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Grilled Beef Tostadas with Carne Asada

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These Grilled Beef Tostadas with Carne Asada are a bold and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring marinated steak, crispy tostada shells, and fresh, vibrant toppings. With juicy carne asada, creamy guacamole, and tangy salsa, every bite delivers the perfect mix of textures and smoky, citrusy flavors. Perfect for cookouts, taco nights, or casual dinners.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 tostadas
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • to 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 46 store-bought or homemade tostada shells
  • 1 cup refried beans or black beans
  • 1 cup guacamole or sliced avocado
  • ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup crumbled Cotija or queso fresco
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Place steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade, pat dry, and grill 4–5 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
  3. Let steak rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  4. Warm tostada shells if needed. Spread each with beans, top with sliced steak, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, cheese, and crema.
  5. Add cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Flank or skirt steak is ideal for quick grilling and absorbs marinade well.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you don’t have a grill.
  • Spread beans first to prevent soggy tostadas.
  • Customize with your favorite toppings like pickled onions, jalapeños, or shredded cheese.
  • For meal prep, marinate and grill the steak ahead and store toppings separately.

Nutrition