Description

These spicy tostadas feature a crispy corn tortilla base topped with flavorful ingredients like refried beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy quick-pickled onions, and the standout addition of King Oscar’s Brisling Sardines with Hot Jalapeño Peppers. A quick and simple recipe that’s ready in just 25 minutes, these tostadas bring a delightful fusion of heat and freshness to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup olive or avocado oil (for frying the tortillas, or skip if using ready-made tostada shells)
4 corn tortillas
1 can King Oscar’s Brisling Sardines with Hot Jalapeño Peppers (drained)
4 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (preferably mandolin-sliced)
1 lime, juiced (for quick pickling the onions)
1/2 of a 16 oz can of refried beans (pinto or black beans, your choice)
4 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Optional substitutions:

For a dairy-free option, replace cotija cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Swap out sardines for grilled chicken or tofu if you prefer a different protein.

Instructions

Step 1: Quick Pickling the Onions

Place the thinly sliced onions in a small bowl and squeeze the lime juice over them. Toss to coat and set aside for a quick pickle. The acidity from the lime gives the onions a tangy flavor, perfect for topping your tostadas.

Step 2: Frying the Corn Tortillas

Heat the olive or avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to submerge the tortilla, usually about 1/2 cup. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the corn tortilla in with tongs and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set the tortillas on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Preparing the Toppings

Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat and warm the refried beans until smooth. Spread a generous layer of beans over each crispy tortilla, being careful not to crack them.

Step 4: Assembling the Tostadas

Now for the fun part! Top the bean-covered tortillas with sardines, quartered cherry tomatoes, quick-pickled onions, and crumbled cotija cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes elevate the flavor of this dish.
Try different proteins: If sardines aren’t your favorite, substitute with grilled shrimp, chicken, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Adjust the spice: If you love spice, add more jalapeño slices or drizzle with hot sauce