Tostadas are a traditional Mexican dish featuring crispy corn tortillas topped with refried beans, meat, and cheese.
However, for those following a keto diet, traditional tostadas aren’t compatible due to their high carb count.
Luckily, this delicious Low-Carb Tostadas recipe replaces corn for a crispy cheese base, topped with a delectable crab salad, ensuring you remain in ketosis while enjoying flavors you love.
Why you’ll love this keto-friendly recipe
If you're craving Mexican restaurant-style tostadas but follow a Healthy Keto® diet plan, this recipe is perfect for you.
These Low-Carb Tostadas can be prepared in under 30 minutes and offer endless options for customizing toppings and spice levels.
This recipe incorporates fresh lemon, providing a refreshing, tangy flavor and offering numerous health benefits, such as being a rich source of vitamin C and promoting digestion.
In addition, research published in the Journal of Science & Technology found lemons to contain potent antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects.
Instead of carb-heavy corn tortillas, this recipe uses mozzarella cheese as a low-carb tostada alternative, which keeps blood sugar levels steady while providing calcium and protein.
“Avocado, the main ingredient in guacamole, is packed with healthy fats that have been linked to balanced cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease,” explains Dr. Berg.
What are tostadas?
Tostadas, originating in Mexico, are a beloved dish across many Latin American countries. The word "tostada" means "toasted" in Spanish, highlighting the crispy tortilla base that defines this dish.
Typically, corn tortillas are fried until crispy and then filled with refried beans, meat, cheese, tomato, green onions, and spices.
While tasty, traditional tostada dishes are often high in carbs due to the tostada shells and bean content.
However, various low-carb tortilla alternatives are available for recreating low-carb tostadas, including lettuce leaves, cheese, almond flour tortillas, or portobello mushrooms.
You can also customize the fillings to your preference by adding your favorite low-carb vegetables, protein, and sugar-free sauces.
Variations
Tostadas can be adapted to fit a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few ways to make keto-friendly versions of this classic Mexican dish.
Keto Coconut Flour Tortilla
Keto Coconut Flour Tortillas are slightly sweet and go well with savory fillings.
Bake or toast these tortillas until crispy and fill them with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese. Complete with salsa and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty kick.
Keto Tortillas
Keto Tortillas are another excellent grain-free alternative for making low-carb tostadas.
These tortillas provide a soft yet sturdy foundation that crisps up beautifully in the oven or on a skillet.
Cook them until golden brown, then top with a blend of shredded rotisserie chicken, diced tomato, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish toasted tortilla with avocado and cilantro for extra flavor and freshness.
Cauliflower Wraps
These keto-friendly Cauliflower Wraps are made by blending cauliflower with eggs and spices and then baking until perfectly firm.
Pair them with spicy shrimp, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of queso fresco. For a spicier kick, add ground black pepper and a dash of hot sauce.
What to serve with Low-Carb Tostadas
To make it a complete and wholesome meal, serve your Low-Carb Tostadas with additional keto-approved dishes.
Here are six scrumptious recipes that complement this Mexican-inspired meal.
Pulled Pork
Low and slow cooking makes this Pulled Pork recipe fork-tender and brimming with flavor.
Cook a pork shoulder or butt in the slow cooker for 9 to 10 hours, then shred it with two forks. Top your tostadas with pulled pork and sugar-free homemade BBQ sauce for a satisfying meal.
Beef Fajita Bowl
This Beef Fajita Bowl features juicy steak, sautéed vegetables, and a runny fried egg for an incredibly mouthwatering dish.
This recipe uses cauliflower rice instead of traditional white or brown rice to create an authentic fajita bowl without the added carbs.
Keto Carne Asada Bowl
This Keto Carne Asada Bowl is a delicious mix of tender steak, fresh veggies, and zesty cilantro lime sauce.
Marinate skirt steak in olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Slice the steak thinly and add it to your tostadas with the remaining ingredients for a protein-packed meal.
Keto Taco Salad
If you're craving a fresh and nutritious meal, this Keto Taco Salad recipe has you covered.
The balanced blend of seasoned ground beef, avocado, cheese, and sour cream creates a delectable and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Serve alongside Keto Corn Bread or use it as filling for your Low-Carb Tostadas.
Keto Tex-Mex Casserole
For a hearty meal, pair these tostadas with this Keto Tex-Mex Casserole made with ground beef, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cheese.
Garnish with crushed pork rinds for a crispy texture without the extra carbs.
Keto Creamy Avocado Dip
For a velvety and decadent accompaniment to your Low-Carb Tostadas, try this Keto Creamy Avocado Dip recipe.
Simply combine all ingredients until smooth and top with diced tomatoes or spicy salsa for an extra kick.
Storing and reheating tips
Low-Carb Tostadas are best eaten fresh, but if you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
To reheat, place cheese tostadas on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about ten minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Alternatively, you can warm them in a skillet on medium heat for about five minutes per side. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Enjoy your tostadas with refreshing keto-friendly drinks such as sugar-free lemonade or Keto Raspberry Peach Tea.
Final thoughts
These Low-Carb Tostadas have a mozzarella cheese base and are topped with crabmeat salad, guacamole, and fresh herbs, ensuring they won't raise blood sugar levels while offering authentic flavors.
Pair these tostadas with nutritious and keto-approved dishes such as Pulled Pork, Beef Fajita Bowls, or Keto Taco Salad for a Mexican-inspired feast.
FAQ
1. How many carbs are in Low-Carb Tostadas?
This recipe contains one gram of carbs per serving, making it an excellent choice for individuals following a keto lifestyle.
2. Are keto tostadas gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it uses cheese as the base instead of wheat flour tortilla shells.
3. Is there such a thing as a low-carb corn tortilla?
No, corn tortillas aren’t low in carbs. One corn tortilla can contain up to 13 grams of carbs, making it unsuitable for a Healthy Keto® diet.
However, there are various low-carb alternatives, such as cheese tortillas, lettuce wraps, cauliflower wraps, and coconut flour tortillas suitable for those following a ketogenic diet.
4. What tortilla shells are keto-friendly?
Keto-friendly low-carb tortilla options include Coconut Flour Tortillas, Cauliflower Wraps, and Almond Flour Tortillas. You can also use lettuce leaves or cheese wraps as a low-carb substitute.
5. Can you stay in ketosis eating low-carb tortillas?
Yes, you can stay in ketosis by eating low-carb tortillas, provided they’re made with keto-friendly ingredients such as low-carb flour and contain no added sugars. Just be mindful of the fillings and toppings, as they can affect your ketosis.
Source
https://jst.org.in/index.php/pub/article/view/249
