Tostadas

Tips: Succeed with your tostadas

Make delicious authentic tostadas with our best tips, ensuring each bite is full of authentic Mexican flavour and texture.

Check the oil temperature for perfect crispness

Ensure your oil is properly heated to around 180 °C before frying the corn tortillas. If the oil is too cold, the tortillas absorb excess oil and turn soggy instead of crisping. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the pan; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. Fry each tortilla briefly, about 30 seconds on each side, to achieve a golden, crispy result. Using the right temperature guarantees perfectly crunchy tostadas without being greasy.

Restore crispiness in the oven

If your tortillas lose some crispness after frying or if you have leftovers, you can easily restore the crispness by reheating them in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and heat them at 180 °C for 1–2 minutes. This helps maintain their crunch without drying them out or affecting their flavour. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Choose ripe avocados

Select avocados at their ripest for tostadas with a truly creamy and rich flavour. A ripe avocado should feel firm, but give a little under a light squeeze, showing it is ready to eat. Press it gently with your thumb; it should feel soft but not too soft. Avoid very hard or too soft avocados, as they will not have the right creaminess and may have bruised flesh.

Get a taste of Mexico with our green tostadas with beans

Mexico is just a taste away with this easy tostada recipe. Recreate the rich flavours of Mexican cuisine in your kitchen with crisp, golden corn tortillas and colourful toppings. The green tostadas have smooth, refried beans that contrast with a crisp salad mix, along with creamy avocados, white cheese, green salsa, and fresh coriander. A squeeze of lime brings all the elements together with its sharp zest.

Layered with fresh salad, ripe avocado, and green salsa

The fresh salad, ripe avocado, and green salsa on top of the tortillas are simply irresistible. The salad mix is crisp and offers a refreshing crunch, contrasting with the avocado’s smooth, rich texture. The sharp tang of the green salsa adds a lively zest and vibrant colour. Top with fresh coriander and a splash of lime juice for an amazing finish. These layers give you everything you need from top to bottom with crisp, soft, and irresistible textures.

A Mexican-inspired staple with white cheese

Sometimes, it is a good idea to experiment with an authentic recipe. We kept the basics − vegetables, salsa, beans, and crispy tortillas − giving you a classic Mexican homemade tostada but with a topping twist. Our special addition to this recipe is the white cheese with a creamy texture and comforting taste, which is used instead of the traditional choice of queso fresco or cotija. The white cheese softens delicately over the warm, crispy tostadas for a perfect mouthfeel. The mild, slightly tangy flavour of the cheese balances the richness of the refried beans and the freshness of the salad and avocado.

Try some other delicious dishes from around the world with our tasty recipes. Taste France with our tomato tarte tatin, Eastern Europe with our vibrant beetroot soup, Greece with our Greek pasta salad, or India with our paneer Buddha bowl.

Ideas for varying the recipe

Vary the recipe to fill it with the flavours you love the most. Use black or pinto beans to give you flavours and textures different from the refried beans, and consider adding spices like cumin, garlic, or smoked paprika for a deeper, richer taste.

Add different types of proteins for toppings, layering small pieces of grilled chicken, shredded beef, or sautéed shrimp over the beans. Try other vegetables, too, adding roasted vegetables like peppers or courgettes for a burst of sweetness and texture.

The salsa is also an easy part of the toppings to experiment with. A touch of heat from jalapeños or chipotle peppers in the salsa could bring a welcome spicy kick, or you could make your own red or green salsa or top with your favourite hot sauce or Pico de Gallo.