These shrimp tostadas are crispy and topped with flavorful shrimp, fresh veggies, and zesty sauce. They’re quick to make and perfect for a fun meal!
Honestly, it’s hard to eat just one! I love piling on extra toppings each time. You can even make them for a crowd – just watch everyone enjoy that crunch! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tostada Shells: I prefer using store-bought shells for ease. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own by baking or frying corn tortillas until they’re crispy.
Shrimp: I like using medium shrimp, but feel free to use large shrimp or even shrimp that have been frozen. Just make sure they are peeled and deveined!
Black Beans: Canned black beans are super convenient. If you want a different flavor, try kidney beans or pinto beans. You can even make your own from dried beans if you have more time!
Cheese: I love crumbled queso fresco for its fresh flavor, but you can substitute it with feta cheese or shredded cheddar if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but it’s simple if you follow a few steps. The key is to not overcook them since they can become rubbery. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot, but not smoking. This ensures a quick sear.
- Toss in the shrimp and let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes. When they turn pink, flip them over.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are fully opaque and curled inwards. Remove them as soon as they’re done!
Remember, shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them for the best texture! Enjoy your tostadas!
How to Make Shrimp Tostadas
Ingredients
Tostada Shells:
- 12 small corn tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Beans:
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (for beans)
- 1/4 cup water or broth (for beans)
Toppings:
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- Lime wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious shrimp tostada recipe will take approximately 20 minutes to prepare and cook. That includes about 10 minutes for prep work and another 10 minutes to cook the shrimp and assemble your tostadas. A quick meal that’s great for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
Start by heating a small splash of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are softened, which should take about 3 minutes. Then, add the rinsed black beans, cumin, and the water or broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the beans are heated through and soft. Use the back of a spoon to mash them slightly. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each shrimp is well-coated with the seasonings for maximum flavor!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn opaque and are fully cooked. Once done, take them off the heat.
4. Assemble the Tostadas:
Grab your crispy tostada shells and start building! Spoon a generous amount of the warm black bean mixture onto each tostada. Then, add diced avocado and cherry tomatoes on top for freshness.
5. Add the Shrimp:
Carefully place 3-4 cooked shrimp on top of the veggies on each tostada. This will be the star of your dish!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro leaves over the shrimp for that extra flavor punch. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze right over your creation!
Enjoy your crispy shrimp tostadas! Perfectly crunchy, topped with fresh and creamy ingredients that are sure to delight your taste buds!
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Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat dry before seasoning to ensure the shrimp sear nicely!
Can I Prepare the Tostadas in Advance?
You can prep the black bean mixture and cook the shrimp ahead of time. Store the beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and the shrimp for up to 1 day. Assemble the tostadas just before serving for maximum crispiness!
How Do I Store Leftover Tostadas?
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and black bean mixture separately from the tostada shells in airtight containers in the fridge. The tostada shells will lose their crunch if stored too long. It’s best to enjoy them fresh!
What Are Some Topping Variations?
Feel free to customize your tostadas! You can add sliced jalapeños for a kick, fresh corn for sweetness, or even diced mango for a tropical twist. The sky’s the limit with toppings, so get creative!
