Tostadas de Jaiva (Spicy Crab Tostadas)

Ingredients

1 large jalapeño

⅓ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

¼ cup canola oil

4 6-in. corn tortillas

8 ounces cooked jumbo lump crabmeat, drained and picked over

2 stalks celery, finely chopped (½ cup), plus leaves for serving

1 small shallot, finely chopped (2 Tbsp.)

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Thinly sliced radishes, for serving

Green pepper hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Directions

Preheat broiler with rack 6 inches from heat.

Place jalapeño on a baking sheet and broil until charred in spots, 5 to 8 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Finely chop and transfer to a small bowl; stir in mayonnaise and ¼ teaspoon salt. Set aside.

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high.

Add 1 tortilla; cook, flipping once and pressing down with a spatula for even coloring, until golden, about 1 minute per side.

Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels.

Repeat with remaining 3 tortillas. (Reduce heat as needed if tortillas get too dark around edges.) Season fried tortillas with ¼ teaspoon salt.

Stir crabmeat, celery, shallot, lime juice, pepper, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl until combined.

Spread jalapeño mayonnaise over tortillas and top with crabmeat mixture.

Top with radishes, celery leaves, and hot sauce (if using).

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Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 tostada

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use imitation crabmeat instead of jumbo lump crabmeat?

Yes, you can use imitation crabmeat if you prefer. However, the taste and texture may be slightly different from using fresh crabmeat.

How spicy is the jalapeño in this recipe?

The spiciness of the jalapeño can vary, but generally, it adds a mild to moderate level of heat. If you prefer a spicier taste, you can leave some of the jalapeño seeds or add additional hot sauce to the tostadas.

Can I substitute the canola oil with another type of oil?

Yes, you can use other cooking oils such as vegetable oil or sunflower oil as a substitute for canola oil. Choose an oil with a high smoke point for frying the tortillas.

Are the tortillas baked or fried?

The tortillas in this recipe are fried in oil until golden and crispy. This frying method adds a nice texture and flavor to the tostadas.

Can I make the jalapeño mayonnaise ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the jalapeño mayonnaise ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It’s recommended to consume it within a few days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Can I use canned crabmeat instead of fresh jumbo lump crabmeat?

Yes, you can use canned crabmeat as a substitute for fresh crabmeat. However, the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Make sure to drain the canned crabmeat well before using.

Can I use a different type of tortilla?

Yes, you can use different types of tortillas if you prefer. Corn tortillas are traditional for tostadas, but you can also use flour tortillas or any other tortilla variety you enjoy.

Is there a non-spicy alternative to jalapeño for the mayonnaise?

If you prefer a milder version, you can substitute the jalapeño with a milder pepper like poblano or green bell pepper. This will provide a similar flavor profile without the spiciness.

Can I prepare the crabmeat mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crabmeat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the lime juice just before serving to preserve the freshness and flavor.

Can I add additional toppings to the tostadas?

Absolutely! Tostadas are versatile, and you can customize them with your favorite toppings. Some popular additions include avocado slices, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.