Grilled Tostadas with Meat, Beans, and Avocado | Arteflame Recipe

Introduction

Crispy, flavorful tostadas are an exciting way to enjoy a variety of toppings like meat, beans, cheese, and avocado. Cooking them on the Arteflame grill allows you to bring out deep, smoky flavors while keeping the tortillas perfectly crisp. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for gatherings, as guests can assemble their own tostadas with their favorite toppings. Whether you use grilled chicken, steak, or even shrimp, tostadas are always a hit!

Ingredients

• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 lb flank steak or chicken breast
• 1 cup refried beans
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa or pico de gallo
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Start by lighting the Arteflame grill using three vegetable-oil-soaked paper napkins placed under the firewood. Light them and wait 20 minutes for the grill to get hot, ensuring the center is ready for searing and the outer flat top is perfect for toasting tortillas.

2. Grill the Meat

Season your flank steak or chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of vegetable oil. Sear the meat on the center grill grate for 3-4 minutes per side for steak (or until medium-rare) and about 5-6 minutes per side for chicken (until it reaches 165°F internal temperature). Once done, move the meat to the cooler part of the cooktop to finish cooking and rest.

3. Crisp the Tortillas

Brush the corn tortillas lightly with vegetable oil and place them on the outer edge of the flat cooktop. Grill the tortillas for about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until they are crispy and golden brown.

4. Prepare the Toppings

• Refried beans: Warm the beans in a small section of the flat cooktop, stirring occasionally.
• Slice the steak or chicken thinly after resting for a few minutes.
• Have the toppings ready: sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, queso fresco, sour cream, and salsa.

5. Assemble the Tostadas

Spread a layer of refried beans on each crispy tortilla. Top with slices of steak or chicken, followed by shredded lettuce, avocado slices, cheese, and a drizzle of sour cream and salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

6. Serve

Arrange the tostadas on a platter and let your guests enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures. Each bite offers a perfect balance of crispiness, smoky meat, creamy avocado, and refreshing toppings.

Tips

• Meat Alternatives: Try grilled shrimp or pork carnitas for a different twist on the classic tostada.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and load the tostadas with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn.
• Cheese Choices: Queso fresco adds a light, salty flavor, but you can also use shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Tostada Crispiness: Be sure to watch the tortillas closely to avoid burning them while grilling.

Variations

1. Shrimp Tostadas: Grill seasoned shrimp and top with shredded cabbage, avocado, and spicy crema.
2. Vegetarian Tostadas: Load up on grilled peppers, onions, and zucchini, and swap out beans for guacamole.
3. Tostadas de Carnitas: Use slow-cooked pork carnitas instead of steak, adding pickled red onions and cotija cheese for extra flavor.
4. Breakfast Tostadas: Add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon on top of the beans, and finish with a dollop of salsa.
5. Spicy Chorizo Tostadas: Grill crumbled chorizo sausage and pair with refried beans, pickled jalapeños, and sour cream.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn with lime and chili powder
• Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
• A crisp cucumber salad with lime and cilantro
• Mexican-style street corn (elote)
• A cold michelada or margarita

Conclusion

These grilled tostadas on the Arteflame are a crunchy, delicious way to enjoy your favorite toppings with a smoky twist. Whether you’re using steak, chicken, or veggies, the Arteflame brings out the rich flavors in the ingredients while keeping the tostada base perfectly crispy. They're perfect for a casual family dinner or as a fun dish for your next BBQ.