Spicy tuna tostada are crunchy shells topped with a creamy avocado spread and tender, marinated ahi tuna. This easy tostada recipe is fresh, flavorful, and fast.
Looking for more ways to use sushi grade tuna? Try my Tuna Tartare Recipe and Tuna Poke Bowl next. If sushi grade salmon is more your thing, check out this Yuzu Salmon Poke Bowl instead.
This content contains affiliate links which helps WhisperofYum.com to provide free recipes. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for support of the blog, Whisper of Yum!
Tuna poke and the Mexican tostada collide to make this mouthwatering tuna tostada. This Mexican-Asian fusion is a low-effort, high-reward treat that works as a snack or lunch. With mashed avocado as the glue, these tostadas beautifully marry the fresh flavors of ahi tuna with the crunchy, savory goodness of a traditional tostada.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & Easy – If you can mix ingredients then you can make this recipe because there’s no cooking required. Mix, marinate, and spread. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
- Great Texture – The contrast of melt-in-your-mouth sushi-grade tuna, with luscious avocado spread and a crunchy tostada is so satisfying!
- Amazing Flavor – The ahi tuna is dressed in a umami-rich sauce punched up with Japanese red chili, onion, and citrus notes.
What is a Tostada?
A tostada is a crisp corn tortilla (either fried or toasted). Tostada is Spanish for “toasted.” It’s a sturdy base for a variety of toppings.
It’s like a flat taco. That’s probably because they were initially made as a way to repurpose leftover tortillas.
Tools You’ll Need
Ingredients You Will Need for Tuna Tostadas
Here is a breakdown of what you will need to make these spicy tuna tostadas. For actual measurements, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
Ahi Tuna
- Ahi tuna – Since we aren’t cooking the fish, use a high quality sushi grade tuna. Cut the tuna into ½-inch bite-size cubes.
- Kewpie mayo – This egg yolk based mayonnaise adds a creamy element to the tuna.
- Fresh lime juice – Add for zesty, bright taste.
- Togarashi – This Japanese chili pepper paste adds a spicy kick.
- Sesame oil – This adds a toasted, nutty essence to the tuna.
- Soy sauce – Add for rich umami flavor.
- Scallions – Finely chopped scallions add a mild onion flavor.
Avocado Spread
- Ripe avocado – This is the creamy base that allows the tuna to adhere to the tostada shell.
- Fresh lime juice – Add for a pop of citrus flavor.
- Serrano pepper – Finely chopped for a punch of heat.
- Garlic powder – This adds a savory taste.
- Kosher salt – Use Diamond Crystal to enhance the flavor.
- Sesame oil – Add for a hint of nutty flavor.
Garnishments and to Serve
- Mini tostadas – This is the crispy base for your toppings.
- Toasted sesame seeds – Sprinked on top to complement the sesame oil used for the tuna and avocado spread.
- Scallions – Thinly slice for a fresh, vibrant touch.
How To Make a Tuna Tostada
Below is a summary of how to make tuna tostadas. For a complete and detailed list of steps, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
Ahi
- Add mayo, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, green onion, togarashi, and scallions to a bowl. Mix well until sauce ingredients comes together.
2. Add cubed ahi tuna.
Then gently fold to mix well. Cover with cling wrap and transfer to the fridge until ready to serve.
Avocado
- Mash avocado in a small bowl until desired consistency is reached. Add remaining ingredients and fold until mixed well. Set aside.
Assemble
- Spread desired amount of avocado mixture onto mini tostado. Top with ahi mixture then garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Finally, enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Use high quality ingredients. This recipe is all about flavor and texture and subpar ingredients impact that. Go to a fish monger or seafood market for fresh sushi-grade ahi tuna. Also use ripe avocados and fresh limes.
- Cut the tuna into uniform, bite-sized cubes. This makes it easier to marinate and evenly distribute the dressing.
- Marinate. If time allows, marinate the tuna for about 30 minutes so the flavorfully fully infuses.
Storage
Only assemble as many ahi tuna tostadas as you plan to serve because these are best eaten immediately. You can store sushi grade tuna for up to 2 days. But if you bought it more than 24 hours before serving, it should be eaten immediately.
As with all seafood, if it looks discolored, smells funny, or has a slimy consistency, don’t chance it. Discard it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mexican tostada made of?
A traditional Mexican tostada is a crispy corn tortilla topped with refried beans, cheese, and sometimes meat. Traditional tostada toppings include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños.
Is a tostada a fried tortilla?
You can deep fry or bake a tortilla to make a tostada.
What is the difference between a tortilla and tostada?
A tortilla is a soft Mexican flatbread while a tostada is a crispy, fried or toasted corn tortilla.
Looking for More Delicious Tuna Recipes?
Loving this Tuna Tostada Recipe?
Everyone loves this recipe! Leave a comment below and share your love for this recipe on Instagram and Pinterest. We love to see you get down in the kitchen. Thank you for supporting Whisper of Yum and happy eating!
Tuna Tostada
Equipment
Ingredients
Ahi Tuna
- ½ pound ahi tuna, sushi grade, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2½ tablespoons Kewpie mayo
- ½ teaspoon fresh lime juice
- ¾ teaspoon togarashi
- ¾ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoons scallions, finely chopped
Avocado Spread
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- ¾ teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1½ teaspoons serrano pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, Diamond Crystal
- ¾ teaspoons sesame oil
Garnishments and to Serve
- 6 mini tostadas
- toasted sesame seeds
- scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
Ahi
- Add mayo, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, green onion, togarashi, and scallions to a bowl. Mix well until sauce ingredients comes together.
- Add cubed ahi tune and gently fold to mix well. Cover with cling wrap and transfer to the fridge until ready to serve
Avocado
- Mash avocado in a small bowl until desired consistency is reached. Add remaining ingredients and fold until mixed well. Set aside.
Assemble
- Spread desired amount of avocado mixture onto mini tostado. Top with ahi mixture then garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
