Ahi Tuna Tostada

This Ahi Tuna Tostada recipe is a perfect light and flavorful meal.  Featuring blackened seared ahi tuna, mashed avocado with lime juice, pico de gallo, and a creamy Greek Yogurt Chipolte Sauce on a crispy corn tortilla tostada shell, this unexpected Mexican meal is healthy and surprisingly delicious.

Love tuna? Also, try my Ahi Tuna Tacos.

Ahi Tuna Tostada

This Ahi Tuna Tostada is an unexpected treat.  Featuring perfectly seared rare ahi tuna and fun other Mexican favorites like mashed avocado with lime and pico de gallo this surprising combination of flavors is beyond tasty on a crispy corn tortilla tostada shell.  It's all topped with my crazy simple Greek Yogurt Chipolte Sauce which makes all of the flavors pop.

The tender tuna is seasoned with my Homemade Blackening Seasoning and pairs perfectly with the Mexican flavors.  You'll love the crunch of the tostada shell with the other savory ingredients.

This meal might look gourmet, but you'll be surprised that it all comes together in around 20 minutes, with easy-to-find ingredients.  Serve this as lunch or dinner for a memorable meal everyone will be asking for again.

 

Is a tostada just a flat taco?

If you aren't familiar with the tostada, it's kind of like a flat taco with a crunchy corn tortilla shell.  They look like flat tacos.  Tostada means toasted and refers to the crispy shell.  They are opened-faced and topped with ingredients like taco-like meat, beans, and toppings like salsa or guacamole.

Tostadas kind of taste like corn tortilla chips.

You can fry or bake your own tostada shell from fresh tortillas or most grocery stores sell already made ones in the Mexican section of the grocery store.  They look like this.

 

Looking for tacos?  Try my Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos with Mango Salsa, Mahi Mahi Tacos with Chipolte Lime Slaw & Blackened Shrimp Tacos.

 

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Why You'll Love this Ahi Tuna Tostada...

• You'll love this Ahi Tuna Tostada because it's a fun and creative meal that's healthy!
• The combination of flavors is unexpected and SO delish.
• It's a fun way to serve seared tuna.
• It looks fancy, but it is simple to make in around 20 minutes.
• It's a fabulous Pescatarian meal.
• You can customize the tostada with your favorite Mexican toppings.

 

Are tostadas healthy?

Tostadas can be a healthy meal depending on your toppings!  The shells are usually fried, but if you are really watching your weight you can bake them.  The toppings on this Ahi Tuna Tostada are all fresh and healthy like tuna, avocado, tomato, cilantro, and cabbage.  This is also high in protein.  This is a wonderful twist on a healthy dinner at home.

 

Ingredients:

Here's an overview of what you'll need to make Ahi Tuna Tostada, but keep reading the full ingredient list and printable recipe.

For the Seared Ahi Tuna:

• Ahi Tuna Steaks: Ahi Tuna is a lot easier to find than it used to be.  Look for "sushi-grade" ahi tuna or yellowfin tuna.  It should be at our seafood counter or in the frozen section of the grocery store.  Most tuna is flash-frozen on the fishing boast to kill parasites and prevent disease, so don't be afraid to buy frozen tuna.  If you do buy frozen, thaw it out in the fridge overnight.
• Blackening Seasoning: Instead of doing more traditional Asian flavors like soy sauce with the tuna, I like to put blackening seasoning on it.  I make my own Homemade Blackening Seasoning which is a combination of smoked paprika, onion, garlic, cumin, cayenne, and oregano.  You can also use Mexican Seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Any nice cooking oil will work to sear the tuna.
• Salt and Black Pepper

 

For the Pico de Gallo:

• Tomato: I like using one Roma tomato for this small batch of pico de Gallo recipe.  Dice it for the best result.
• Red Onion: Red onion gives fresh pico de Gallo a bite and is the perfect addition.
• Cilantro: You'll need fresh cilantro and not dried.
• Lime: Freshly squeezed lime is another must! Between this and the rest of the recipe, you'll need two limes.  Use half of this lime for the pico de Gallo and save the other half for your mashed avocado.
• Salt

 

For the Greek Yogurt Chipolte Lime Sauce:

• Plain Greek Yogurt: Look for plain greek yogurt.  You can use low fat or full fat depending on your diet.  You can also sub mayo or sour cream.
• Lime: Use one-half of the lime for the sauce and cut the rest into lime wedges to serve with the tostadas as garnish.
• Chipolte in Adobo Sauce: You'll find this little jar of chilies in the Mexican, Hispanic, or Spanish section of your grocery store.  Remove the dark red peppers and there is a red sauce or juice they are sitting in.  That sauce is what you need to make the sauce.  Start with just a little and add more to taste because it can be powerful and spicy.  It has a rich smoky flavor.  Find it online here.

 

For the Tostadas:

• Tostada Shells: Store-bought tostada shells are found near the tortillas in your grocery store.  I use the pre-made ones, but you can make your own.  Follow my directions below to either bake or fry them fresh from corn tortilla shells.
• Avocado: Use freshly mashed avocado as the base for the tostada.  Squeeze lime on top.
• Purple Cabbage:  I love adding some fresh purple cabbage for crunch and color.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper

Instructions:

Here's an overview on how to make Ahi Tuna Tostadas, but keep scrolling for full details and a printable recipe.

 

How to Sear the Tuna:

1. Start with thawed ahi tuna.  Pat the ahi tuna with paper towels to make sure it's dry enough to sear.
2. Prepare the tuna by sprinkling it with salt, pepper, and blackening seasoning.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add two teaspoons of olive oil.  The pan will need to be hot.
4. When the oil is hot, place the tuna steaks in the pan.  Leave them alone.  Sear the ahi tuna steaks for 30 seconds to 2 minutes on the first side.  Flip and repeat.  My preference is to just barely cook the tuna, leaving it seared on the outside and raw on the inside.  That will just take about 30 seconds or less.
5. You can also use your tongs to sear the sides.
6. Remove the ahi tuna from the pan and place it on a cutting board to cool for 2 minutes.
7. Slice into thin slices for the ahi tuna tostadas.

 

Tuna Sear Times:

Burner temperatures can vary, so use your best judgment on sear times but here's a good starting place.

• Blue Rare: 15 Seconds
• Rare: 30 Seconds
• Medium: 1 Minute
• Well-Done: 2 Minutes

 

For the Pico de Gallo:

• In a small bowl, toss together the tomato, onion, cilantro, and half of the lime.
• Save the other half of the lime to squeeze on the avocado.
• Salt to taste.

 

For the Greek Yogurt Chipotle Lime Sauce:

• In a small mixing bowl, measure out the greek yogurt.
• Spoon out the chipotle sauce by pushing the peppers to the side of the jar.
• Start with less chipotle sauce and add more to state.  It can be spicy.
• Add a squeeze of the lime.  Cut the rest into wedges to use as a garnish.

 

To Assemble the Tostadas:

• Warm the shells according to package instructions.
• Carefully dive and mash the avocado on the shells.  Sprinkle on salt and use a few drops of the lime to season it.
• Place the sliced seared ahi tuna on top of the avocado.
• Sprinkle with the pico de gallo.
• Drizzle the greek yogurt chipotle lime sauce on top.
• Serve immediately.

 

Variations

• Shortcuts: Use prepared pico de Gallo or prepared taco sauce to save time.
• Mix of the Salsa: I used pico de Gallo but you can use any salsa including my Homemade Salsa or a fruit salsa like Mango Salsa, Pineapple Salsa, or Peach Salsa.
• Make it with Canned Tuna:  For a super simple meal, use canned tuna!  Just drain the tuna and mix it with salt, pepper, and lime.  Assemble the tuna tostada the same way.  It's a totally different taste, but still a yummy meal.
• Mix Up the Toppings: Any of your favorite taco toppings can work with this including cheese - cotija cheese is delish-  or slaw.  Try my Greek Yogurt Chipolte Lime Slaw for a different twist.
• Mix Up the Sauce:  Use any Mexican-inspired sauce.  Try my Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing or Greek Yogurt Chipotle Lime Ranch Dressing.
• Make it Spicy:  Add your favorite hot sauce or chopped jalapenos.

 

FAQ

Do you heat store-bought tostadas?

If you want to heat up your store-bought tostada shells, pop them in a 350-degree oven for 2-3 minutes.

 

Can I cook my own tostadas?

You can make your own tostada shells by baking or frying them.  Start with corn tortillas.  To bake them put them on a baking sheet and spray them with olive oil.  Bake them at 350 degrees for 4-6 minutes on each side until crispy.  To fry them put a thin layer of oil in a skillet and raise the temperature to around 350 degrees.  Use tongs to carefully fry the corn tortilla in the oil.  It will take around 30 seconds a side.

 

Can I make these ahead of time?

If you need to prepare these ahead of time, I'd make all of the components and store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just assemble the tuna tostada.  Once assembled on the tostada, the tostada shell will keep soggy much like tortilla chips.

 

How do I store leftovers?

Store any unassembled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

These Ahi Tuna Tostadas are a Tasty Dinner Idea!

These Ahi Tuna Tostadas are such a fun, unique and creative dinner idea.  If you are in a rut, break out of it with this fun idea.  This tasty and fulfilling dinner is BIG on taste, crunch, and flavor. Everyone will be asking for seconds.

Feel free to customize the recipe to match your favorite toppings too.

As always, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below.

 

Make it Meal:

• Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
• Chips and Homemade Guacamole or Black Bean Dip
• Black Bean Salad
• Pineapple Avocado Salad
• Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
• Easy Black Beans and Rice
• Vegetarian Taco Salad

 

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More Healthy Mexican Recipes to Love:

• Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
• Ahi Tuna Tacos with Mango Salsa
• Chipotle Lime Mahi Mahi Tacos
• Lentil Quinoa Tacos
• Black Bean and Sweet Potato Vegetarian Tacos
• Shrimp Lettuce Tacos 
• Sweet Potato Stuffed Taco
• Taco Stuffed Mushroom
• Crock Pot Vegetarian Taco Soup

 

If you make this Ahi Tuna Tostada recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!

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