Bean Tostada Recipe: How to Make Bean Tostadas

A bean tostada is a crispy, fried corn tortilla topped with refried beans and garnishes. A tostada is an open-faced hard shell taco made with fried day-old corn tortillas. Make homemade refried beans with black beans or pinto beans to spread on top of the fried tortilla before topping it with fresh salsa, cheese, and Mexican crema or sour cream.

You can buy tostada shells at most grocery stores or make them at home using stale tortillas. Follow the steps below for making tostada shells at home:

1. 1. Use day-old corn tortillas. Day-old corn tortillas are ideal for tostada shells since the drier tortillas fry up crispier than fresh ones. Naturally gluten-free corn tortillas are the traditional choice.
2. 2. Fry the tortillas. Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil to shallow-fry the tortillas until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Fry the tortillas in batches to prevent them from sticking together and the oil from getting too cool.
3. 3. Cool the tortillas on paper towels. Transfer the freshly fried tostadas to a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. Using the wire rack set on a baking sheet allows the oil to drip from the tostadas and prevents sogginess.

Top your bean tostadas with fresh ingredients to cut through the richness, or make the dish even more filling with additional protein sources. Here are some popular tostada toppings:

1. 1. Cheese: Top bean tostadas with shredded cheddar cheese for a Tex-Mex feel, or use Mexican queso fresco for a tangy, creamy taste. Melted Oaxaca cheese (aka “Mexican string cheese”) is another fun option; simply top the beans with shredded queso Oaxaca and place it under the broiler until melted. Then add fresh toppings like cilantro.
2. 2. Guacamole: Mash ripe avocados, diced white or red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Spoon the guacamole on top of the tostadas or serve it on the side.
3. 3. Pickled jalapeños: To add a hint of spiciness and brightness to a bean tostada, top it with pickled japaleños. Add sliced jalapeños to a mixture of vinegar, salt, and spices, and let them sit in the liquid for at least four hours. Serve your pickled jalapeños on the side so diners can choose their heat level.
4. 4. Pico de gallo: A chunky mixture of tomatoes, onions, and fresh cilantro adds a bright and fresh element to a bean tostada. Learn how to make homemade pico de gallo.
5. 5. Seasoned meat: Use classic taco seasonings, like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, on ground beef, shredded chicken, or even jackfruit. The meaty element adds protein and a firm texture to the tostada.