Sizzling Lamb Tostadas: A Feast for the Senses

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 8 small corn tostadas
  • 1 cup of shredded lettuce
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup of crumbled queso fresco
  • 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the lamb shoulder chunks with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the lamb to the pan and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeno. Cook until the onion is translucent.
  5. Add the ground cumin and dried oregano to the pan and stir to combine.
  6. Add the browned lamb back into the pan and stir well to combine with the spices and vegetables.
  7. Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the pan and stir to combine.
  8. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender.
  9. Once the lamb is tender, use a fork to shred it into smaller pieces.
  10. Heat the tostadas in the oven or on a griddle until crisp.
  11. To assemble the tostadas, spread a layer of the lamb and bean mixture on each tostada.
  12. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and fresh cilantro leaves.
  13. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top of the tostadas.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - to chop and prepare the ingredients
  • Knife - for cutting the lamb and chopping vegetables
  • Large pan - for cooking the lamb and vegetables
  • Spatula - for stirring and flipping the lamb
  • Fork - to shred the cooked lamb
  • Oven or griddle - to heat the tostadas until crisp
  • Tongs - for handling the hot tostadas
  • Lime squeezer - to extract juice from lime wedges

Recipe variations

  • Use flour tortillas instead of corn tostadas for a softer base.
  • Substitute the lamb with shredded chicken or beef.
  • Add diced tomatoes or salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Include sliced bell peppers or roasted poblanos for added texture and color.
  • Replace the black beans with refried beans or pinto beans.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a creamy element.
  • Sprinkle some shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, on the tostadas before baking for a cheesy twist.
  • Add some heat with a sprinkle of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
  • For a vegetarian option, skip the meat altogether and double up on the beans or use roasted vegetables as a filling.
  • Top with pickled onions or pickled jalapenos for a tangy kick.

Recipe overview

This Lamb Tostadas recipe offers a delicious and satisfying twist on a classic Mexican dish. Tender, spiced lamb is slow-cooked with black beans, then generously layered onto crispy tostadas and topped with fresh lettuce, creamy avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and vibrant cilantro leaves. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors and textures - from the richness of the lamb and the crunch of the tostada, to the freshness of the vegetables. A squeeze of lime juice just before eating adds a tangy brightness that brings everything together. Perfect for a casual dinner or a lively fiesta, these tostadas are sure to impress. Just follow the simple step-by-step instructions and you'll have a flavorful feast in no time!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of lamb?
    Yes, you can use a different cut of lamb such as lamb leg or lamb chops. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
  2. Can I use canned black beans instead of dried ones?
    Yes, you can use canned black beans as a time-saving alternative. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the recipe.
  3. Can I make the tostadas ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the tostadas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. However, it's best to assemble the toppings and the lamb mixture just before serving to maintain their freshness.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Certainly! You can omit the lamb and replace it with your favorite vegetarian protein substitute such as tofu or tempeh. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  5. Can I add other toppings to the tostadas?
    Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Some popular additions include diced tomatoes, sliced radishes, sour cream, or hot sauce.
  6. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tostadas?
    While corn tostadas provide an authentic flavor and crisp texture, you can use flour tortillas if desired. Just toast them in the oven or on a griddle until they are crisp.
  7. Can I make this recipe spicy?
    Yes, if you prefer a spicier flavor, you can leave the seeds in the jalapeno pepper or add some hot sauce or chili flakes to the lamb mixture.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - For cooking the lamb and sautéing the onions, garlic, and jalapeno.
  • Fork - To shred the cooked lamb into smaller pieces.
  • Oven or griddle - For heating the tostadas until crisp.
  • Knife - For chopping the onion, garlic, and jalapeno, as well as slicing the avocado.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Spatula - For stirring and flipping the lamb and bean mixture.
  • Citrus juicer - Optional, for juicing the lime wedges.
  • Serve ware - Plates or platters for serving the assembled tostadas.

Origin stories

In the vibrant streets of Mexico, the birthplace of the tostada, this dish is considered a delightful way to repurpose stale tortillas. Instead of being discarded, the stale tortillas are deep-fried or toasted, giving them a new lease on life as a savory, crunchy base for a variety of toppings. It's a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of traditional Mexican cooking. When it comes to toppings, there are no strict rules, hence the introduction of lamb as a topping is a delightful fusion that pairs the rich, gamey flavors of lamb with the fresh, vibrant flavors of traditional tostada garnishes. It's a flavorful dance between the old and the new, the traditional and the innovative, much like Mexico itself.

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.