Authentic Mexican Pork Tostadas: A Delicious Journey To Mexico

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of boneless pork shoulder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1 can of refried beans
  • 8 tostada shells
  • 2 cups of shredded lettuce
  • 1 diced tomato
  • 1 diced avocado
  • 1 cup of shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the pork to the pan and sear on all sides until it's browned.
  4. Add the onions and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onions are translucent.
  5. Add the cumin and chili powder to the pan and stir to coat the pork and onions.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
  7. While the pork is cooking, prepare the tostada shells according to the package instructions.
  8. Once the pork is ready, shred it with a fork and set it aside.
  9. Spread a layer of refried beans on each tostada shell.
  10. Top the beans with the shredded pork, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and shredded cheese.
  11. Dollop some sour cream on each tostada and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  12. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Cutting Board - To chop and prepare ingredients
  • Knife - For slicing and dicing
  • Large Pan - To sear and cook the pork
  • Spatula - For flipping and stirring ingredients in the pan
  • Fork - To shred the cooked pork
  • Tongs - For handling the tostada shells
  • Can Opener - To open the can of refried beans
  • Measuring Spoons - For accurate measurement of salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder
  • Serving Plates - To present and serve the tostadas
  • Grater - For shredding cheese, if not using pre-shredded cheese

Recipe variations

  • Use a different protein such as chicken or beef instead of pork.
  • Instead of tostada shells, try using corn tortillas and baking them until crispy.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the pork with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
  • Add a spicy kick by including diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
  • Experiment with different toppings such as sliced radishes, pickled onions, or fresh salsa.
  • For a healthier twist, use whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of tostada shells.
  • Try different cheeses like queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Include a side of Mexican rice or black beans to make it a more complete meal.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas or lettuce wraps.

Recipe overview

This Pork Tostadas recipe is a tasty and satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. It features tender, flavorful pork that's seasoned with cumin and chili powder, then simmered until it's easy to shred. The pork is piled onto crispy tostada shells with refried beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and sour cream. Each bite delivers a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. Expect a little bit of prep work, but the result is a scrumptious, crowd-pleasing dish that's well worth the effort! Enjoy these Pork Tostadas with your favorite salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick. Happy cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
    Yes, you can use a different cut of pork such as pork tenderloin or pork loin, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
  2. Can I use store-bought tostada shells?
    Absolutely! Store-bought tostada shells work just fine for this recipe.
  3. Can I make the shredded pork ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the shredded pork ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before assembling the tostadas.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the pork and using seasoned black beans or grilled vegetables as a topping.
  5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tostada shells and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  6. Can I add other toppings?
    Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings such as salsa, hot sauce, sliced jalapenos, or pickled onions.
  7. Can I adjust the spice level?
    Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder according to your preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for slicing and dicing ingredients.
  • Large pan - Used for searing the pork and sautéing onions and garlic.
  • Fork - Used for shredding the cooked pork.
  • Tongs - Helpful for handling the tostada shells while cooking.
  • Spatula - Used for spreading refried beans on the tostada shells.
  • Grater - For shredding the cheese.
  • Bowls - Used for serving and portioning out toppings.
  • Serving platter - For arranging and presenting the finished tostadas.
  • Napkins - Essential for messy fingers while enjoying the tostadas.

Origin stories

Tostadas, a staple in Mexican cuisine, got their name from the Spanish word "tostar" which means "to toast". This fittingly describes the preparation of the corn tortilla, which is toasted until crisp. Tostadas were born out of the practical and waste-not ethos of Mexican kitchens, where yesterday's tortillas were repurposed into today's tostadas. The dish is traditionally topped with refried beans and other ingredients like lettuce, cheese, and meat, resulting in a delightfully crunchy and flavorful meal. Over time, various regions in Mexico have added their own spin, crowning the tostada with locally available ingredients, including the succulent pork in our recipe. So when you're crunching into a tostada, you're not just enjoying a delicious meal, but also participating in a tradition of culinary ingenuity and sustainability.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.