Breakfast Tostadas
Crispy fried corn tortillas piled high with seasoned black beans, fluffy scrambled eggs, and your favorite toppings. A vibrant and satisfying Southwest-inspired breakfast that's ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Fry the Tortillas
- b.Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of about 1/4-inch. Heat over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 350°F / 175°C).
- c.Carefully place one tortilla in the hot oil using tongs. Fry for 45-60 seconds per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- d.Remove the tostada from the oil, letting excess oil drip off. Place it on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- e.Repeat with the remaining tortillas, adding more oil if needed.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Seasoned Black Beans
- b.In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- c.Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- e.Stir in the rinsed black beans, ground cumin, chili powder, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- f.Gently mash about half of the beans with the back of a spoon to create a creamy texture. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Scramble the Eggs
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (if using), the remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- c.Heat the remaining 1/2 tbsp of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
- d.Pour in the egg mixture. Let the eggs set for about 20-30 seconds before gently pushing them from the edges toward the center with a spatula.
- e.Continue cooking and folding until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness, about 2-3 minutes for soft curds. Remove from heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.To assemble, spread a layer of the warm black bean mixture onto each crispy tostada shell.
- c.Top with a generous portion of scrambled eggs.
- d.Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese.
- e.Garnish with sliced avocado, a spoonful of salsa, and fresh cilantro.
- f.Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest tostadas, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the tortilla. A small piece of tortilla should sizzle immediately upon contact.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; cook tortillas one at a time for even browning.
- 3If you're short on time, you can use store-bought tostada shells.
- 4Assemble the tostadas just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 5If you don't have cotija cheese, crumbled feta or queso fresco are great substitutes.
- 6For a baked, healthier version, lightly brush tortillas with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes per side until crispy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace scrambled eggs with fried eggs (sunny-side up or over-easy), or use shredded chicken, chorizo, or carnitas for a heartier meal.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Omit the eggs and cheese. Use a plant-based cheese alternative and a seasoned tofu scramble instead of eggs.
Bean VariationBean Variation
Swap black beans for pinto beans or use your favorite store-bought or homemade refried beans.
Extra ToppingsExtra Toppings
Add other toppings like pickled red onions, sliced jalapeños, Mexican crema or sour cream, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein-Packed Start
Eggs and black beans provide a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and sustained energy throughout the morning.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Black beans, avocado, and corn tortillas are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Source of Healthy Fats
Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Complex Carbohydrates
The corn tortillas provide complex carbohydrates that are digested slowly, offering a steady release of energy without the sharp spikes associated with simple sugars.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of two breakfast tostadas contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific toppings used.