Variation
Swap shrimp for blackened tilapia or sea bass.
Dinner · Seafood · Main Course · Mexican-American
Spicy Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado Crema
Elevate your summer menu with Spicy Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado Crema. These crunchy tortillas feature succulent chili-lime shrimp and a velvety sauce for the ultimate easy dinner.
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Shrimp Prep
- 1
Seasoning
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Toss in a bowl with oil and all spices until evenly coated.
Tip: Dry shrimp absorb spices better and won't steam in the pan.
The Crema
- 1
Blending
Combine avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until completely smooth.
Tip: Add a teaspoon of water if the sauce is too thick to drizzle.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado Crema
Total time: 25 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Sear the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
- 2
Prep the Slaw
In a small bowl, toss the shredded cabbage with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt. This breaks down the fibers, making various textures more cohesive.
- 3
Layer the Base
Spread a generous tablespoon of the avocado crema onto each tostada shell. This acts as the 'glue' for the cabbage and shrimp.
- 4
Add Greenery
Place a handful of the seasoned cabbage slaw over the crema. Top with 3 to 4 spicy shrimp per tostada.
- 5
Garnish and Serve
Finish the tostadas with sliced radishes, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, and extra cilantro leaves. Drizzle any remaining crema over the top for a final flourish.
Chef's Tips
- To make your own tostada shells, bake corn tortillas at 200C for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp.
- Ensure your avocado is very ripe for the smoothest crema texture.
- If you prefer less heat, swap the chipotle powder for extra smoked paprika.
- Serve immediately to prevent the shells from becoming soggy from the crema.
What to Serve with Spicy Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado Crema
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Serve 2 tostadas per person for a main course.
- Arrange on a large platter for a 'build-your-own' style party meal.
- Garnish with extra lime wedges on the side.
Recipe Variations
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Variation
Add charred corn salsa for extra sweetness.
Variation
Use pickled red onions instead of radishes for a tangy bite.
Variation
Make it vegan by using chickpeas and coconut-based yogurt for the crema.
Storage & Reheating
Store shrimp and crema in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in a skillet for 1 minute or eat cold. Do not freeze the assembled tostadas.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure they sear properly.
How do I stop the tostadas from breaking?
The key is to use a thick layer of crema to cushion the toppings and avoid using too much liquid in your slaw.
Is avocado crema the same as guacamole?
No, avocado crema includes a dairy component like sour cream or yogurt, which makes it smoother and easier to drizzle than guacamole.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the crema and the slaw up to 4 hours in advance, but cook the shrimp right before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of Cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is an excellent substitute as it provides a similar salty and crumbly texture.
You might also love
Browse all recipes
Salad · Lunch · Summer
Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad with Honey
20 min4.9
Dinner · Seafood · Grilling
Honey Garlic Grilled Salmon with Pineapple
20 min4.9
Salad · Grill · Vegetarian
Grilled Halloumi and Watermelon Salad
15 min4.6
Dessert · Frozen Treats
Raspberry Pistachio Semifreddo with Honey Drizzle
40 min4.8
Appetizer · Side Dish
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
25 min5
Appetizer · Seafood · Low Carb
Chilled Coconut Lime Shrimp Skewers
26 min4.6
Explore more from TastyFood
Looking for something different? Browse by category.