamy textures that I absolutely love. These tostadas are great for casual dinners, weekend cookouts, or whenever I’m craving something hearty and satisfying with a punch of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together everything I enjoy in a Mexican-inspired meal: perfectly grilled steak, crunchy tostada shells, and all the toppings I can pile on. It’s customizable, fun to assemble, and great for feeding a group. The carne asada is marinated to perfection, giving the beef a smoky, citrusy flavor that really shines. Whether I’m making them for a party or a weeknight dinner, these tostadas always hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the carne asada:

• Flank steak or skirt steak

• Orange juice

• Lime juice

• Olive oil

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Cilantro, chopped

• Jalapeño, minced (optional)

• Cumin

• Chili powder

• Salt and pepper

For the tostadas:

• Store-bought or homemade tostada shells

• Refried beans or black beans

• Guacamole or sliced avocado

• Salsa or pico de gallo

• Shredded lettuce

• Cotija or queso fresco

• Sour cream or Mexican crema

• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by marinating the steak. I whisk together the citrus juices, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, and spices in a bowl. I place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).

2. When I’m ready to cook, I preheat the grill to medium-high heat. I remove the steak from the marinade, pat it dry, and grill it for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

3. I let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

4. I warm the tostada shells (if needed) and get all the toppings ready.

5. I spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada, then add the sliced carne asada.

6. I top each tostada with guacamole, salsa, lettuce, cheese, crema, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

7. I serve them immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 tostadas.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour or more
Grilling and assembly time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 20 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

I sometimes swap the steak for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version. If I want to add heat, I drizzle with a spicy hot sauce or add pickled jalapeños. For a more indulgent option, I top them with shredded cheese and briefly broil them before adding fresh toppings. And when I’m short on time, I use leftover grilled steak from another meal.

Storage/Reheating

The carne asada can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat the beef gently in a skillet or microwave. I store toppings separately and assemble the tostadas just before serving to keep the shells crispy. Tostada shells are best kept at room temperature in a sealed bag or container.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for carne asada?

I like using flank or skirt steak because they soak up the marinade well and grill quickly, staying juicy and flavorful.

Can I cook the carne asada without a grill?

Yes, I use a cast iron skillet or grill pan on the stove if I can’t use a grill. It still develops a nice char and sear.

How do I keep tostadas from getting soggy?

I always assemble right before serving. Spreading a layer of beans first helps create a barrier so the tostada stays crisp.

Can I make this recipe ahead?

Yes, I prep the carne asada and toppings ahead of time. I slice the meat just before serving and set everything out so each person can build their own tostada fresh.

Are tostada shells the same as tortillas?

Tostadas are crisp, flat tortillas. I can buy them pre-made or make my own by baking or frying corn tortillas until golden and crunchy.

Conclusion

Grilled Beef Tostadas with Carne Asada are a crave-worthy combination of flavor, texture, and freshness. I love how easy they are to customize, and they always make me feel like I’m eating something special—even when I’ve made them at home. Whether it’s taco night, a weekend cookout, or a casual get-together, these tostadas bring bold flavor and a whole lot of fun to the table.

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