These easy Cajun Shrimp Tostadas are full of zesty shrimp, refried black beans, fresh veggies, and a delicious jalapeño ranch sauce! Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights!

Overhead view of six homemade shrimp tostadas loaded with toppings.

 

Whoa. Just whoa. I’m onto something here. These homemade tostadas are topped with refried beans, perfectly sautéed Cajun shrimp, and garnished with freshly chopped tomatoes, avocado, and green onions. Grab a couple limes and this fabulous jalapeño ranch dip and you have perfection!

The fact that the pictures of these came out good is a complete miracle. I was so totally enthralled at how fabulous these looked and smelled that I snapped about four photos and chowed down! These have all of the flavor of a meal you slaved over but none of the work!

This tostada recipe is loaded with protein from the shrimp and refried beans, and all of the extras are healthy, too! And this is a really versatile meal you can change based on your preferences. I actually double stacked some of the tortillas to make it even more hearty.

Truth be told, I am not a huge fan of shrimp. I mean I eat it, kind of. But if Mr. Maebell didn’t absolutely love it I would probably never cook it, but I have got to tell you, this recipe is so darn good I could eat it again and again!

So without further ado, I bring you Cajun Shrimp Tostadas! Go on, try it! You will love it!

Closeup of two loaded shrimp tostadas on homemade shells.

Ingredients Needed for Shrimp Tostadas 

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy shrimp tostada recipe: 

  • Shrimp
  • Spices 
  • Olive oil
  • Refried beans
  • Tostadas (keep reading for notes on how to make them homemade) 
  • Avocado
  • Tomato
  • Limes

How to Make Shrimp Tostadas 

This is the easiest shrimp tostada recipe I’ve ever made! Here’s an overview of the process: 

  1. Toss the shrimp in the spices and set aside. 
  2. Chop the tomatoes, green onions, avocado, and limes for garnishes and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp until pink and tender.
  4. Heat the refried beans in a small saucepan on the stove, or microwave them until warm.
  5. Assemble by covering each tostada with a spoonful of warm refried beans, cooked shrimp, and the rest of your fixings.
Closeup of a shrimp tostada on a homemade tostada shell.

How to Make Tostada Shells 

For a 100% from scratch tostada recipe, you’ll have to make homemade tostada shells. Don’t fret, it’s easy!  

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with just enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of the pan.
  2. Heat 2 or 3 corn tortillas for approximately 3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
  3. Lightly salt them if you wish.

What to Serve with Tostadas 

Make this a Mexican feast by serving the homemade tostadas with chips and dip, queso, and more! Here are some Mexican sides to get you started: 

Overhead view of six homemade shrimp tostadas loaded with toppings.

Tips for Making Homemade Tostadas 

  • I made homemade tostadas by frying corn tortillas in a little oil, but you could just purchase the premade ones if you prefer. Using the premade tostadas cuts this down to a 15 minute meal. 
  • I recommend using shrimp that’s already been peeled and deveined to save yourself some time. If using frozen shrimp, defrost them before cooking. 
  • Don’t buy shrimp that’s already been cooked. It has to be cooked in the skillet with the spices and pre-cooked shrimp will dry out. 

More Easy Shrimp Recipes: 

Cajun Shrimp Tostadas

Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Tostadas

These easy Cajun Shrimp Tostadas are full of zesty shrimp, refried black beans, fresh veggies, and a delicious jalapeño ranch sauce! Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights!
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Ingredients
 

Instructions
 

  • Combine the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Toss the shrimp in the seasoning in a large plastic bag. Set aside.
  • Chop your tomatoes, green onions, avocado, and limes for garnishes and set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet heated to medium high heat. Cook shrimp 3 minutes, flip, then cook 2 more minutes or until shrimp is pink and tender.
  • Heat the refried beans in a small saucepan on the stove or microwave them until warm.
  • Assemble by covering each tostada with a spoonful of warm refried beans, cooked shrimp, and the rest of your fixings.

Notes

If you would like to make homemade tostadas:
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with just enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of the pan.
  2. Heat 2 or 3 corn tortillas for approximately 3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Lightly salt them if you wish.
Making the tostadas instead of using the store-bought version makes this a bit longer than a 15-minute meal to prepare, but it is worth the extra effort!
Serving: 2 Tostadas, Calories: 460kcal, Carbohydrates: 40.6g, Protein: 29.2g, Fat: 23.6g, Cholesterol: 182.5mg, Fiber: 8.5g, Sugar: 3.1g
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