Crispy Carnitas Tostada with Avocado Crema

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp corn tortillas topped with slow-cooked pork, fresh avocado crema, and pickled onions for a burst of flavor in every bite. This mexican-inspired street food ready in about 30 minutes pairs corn tortillas, pork shoulder, avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place 4 corn tortillas on a baking sheet and brush each with 2 tbsp olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp, flipping halfway.
  2. Step 2: While tortillas bake, mash 1 ripe avocado with 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth to make the crema.
  3. Step 3: Top each crisp tortilla with 1/4 lb carnitas (slow-cooked pork), a dollop of avocado crema, 2 tbsp pickled red onions, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Carnitas Tostada with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Carnitas Tostada with Avocado Crema?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep corn tortillas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Carnitas Tostada with Avocado Crema?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Carnitas Tostada with Avocado Crema for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Carnitas Tostada with Avocado Crema?

Mexican street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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