Shrimp tostadas – These tostadas are a delightful Mexican dish that brings together crunchy tostadas, succulent shrimp, and an array of fresh toppings to create an explosion of flavors and textures.
Why Shrimp Tostadas?
Tostadas, which translate to “toasted” in Spanish, are essentially fried or baked tortillas that provide a crispy base for toppings. While you can top tostadas with anything from beans to ceviche, shrimp is an excellent choice because of its light, tender texture and its ability to soak up bold flavors. Plus, shrimp cooks quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
Ingredients for Shrimp Tostadas
Here’s a breakdown of the main ingredients you’ll need to make tostadas:
Sauce: Chipotle mayo, sour cream, or a drizzle of fresh salsa verde can elevate the dish.
Tostada shells: You can either buy them pre-made or make your own by frying or baking corn tortillas.
Shrimp: Use medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp works perfectly, just thaw them beforehand.
Seasonings: A mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to season the shrimp.
Citrus: Lime juice enhances the flavor of the shrimp.
Fresh toppings: Think shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, avocados, cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Tostadas
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking it can result in a rubbery texture. As soon as it turns pink and curls slightly, it’s done.
- Use fresh toppings: The contrast of cold, fresh ingredients like lettuce and avocado against the warm shrimp is what makes shrimp tostadas irresistible.
- Try homemade tostadas: While store-bought tostada shells are convenient, making your own can elevate the dish with extra crunch and freshness.
- Spice it up: For extra heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the shrimp or add sliced jalapeños as a topping.
Variations of Shrimp Tostadas
Tostadas are highly customizable, so feel free to get creative with your toppings and seasonings. Here are a few variations to try:
Creamy Tostadas: Top the tostada with a dollop of sour cream or a creamy avocado sauce for a more indulgent texture.
Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas: Instead of cooked shrimp, use shrimp ceviche marinated in lime juice and mixed with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a bright and zesty version.
Spicy Tostadas: Add a spicy kick by tossing the shrimp in hot sauce or chili flakes before cooking.
Grilled Tostadas: For a smoky flavor, grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying. You can also char the tortillas slightly for added depth.
How to Serve Tostadas
Tostadas are best served immediately after assembling to ensure the tostada shell remains crispy. Pair them with a side of rice and beans, a fresh salad, or a tangy slaw for a complete meal.
For drinks,tostadas go perfectly with a cold Mexican beer, a refreshing margarita, or even a fruity agua fresca.
How to Store Shrimp Tostadas
While tostadas are best enjoyed fresh, you can store components separately to enjoy them later:
- Shrimp: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Tostada shells: Keep tostada shells in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Re-crisp them in the oven if needed.
- Toppings: Keep the toppings (like lettuce and tomatoes) separate and fresh until you’re ready to assemble your tostadas.
To reassemble, simply warm the shrimp and build your tostadas when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for tostadas?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp by placing it in a colander under cold running water for 10-15 minutes.
Can I make the shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the shrimp ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling your tostadas.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
While traditional tostadas are made with corn tortillas, you can certainly use flour tortillas. However, corn tortillas give that authentic crispy base, so I recommend sticking with corn for the best results.
Are tostadas gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you’re using corn tortillas and gluten-free seasonings, tostadas are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredient labels to be sure.
Shrimp Tostadas
Shrimp tostadas - These tostadas are a delightful Mexican dish that brings together crunchy tostadas, succulent shrimp, and an array of fresh toppings to create an explosion of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Salsa:
- 1/2 cup corn (frozen, fresh, or canned)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 tostadas
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 (15 oz) can Old El Paso black refried beans
Instructions
- Make the Salsa: Combine the corn, avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a small bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the fridge while you prep the rest.
- Season the Shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate.
- Prepare the Tostadas: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each tostada, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 4-6 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Cook the Shrimp: While the tostadas are in the oven, sauté the shrimp in a skillet for 2-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Assemble and Serve: Top the warm tostadas with shrimp, followed by a generous scoop of fresh salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 805Total Fat 46gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 229mgSodium 1806mgCarbohydrates 46gFiber 12gSugar 6gProtein 55g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts: Why Shrimp Tostadas Deserve a Spot in Your Meal Rotation
Shrimp tostadas are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal. They’re easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you stick with the classic toppings or experiment with new flavors, tostadas are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
