Description
These Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Creamy Avocado offer a delicious, fresh twist on a classic Mexican dish. Marinated shrimp grilled to perfection are paired with a smooth, tangy avocado sauce, crisp lettuce, and vibrant toppings all piled onto crunchy tostada shells for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Avocado Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water, as needed, to thin the sauce
Assembly
- 6 small tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine ripe avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water gradually to reach a creamy but pourable consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Grill the Shrimp: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers or place directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through.
- Assemble the Tostadas: Place the tostada shells on a serving platter. Start by layering shredded lettuce or cabbage on each shell, then add a few grilled shrimp on top.
- Add the Toppings: Spoon a generous amount of the creamy avocado sauce over the shrimp. Garnish with thinly sliced red onion, diced tomato, and fresh chopped cilantro to add color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the tostadas immediately with lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their tostadas, enhancing the bright, zesty flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- If you don’t have a grill, shrimp can be cooked in a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop.
- To make homemade tostada shells, bake corn tortillas in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes until crisp.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the spice level.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the shrimp marinade.
