Shredded Beef Tostadas with Chiles and Lime

Tender shredded beef chuck roast marinated in citrus juices and spices, served on crispy tostadas with fresh toppings. These Mexican-style tostadas are layered with black bean spread and topped with a zesty beef salad featuring radishes, chiles, and fresh herbs.

8 servings
3 hr 45 min

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 piece beef chuck roast
  • 1 medium white onion
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • ½ teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 medium white onion
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • 8 large radishes
  • 6 whole serrano chiles
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup fresh chives
  • 16 pieces corn tortillas
  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • cups Creamy Black Bean Spread
  • to taste toppings
  • 1 piece candy thermometer

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Fill a large pot with 12 cups water; stir in 6 Tbsp. salt. Add beef, onion, garlic, peppercorns, cumin, and cloves. Bring to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until beef shreds easily with a fork, 1 1/2-2 hours. Drain, then transfer to a large bowl and let cool. Using 2 forks or your fingers, coarsely shred beef. Season with salt.

    120 min

  2. 2.

    Add onion, lime juice, pineapple juice, and oregano to beef mixture and mix well. Season with salt. Let sit at least 1 hour at room temperature or chill up to 1 day. Stir in radishes, chiles, cilantro, and chives just before using.

    60 min

  3. 3.

    If frying tortillas, fit a large skillet with candy or deep-fry thermometer; pour in oil to measure 1". Heat over medium-high until thermometer registers 375°F. Fry tortillas in batches until crispy, turning every 30 seconds, about 2 minutes total. Drain on paper towel-lined baking sheets and season with salt.

    30 min

  4. 4.

    Spread 1 Tbsp. Creamy Black Bean Spread on a tostada shell. Top with 1/4 cup beef salad, then lettuce, Quick Pickled Onions, radishes, avocado, crema, queso fresco, and salsa. Repeat with remaining tostada shells. Serve at room temperature.

    15 min

  5. 5.

    Beef salad can be chilled for up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature and stir in radishes, chiles, cilantro, and chives just before using.