Why You’ll Love Irresistible Crispy Shrimp Tostadas Recipe
This recipe brings together bold Mexican-inspired flavors with an irresistible mix of textures. The crispy tortillas contrast beautifully with tender shrimp and crunchy slaw, while the creamy avocado and tangy dressing tie everything together. It’s easy to prepare, fun to assemble, and ideal for serving family-style so everyone can customize their own tostadas.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 small corn or flour tortillas (about 4.5 inches)
16 oz medium raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and thawed
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cups rainbow vegetable slaw
1 cup corn kernels
½ cup mayonnaise
¾ cup salsa verde
½ tsp additional salt for slaw dressing
1 ripe avocado
1 tbsp lime juice
Optional: sliced jalapeño and fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on the baking sheets and bake for about 8 minutes. Flip them over and bake for another 8 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool.
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and onion powder until evenly coated.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable slaw and corn kernels. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, salsa verde, and additional salt. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat, reserving a small amount of dressing for topping.
Mash the avocado with lime juice and a pinch of salt to make a quick avocado mash.
To assemble, spread a layer of slaw on each crispy tortilla. Top with about three shrimp, add a spoonful of avocado mash, and finish with extra dressing. Garnish with jalapeño slices and fresh cilantro if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: about 12 tostadas
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 60 minutes
Storage/Reheating
For best results, store each component separately. Cooked shrimp can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The slaw and dressing should also be refrigerated in separate containers. Tortillas are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one day. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, and warm tortillas briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
FAQs
What kind of tortillas should I use?
Corn tortillas are traditional and provide the best crunch, but small flour tortillas work well if you prefer a softer bite.
Can I fry the tortillas instead of baking them?
Yes, you can shallow-fry the tortillas in oil for extra crispiness, though baking is a lighter and less messy option.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns pink and opaque and feels firm, usually after about 3 minutes per side.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
What can I substitute for salsa verde?
You can use salsa roja, pico de gallo, or even a mild green salsa depending on your taste preference.
How can I make this less spicy?
Use mild salsa verde and skip the jalapeño garnish to reduce heat.
Can I add cheese to the tostadas?
Yes, crumbled cotija or queso fresco adds a delicious salty finish.
Is there a way to make this ahead?
You can prepare the slaw, dressing, and shrimp ahead of time, but assemble the tostadas just before serving to keep them crisp.
What else goes well with crispy shrimp tostadas?
They pair well with black beans, Mexican rice, or a simple side salad.
Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying?
Yes, grilling the shrimp adds a smoky flavor and works beautifully with this recipe.
Conclusion
These crispy shrimp tostadas are a vibrant, satisfying dish that combines crunch, freshness, and bold seasoning in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for both relaxed family meals and festive gatherings, and are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
