Smoked & Seared: Mexican Seafood Tostadas with Grilled Shrimp & Octopus

There is something inherently magical about the combination of fire, fresh seafood, and the crunch of a perfectly toasted tortilla. This recipe for Mexican Seafood Tostadas brings the vibrant energy of a Baja beachside stand right to your backyard, utilizing the versatility of the Arteflame grill. By using the high-heat searing capability of the flat-top cooktop, we unlock a depth of flavor in the shrimp and octopus that traditional pans simply cannot replicate. The smoky char from the wood fire complements the zesty, citrus-forward marinade, creating a dish that is both sophisticated and satisfyingly rustic.

Whether you are hosting a summer cookout or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner rotation, these tostadas are designed to impress. The key lies in the balance of textures: the crisp corn base, the creamy coolness of avocado, and the hot, juicy snap of seafood fresh off the grill. This isn't just a meal; it is a culinary experience that celebrates the bold, authentic flavors of coastal Mexico, optimized for the outdoor chef who values quality ingredients and perfect execution.

Ingredients

The Seafood & Marinade

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb octopus tentacles, pre-cooked
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder (Guajillo or Ancho preferred)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 2 limes

The Tostada Build

• 8-10 corn tortillas (or pre-made tostada shells)
• 1 cup refried black beans, warmed
• 2 ripe avocados, sliced or mashed into guacamole
• 1/2 head purple cabbage, thinly shredded
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salsa macha or your favorite hot sauce
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Seafood

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and half of the lime juice.
2. Add the shrimp and the pre-cooked octopus tentacles to the bowl. Toss well to ensure the seafood is evenly coated in the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Do not exceed one hour, as the citrus acid can begin to cure the shrimp and alter its texture before grilling.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using wood charcoal or hardwood. Allow it to burn down until the center grate is extremely hot (over 600°F) and the outer flat-top cooktop reaches a steady searing temperature (around 400°F - 450°F).
2. Lightly oil the flat cooktop surface with a high-smoke-point oil (like avocado or grapeseed oil) to prevent sticking and ensure a good sear.

Step 3: Grill the Seafood

1. Place the marinated shrimp and octopus directly onto the hot flat-top surface. You want to hear an immediate sizzle.
2. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink, opaque, and develop a nice golden-brown crust.
3. Grill the octopus tentacles alongside the shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side. Since they are pre-cooked, the goal is to warm them through and achieve a crispy, charred exterior.
4. Move the cooked seafood to the cooler outer edge of the grill to keep warm without overcooking. chop the octopus into bite-sized chunks once removed from direct heat.

Step 4: Toast the Tortillas

1. If using fresh corn tortillas, place them on the flat cooktop where the heat is moderate.
2. Toast them for about 1-2 minutes per side until they become rigid, crispy, and golden. If you prefer, add a small amount of oil to the cooktop to fry them slightly for extra crunch.
3. Remove the tostadas from the grill and set them on a wire rack or serving platter.

Step 5: Assemble the Tostadas

1. Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans over each crispy tostada shell. This acts as the "glue" for the other toppings.
2. Top the beans with shredded cabbage for crunch.
3. Layer on the grilled shrimp and chopped octopus pieces.
4. Garnish with avocado slices, a drizzle of crema, crumbled Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and salsa macha.

Tips

Mastering seafood on the Arteflame requires managing your heat zones effectively. Because seafood cooks rapidly, you want to utilize the medium-high heat zones of the flat top rather than the direct center fire, which might scorch the delicate shrimp before they are cooked through. The beauty of the solid steel cooktop is that you can sear the octopus to get that desired crispy skin without worrying about losing tentacles through the grates. Always ensure your octopus is pre-cooked (braised or boiled) before it hits the grill; grilling raw octopus can result in a tough, rubbery texture that is difficult to chew. For the shrimp, keep a close eye on color changes; the moment they turn opaque and curl into a 'C' shape, they are done. Overcooking leads to rubbery shrimp, so pull them off the heat immediately.

• Pat the seafood dry before marinating to ensure the spices adhere better and you get a better sear.
• Use a little bit of butter on the flat top right at the end of the grilling process for a rich, savory finish.
• If you don't have time to make tostada shells, high-quality store-bought brands work well, but warming them on the grill for 30 seconds brings them back to life.

Variations

While the combination of shrimp and octopus is a classic coastal staple, this recipe is incredibly flexible and serves as a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. If you prefer a different protein profile, you can easily swap the seafood for white fish like Mahi Mahi or Snapper, which hold up beautifully on the Arteflame flat top. For those who enjoy a bit of surf and turf, consider adding thin strips of marinated skirt steak alongside the shrimp. The marinade used here is versatile enough to work with almost any protein, including chicken or tofu for a vegetarian twist. You can also adjust the heat level by incorporating different chilies into the marinade or the final salsa topping.

• Spicy Diablo: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or finely chopped habanero to the marinade for a fiery kick.
• Ceviche Style: Instead of grilling, use the marinade to cure the shrimp (if super fresh) and serve cold on the hot tostada for a temperature contrast.
• Vegetarian Delight: Replace seafood with thick slices of portobello mushrooms and zucchini, grilled to perfection.
• Tropical Twist: Add grilled pineapple chunks to the topping mix for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Baja Creamy: Mix chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with the crema for a smoky, spicy drizzle.

Best pairings

To truly round out this Mexican feast, your choice of beverage and side dishes is crucial. The richness of the avocado and the smokiness of the grilled seafood call for drinks that are crisp, acidic, and refreshing. A classic Mexican lager with a lime wedge is a fail-safe option, but a homemade Michelada or a grapefruit Paloma can elevate the dining experience significantly. For wine lovers, a crisp Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the refried beans and crema perfectly. As for sides, you want to maintain the street-food theme without overshadowing the main event.

• Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, chili powder, and cheese.
• Citrus Salad: A simple salad of jicama, cucumber, and orange slices with chili-lime seasoning.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy white rice tossed with butter, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
• Agua Fresca: Fresh watermelon or hibiscus water (Jamaica) for a non-alcoholic refresher.

Conclusion

These Mexican Seafood Tostadas with Grilled Shrimp and Octopus represent the pinnacle of outdoor cooking on the Arteflame. They combine the primitive satisfaction of fire-roasted ingredients with the delicate, fresh flavors of the sea. This recipe is more than just instructions; it is an invitation to slow down, gather around the grill, and enjoy the process of creating something truly delicious with friends and family. The smokiness imparted by the grill transforms humble ingredients into a gourmet meal that feels like a special occasion.

We hope this recipe inspires you to experiment with your flat-top grill and explore new flavor horizons. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the spicy variations, the result is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Don't forget to share your culinary creations with us and keep the fire burning!