Easy Tostada Bowl

Tortillas have somehow found their place in my household. They’re simple replacements for traditional bread. And they have quickly become my son’s favorite snack. I love using tortillas for quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, and even a Mexican-style lasagna. They hold a variety of delicious fillings for an indulgent treat. But tostada bowls are the all-time fave, and learning how to make tortilla bowls was easy. But my son’s favorite is always the flour tortilla. He fills them up with fruits, vegetables, and nuts and eats the whole thing! He gets so excited about eating the bowl and all, like he’s doing something outrageous. The good thing is that you can whip it up in no time in the microwave. Here’s an easy and healthy way to make a tostada or tortilla bowl in the microwave without buying an extra gadget for the house. All you need is a bowl, tortilla, and oil. Then choose a variety of fillings to put in the bowl to make a tostada salad.

Recipe Ingredients

How to Make a Tostada Bowl

I make a salad with grilled shrimp, avocados, beans, tomatoes, onions, queso fresco (cheese), and cilantro. Then I top it with my favorite dressing.

Prep Bowl – Lightly oil the bowl. Drape a tortilla on top of the bowl and press lightly. Make sure it sits evenly on the bowl. Cook – Place in the microwave and cook for about a minute. Using an oven mitt, lightly press the tortilla against the bowl again; adjust for even placement on the bowl. It will firm up and take the shape of the bowl. Repeat – Microwave for another minute, remove from the bowl, and flip it upside down. Voila! You have a tostada bowl.

Recipe Variations

Make-Ahead Instructions

If you want to make the tortilla bowls ahead, it’s better to bake them in the oven. You can shape them a day or two ahead and serve them at room temperature. Then, have all the fillings chopped and ready to go so everyone can assemble their bowl at serving time.

Serving and Storage Instructions

You can assemble the bowls or just set all the fillings on the table separately. That way, everyone can customize their own tortilla bowls. Wrap up the leftover bowls well and keep them in the fridge for up to a week. How long the filling ingredients last depends on what they are. But most meats and vegetables last 2-3 days at least if properly stored in the refrigerator.

What to Serve With Tostada Bowls

Traditional sides and toppings for a taco salad bowl include pico de gallo, guacamole, and mango salsa. And smoked chicken, beef birria, and salmon bites are also perfect fillings.