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December 10, 2024
If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you’ve probably had tostadas before. These delicious, crispy tortilla shells are perfect for piling on your favorite toppings and creating a flavorful meal. While you can certainly buy pre-made tostada shells at the store, making your own at home is not only cost-effective but also allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.
Creating the perfect tostada shell starts with choosing the right tortillas. While corn tortillas are traditionally used, you can also opt for flour tortillas if you prefer. To ensure a crispy texture, it’s best to use tortillas that are slightly stale. This allows them to hold their shape better during cooking.
The first step in cooking tostada shells is to heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, depending on the size of your skillet. You can use vegetable or canola oil, as both work well for frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully add a tortilla to the skillet using tongs or a spatula. Cook the tortilla for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
Step-by-step guide on making homemade tostada shells
Are you tired of store-bought tostada shells that lack freshness and flavor? Why not try making your own delicious homemade tostada shells? Follow this easy step-by-step guide to create crispy and tasty tostada shells right in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Gather your ingredients
To make homemade tostada shells, you will need the following ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt for seasoning
Step 2: Heat the oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to reach a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Step 3: Prepare the tortillas
While the oil is heating, stack the corn tortillas on a cutting board and use a knife or pizza cutter to trim off any uneven or ragged edges. This will ensure that your tostada shells cook evenly and have a uniform shape.
Step 4: Fry the tortillas
Carefully place one corn tortilla into the hot oil. Allow it to fry for about 30 seconds, then use metal tongs or a slotted spoon to flip it over. Fry the tortilla for another 30 seconds, or until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.
Step 5: Drain and season
Once the tortillas are fried to perfection, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to drain any excess oil. While they are still hot, sprinkle the tostada shells with a pinch of salt to add flavor.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Your homemade tostada shells are now ready to be used in your favorite recipes! Serve them immediately or store them in an airtight container for later use. These crispy shells are perfect for creating delicious tostadas, nachos, or even as a base for salads.
With this easy step-by-step guide, you can now make your own homemade tostada shells and enjoy their fresh and crispy goodness whenever you want. Start cooking and get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Ingredients needed for tostada shells
To make tostada shells, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Corn tortillas | 6 |
| Vegetable oil | 1 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start making your tostada shells. The corn tortillas will be the base of the shells, while the vegetable oil will be used for frying. Lastly, don’t forget to add salt to taste to enhance the flavor of the shells.
Preparing the dough for tostada shells
Homemade tostada shells are a delicious and versatile addition to any Mexican meal. Preparing the dough for tostada shells is a simple process that involves a few key ingredients and some mixing and shaping techniques.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare the dough for tostada shells:
- Gather your ingredients. You will need 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour), 1 ½ cups of warm water, and a pinch of salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt.
- Add the warm water to the bowl gradually, while stirring with a wooden spoon.
- Continue to mix the dough until it comes together and forms a smooth ball. If the dough feels dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined. The dough should be soft and pliable.
- Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place a ball of dough between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Use a tortilla press or a heavy object, such as a cast iron skillet, to flatten the dough into a thin round shape. Apply firm pressure to ensure that the dough is flattened evenly.
- Carefully peel off the plastic wrap or parchment paper from both sides of the flattened dough.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls.
Once you have prepared the dough for the tostada shells, they are ready to be cooked. You can fry them in hot oil until they are golden and crispy, or bake them in the oven for a healthier alternative. Either way, you will end up with delicious homemade tostada shells that you can top with your favorite ingredients and enjoy!
Shaping and frying the tostada shells
To make the tostada shells, you will need corn tortillas and cooking oil. Start by heating the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Take a corn tortilla and place it in the hot oil. Use a pair of tongs to hold it down in the center and shape it into a flat, round shell as it fries. Hold it in this shape for a few seconds until it starts to harden. Then, carefully flip the tortilla over using the tongs and continue frying until both sides are golden brown and crisp.
Once the tostada shell is cooked to your desired crispiness, carefully remove it from the frying pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas, making sure to shape and fry them one at a time for the best results.
Allow the tostada shells to cool slightly before serving. They can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container for later use. These homemade tostada shells are perfect for serving with your favorite toppings, such as refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.
Tips for serving and storing tostada shells
Once you have made your delicious tostada shells, it’s important to know how to serve and store them properly to ensure their freshness and crispness. Here are some tips to help you:
Serving:
1. Serve the tostada shells immediately after cooking. They are best enjoyed when they are still warm and crispy.
2. Arrange the tostada shells on a large serving platter or individual plates for easy access.
3. Provide a variety of toppings and fillings, such as refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa, so that everyone can build their own tostada according to their taste preferences.
Storing:
1. If you have leftover tostada shells, allow them to cool completely before storing them.
2. Place the cooled tostada shells in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to keep them fresh.
3. Store the tostada shells at room temperature in a cool and dry place.
4. Avoid storing the tostada shells in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make them lose their crispness.
5. Use the stored tostada shells within 1-2 days for best results.
By following these tips, you can serve and store your homemade tostada shells perfectly, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time!
Q&A
What are tostada shells?
Tostada shells are crispy tortillas that are typically made from corn or flour and are used as a base for various Mexican dishes.
What ingredients do I need to make tostada shells?
To make tostada shells, you will need corn or flour tortillas, vegetable oil, and salt (optional).
How do I make tostada shells without frying?
To make tostada shells without frying, you can bake them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), brush the tortillas with oil, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until they are crispy.
Can I use store-bought tostada shells instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought tostada shells if you don’t want to make them from scratch. They are easily available in most grocery stores and save you time and effort in the kitchen.