Shrimp and Guacamole Tostada

I don’t always make Mexican food at home, because Bryan’s families are from El Salvador. We can easily eat those similar tasty food from Bryan’s mom. But when I make “Mexican” food, they are usually not very authentic and very different. This tostada is the perfect example. When I saw this recipe in Bev Cooks, I hesitated for a moment. Tostada traditionally is fried and it definitely does not top with guacamole. Because of the beautiful looking pictures and tasty combination, I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be amazing. The tortilla was crispy and great with melting cheese. The guacamole was creamy. Shrimps were well seasoned and meaty. These tostadas are good as main dish and good to serve with salad or veggies.

Shrimp and Guacamole Tostada (Adapted from Bev Cooks)

2 servings

Ingredients:

–   ¾ pound shrimps (peeled and deveined)

–   2 avocados

–   6 corn tortillas

–   1 ½ cup grated medium cheddar cheese

–   ½ cup cilantro (chopped)

–   juice from ½ – 1 lime

–   2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

–   cooking spray or vegetable oil

Dry rub for the shrimps:

–       2 teaspoons smoked paprika

–       1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin

–       ¾ teaspoon garlic powder

–       ½ teaspoon chili powder

–       salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
2. With the avocados, cut in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh to a medium bowl. Squeeze the juice of ½ lime over the flesh. Smash the flesh with a fork until less chunky. Stir in the cilantro and salt. Taste and adjust with more salt and lime juice. When the flavor is to your liking, add a few more drops of lime juice. Set aside.
3. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the tortillas on the baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly coat both sides of the tortillas with cooking spray or vegetable oil. Bake in the oven for 6 minutes each side, 12 minutes total. Remove from oven and place the cheese over the tortillas. Return the tortillas to oven and cook for 4 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Meanwhile, pat dry the shrimps with paper towel and season with the dry rub. In a medium pan over medium high heat, heat up the extra virgin olive oil and sear the shrimps until pink and cook through. Remove from pan.
5. To assemble the tostada, place a tortilla on a serving plate and top with 2 heaping teaspoons of guacamole. Place a few shrimps on top of the guacamole. Repeat with the rest of the tortilla. Serve immediately.

Tips:

1. You can use any cheddar cheese you want. I found medium cheddar not too mild and not too strong, which goes well with the tostada.
2. Use more chili powder if you like spicy food.

Source: Read