What is the base ingredient of the Mexican tostada?

The base ingredient of a Mexican tostada is a fried tortilla, usually a corn tortilla cooked until rigid, crisp, and golden. The word tostada means “toasted,” and the tortilla may also be toasted rather than deep-fried.

Tostadas developed as a practical way to use tortillas that were no longer soft and fresh. Frying or toasting makes them crunchy and creates a sturdy base for toppings. Common layers include refried beans, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, onions, salsa, chicken, pork, beef, or seafood such as shrimp, tuna, crab, and ceviche.

A tostada is not the same as a taco: tacos use a folded tortilla, while a tostada is generally flat and open. It is also not a soft tortilla, pita, or naan. Some tostadas are bowl-shaped, and the term can describe both the crisp tortilla base and the finished topped dish. Corn is traditional, though wheat versions exist.