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How to Make Tostada Shells

3/16/2016

The Mexican dish called "tostadas" is formally known as "tostada compuesta" which literally translates to "toasted salad." Traditionally, a tostada is built on a deep-fried corn tortilla, but low-calorie tostada shells can also be baked or microwaved. The shell is used as a base for a small layered salad consisting of refried beans, guacamole, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sour cream, shredded lettuce and grated cheese. You can also include ground beef, pork or chicken.

EditSteps

EditTraditional Deep Fried Tostada Shells

  1. Fried tostadas are the most authentic, but also the most fattening. Traditionally, the tortilla is deep-fried in vegetable oil. This is considered the most authentic, and often tastiest way to prepare tostada shells, though if you are watching your calories you may wish to bake or microwave the tortilla.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 1.jpg
  2. Pour about of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 2.jpg
  3. Heat the oil. Test the heat by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the center of the skillet. If the tortilla immediately sizzles and fries, the oil is ready.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 3.jpg
  4. Pick up the corn tortilla with a pair of tongs and carefully place in the pan. The outer edges of the tortilla should bubble, as should the center. Always be careful of splattering oil.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 4.jpg
  5. Fry until the outer edges are golden-brown, then turn the tortilla over. Depending on your stove this may take 8 to 10 or up to 30 seconds for each side. A fully fried tostada should be a light to medium brown color.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 5.jpg
  6. Remove the tostada shells from the pan. Let the shells cool on a plate covered in an absorbent paper towel.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 6.jpg
  7. To keep tostadas warm, store in oven preheated to 250 degrees fahrenheit or 121 degrees celsius.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 7.jpg

EditBaked Tostada Shells

  1. Baked tostada shells are generally considered the low-calorie alternative to fried tostadas. However, many cooks consider them just as tasty.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 8.jpg
  2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit or 204 degrees celsius.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 9.jpg
  3. Brush both sides of a corn tortilla lightly with vegetable oil. Sprinkle with salt, chili powder or cayenne for extra taste.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 10.jpg
  4. Place tortilla on a baking sheet.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 11.jpg
  5. Repeat the process with additional tortillas. Usually you can fit about 4 to 6 tortillas per baking sheet.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 12.jpg
  6. Bake tortillas for 3 to 5 minutes on the first side, or until tortillas turn crispy, with light to medium golden-brown color.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 13.jpg
  7. Remove the sheet from the oven, turn the tostada shells over and repeat the process.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 14.jpg
  8. Optional: You can make your tostada shells in a bowl shape by baking them with their sides folded in a small spring form pans, weighted down with pastry molds.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 15.jpg

EditMicrowave Tostada Shells

  1. You can also make crispy but oil-free and extremely low-fat tostada shells in the microwave. This method may be tedious when making more than a few tostada shells.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 16.jpg
  2. Place 2 layers of paper towels on your microwave's cooking carousel. The paper towels soak up moisture and create a crunchy texture.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 17.jpg
  3. Layer several tortillas onto the carousel, directly onto the paper towels. Do not allow the edges of the tortillas to overlap.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 18.jpg
  4. Cover the tortillas with an additional layer of paper towels. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 19.jpg
  5. Open the microwave and remove the top layer of paper towels. Turn the tortillas over and place fresh paper towels on top. Microwave on high for 1 additional minute.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 20.jpg
  6. Optional: You may wish to microwave tostada toppings after you have baked or fried the shells.
    Make Tostada Shells Step 21.jpg
  7. Finished.
    Make Tostada Shells Final.jpg

EditTips

  • Sea salt, lemon salt, chili powder and cayenne can enhance the flavor of tostadas. If baking, add after applying vegetable oil, and if fried add after removing tostadas from fry pan.
  • Instead of tossing stale corn tortilla shells, make tostada shells out of them.
  • You can store your tostadas in a zip lock bag for several days and they will still be fresh.
  • Try grilling corn tortillas for delicious flavor.

EditWarnings

  • Hot oil has a tendency to splatter, so work gently when frying tostadas. Young children and inexperienced cooks should not fry tostadas unsupervised!
  • When baking tortillas in an oven, do not forget about them! The oil may catch fire when left in the oven for too long.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Vegetable oil
  • Corn tortillas
  • Frying pan
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Baking sheet
  • Additional seasoning, such as lemon salt, chili powder or cayenne (optional)

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Tostada-Shells