Ahi Tuna Tostada Recipe (Contramar)

This Tuna Tostada Recipe is made by marinating tuna with soy sauce and orange juice, topping on a fried tortilla as well as fried leeks.

When I went to Mexico City and tried Contramar Tuna Tostadas for the first time, I couldn't believe it. Tuna tostadas are a tasty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by almost anyone. The combination of fresh ingredients, spices, and the tangy crunch of the tostada makes for a mouth-watering meal. Tuna is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Tostadas can also be made with whole-grain tortillas, which provide fiber and other important nutrients.

Tuna tostadas are a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in just a few minutes. Simply cook the tuna, chop the veggies, and assemble the tostadas. It's a great option for busy weeknights or when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Tuna tostadas can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add or remove ingredients as you like, and experiment with different spices and seasonings to create a unique flavor profile.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Salmon Sashimi or my Crispy Sushi Rice.

What is a Tuna Tostada?

A tuna tostada is a Mexican dish made with a crispy fried or baked corn tortilla, topped with seasoned tuna, and a variety of toppings such as avocado, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce. The tuna is usually marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, and other seasonings to give it a flavorful taste. The dish is often served as an appetizer or light meal, and is popular in coastal regions of Mexico and in Mexican cuisine worldwide. Tuna tostadas are a great way to enjoy fresh seafood in a delicious and healthy way.

What is Contramar?

Contramar is a famous seafood restaurant located in the heart of Mexico City, Mexico. The restaurant is known for its innovative seafood dishes and a lively atmosphere. It was opened in 1998 by chefs Gabriela Cámara and Pablo Bueno, and quickly became a popular dining destination for locals and tourists alike. Contramar's menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including ceviche, fish tacos, and their famous tuna tostadas, which are often imitated by other restaurants. The restaurant's interior is decorated with colorful murals and has a vibrant, festive atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for celebrations and special occasions.

Why you will love this recipe

There are several reasons why tuna tostadas are so great:

• Flavorful: Tuna tostadas are packed with flavor. The tuna is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, and other seasonings, giving it a delicious umami taste. The toppings, such as avocado, onion, and cilantro, add additional flavors and textures to the dish.
• Healthy: Tuna is a nutritious fish that is high in protein and low in fat. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Tuna tostadas are a great way to enjoy fresh seafood in a healthy and delicious way.
• Easy to make: Tuna tostadas are easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. The tostadas can be baked or fried, and the toppings can be customized to suit your taste.
• Versatile: Tuna tostadas can be served as an appetizer, a light meal, or even as a main course. They are also great for entertaining, as they can be made ahead of time and assembled just before serving.

Tuna Tostada Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Leek
• Sunflower oil
• Tortillas
• Sushi-grade Tuna
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Orange juice
• Mayonnaise
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo
• Avocado
• Salt
• Limes

See recipe card for quantities for this Tuna Tostada Recipe.

How to make Tuna Tostada Recipe

Make the chipotle aioli: In a mortar and pestle or a blender, add the chipotles and crush until smooth. Add some lime juice to help crush the chipotles. Once they are crushed, add the mayonnaise and stir

Fry the leeks. In a deep pan, add the oil and wait for it to heat up. The temperature should read 300°F with a candy thermometer. Fry the leeks, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon until they start to brown and get crispy, about 2-5 minutes. Watch closely. Use a slotted spoon to remove the leeks from the oil. Add them on a plate lined with paper towel. Fry the tortillas. Bring the oil to 350°F. Fry the tortillas about 2 minutes on each side, until they are crispy. Add the tortilla on another plate lined with paper towel. 

Marinate the tuna. While the tortillas and leeks cool, add the tuna into a bowl, along with the olive oil, soy sauce, and orange juice. Let this marinate for 5 minutes. 

Assemble the tostadas. Grab a tostada and spread the chipotle aioli over it. Top with marinated tuna, fried leeks and sliced avocado. Serve with lime wedges. 

Hint: Make sure the hat is high when frying the leeks and the tortillas.

Are tostadas healthy?

Tostadas can be a healthy food option depending on the ingredients and preparation methods used.

• Tostada shells: Tostada shells are traditionally made from corn tortillas, which are a good source of fiber and lower in calories compared to flour tortillas. However, tostadas that are deep-fried can be high in calories and fat. Baked or air-fried tostadas are a healthier alternative.
• Toppings: Tostadas can be topped with a variety of healthy ingredients such as fresh vegetables, beans, avocado, and lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish. However, some toppings like sour cream, cheese, and high-fat meats can add excess calories and saturated fat.
• Portion size: The size of a tostada can greatly impact its overall healthiness. A smaller tostada with lean protein and healthy toppings can be a healthy meal, while a larger tostada with excess toppings and a deep-fried shell can be high in calories and unhealthy.

Substitutions

Here are some ingredient substitutions you can use to make tuna tostadas:

• Tuna: If you don't have or don't like tuna, you can substitute it with other types of fish such as salmon, halibut, or shrimp.
• Avocado: If you don't have avocado, you can use guacamole or mashed cooked peas instead.
• Orange juice: If you don't have orange juice, you can use lime juice or lemon juice instead.
• Mayonnaise: If you don't like mayonnaise, you can use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream instead.

Tuna Tostada Recipe Variations

• Spicy Tuna Tostada: Add some heat to your tostadas by adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to your tuna marinade, or by topping your tostada with sliced chili peppers.
• Mango Tuna Tostada: Mix diced mango with the tuna marinade for a sweet and tangy flavor, and top your tostada with mango salsa.
• Asian-inspired Tuna Tostada: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger to your tuna marinade, and top your tostada with sliced cucumbers and pickled ginger.
• Greek-inspired Tuna Tostada: Top your tostada with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, and drizzle with a lemon-olive oil dressing.
• Avocado Tuna Tostada: Mash ripe avocados with lime juice and salt to make a creamy topping for your tostada, and add diced tomatoes and red onions for extra flavor and texture.
• Ceviche Tuna Tostada: Use fresh, raw tuna marinated in lime juice and mixed with diced onions, tomatoes, and cilantro for a refreshing and flavorful ceviche-style tostada.

Check out this Tuna Tartare with Avocado.

Equipment

• Chef's knife: You will need a sharp knife to cut the vegetables, tuna, and toppings.
• Cutting board: You will need a cutting board to chop and prep your ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: You will need a mixing bowl to prepare the tuna marinade.
• Tongs: You will need tongs to flip and toast the tortillas.
• Skillet or griddle: You can use a skillet or griddle to toast the tortillas on the stove. I love using my Caraway pots, pans and baking sheets for best quality.
• Measuring cups and spoons: You may need measuring cups and spoons to measure the ingredients for the tuna marinade and toppings.
• Serving platter: You will need a serving platter to assemble and serve the tostadas.

How to store Tuna Tostada

Tuna tostadas are best served fresh and are not recommended for long-term storage. However, you can store the ingredients separately and assemble the tostadas right before serving. Here are some tips for storing the components of your tuna tostadas:

• Tuna: If you have leftover cooked tuna, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Tostada shells: Keep the tostada shells in a sealed plastic bag or container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them crispy, store them separately from any moist ingredients such as guacamole or salsa.
• Toppings: Store the toppings in separate containers in the refrigerator.

Tuna Tostada Recipe Top tips

Here are some top tips for making the perfect tuna tostada:

• Use fresh tuna: When making tuna tostadas, it's best to use fresh tuna. Look for sushi-grade tuna or ask your fishmonger for the freshest tuna available.
• Season the tuna well: To give the tuna a delicious flavor, marinate it with a combination of lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes. Let it marinate for at least 5 minutes for maximum flavor.
• Toast the tostada shells: Toasting the tostada shells will give them a nice crunch and prevent them from getting soggy. You can toast them in the oven or on the stove using a skillet or griddle.
• Use ripe avocados: Use ripe avocados for the guacamole. The flesh should be slightly soft and yield to gentle pressure.
• Customize the toppings: Customize the toppings based on your preferences. You can use any combination of fresh veggies such as diced tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.
• Add some crunch: Add some extra crunch to your tostadas by adding toppings such as shredded lettuce or cabbage.
• Serve immediately: Tuna tostadas are best served immediately after assembling to prevent the tostada shells from getting soggy.
• Make extra: If you're entertaining, consider making extra tostadas. They're easy to assemble and your guests can customize them to their liking.

Tuna Tostada Recipe

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• Author: Maxine Dubois
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x

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Description

This Tuna Tostada Recipe is an orange and soy sauce marinated tuna on a tostada and garnished with a chipotle aioli, avocado, and fried leeks. 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 leek, just the white part, sliced
• 2 cups sunflower or canola oil
• 8 tortillas
• ½ pound sushi-grade tuna
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Salt, to taste
• Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Make the chipotle aioli. In a mortar and pestle or a blender, add the chipotles and crush until smooth. Add some lime juice to help crush the chipotles. Once they are crushed, add the mayonnaise and stir. 
2. Fry the leeks. In a deep pan, add the oil and wait for it to heat up. The temperature should read 300°F with a candy thermometer. Fry the leeks, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon until they start to brown and get crispy, about 2-5 minutes. Watch closely. Use a slotted spoon to remove the leeks from the oil. Add them on a plate lined with paper towel. 
3. Fry the tortillas. Bring the oil to 350°F. Fry the tortillas about 2 minutes on each side, until they are crispy. Add the tortilla on another plate lined with paper towel. 
4. Marinate the tuna. While the tortillas and leeks cool, add the tuna into a bowl, along with the olive oil, soy sauce, and orange juice. Let this marinate for 5 minutes. 
5. Assemble the tostadas. Grab a tostada and spread the chipotle aioli over it. Top with marinated tuna, fried leeks and sliced avocado. Serve with lime wedges. 

Notes

• Use fresh tuna: When making tuna tostadas, it's best to use fresh tuna. Look for sushi-grade tuna or ask your fishmonger for the freshest tuna available.
• Season the tuna well: To give the tuna a delicious flavor, marinate it with a combination of lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes. Let it marinate for at least 5 minutes for maximum flavor.
• Toast the tostada shells: Toasting the tostada shells will give them a nice crunch and prevent them from getting soggy. You can toast them in the oven or on the stove using a skillet or griddle.
• Use ripe avocados: Use ripe avocados for the guacamole. The flesh should be slightly soft and yield to gentle pressure.
• Customize the toppings: Customize the toppings based on your preferences. You can use any combination of fresh veggies such as diced tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.
• Add some crunch: Add some extra crunch to your tostadas by adding toppings such as shredded lettuce or cabbage.
• Serve immediately: Tuna tostadas are best served immediately after assembling to prevent the tostada shells from getting soggy.
• Make extra: If you're entertaining, consider making extra tostadas. They're easy to assemble and your guests can customize them to their liking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Assemble
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 78.7
• Sugar: 0.0 g
• Sodium: 212.8 mg
• Fat: 0.6 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 4.9 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Protein: 13.3 g
• Cholesterol: 14.9 mg

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.