Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo

Name: Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 tostada shells; 1 cup guacamole; 1 cup pico de gallo; ½ cup shredded lettuce; Lime wedges for serving

Recipe By:

Stephanie

Posted:

July 30, 2025

Updated:

July 30, 2025

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Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo are the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner. This vibrant meal combines tender, grilled shrimp with creamy guacamole and fresh pico de gallo, all served on crispy tostada shells. It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes.
Flavorful: The combination of spices on the shrimp, paired with the fresh toppings, creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even for meal prepping. Enjoy them as is or customize them with your favorite toppings.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats from the guacamole, these tostadas are a nutritious choice for any meal.
Gluten-Free: Using corn tostada shells makes this dish suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill or grill pan
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

Grill or grill pan: Provides that delicious charred flavor to the shrimp while cooking evenly.
Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the shrimp and combining ingredients effectively.
Spatula: Helps flip the shrimp easily without losing any of that tasty seasoning.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tostadas

8 tostada shells
1 cup guacamole
1 cup pico de gallo
½ cup shredded lettuce
Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well coated.

Step 2: Grill the Shrimp

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Place the seasoned shrimp on the grill.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through.

Step 3: Assemble the Tostadas

Now it’s time to build your delicious tostadas.
1. Spread a generous layer of guacamole on each tostada shell.
2. Top each shell with grilled shrimp.
3. Add pico de gallo and shredded lettuce on top.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor!

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo

Grilled shrimp tostadas are a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors and textures. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Build Your Own Tostada Bar

Variety of Toppings: Provide an array of toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and cheese for guests to customize their tostadas.
Salsas Galore: Offer different types of salsa, such as mango salsa or tomatillo salsa, to add unique flavors.
Creamy Dressings: Include options like sour cream or a spicy chipotle sauce for extra richness.

Pair with Refreshing Drinks

Margaritas: A classic margarita pairs perfectly with the zesty flavors of grilled shrimp tostadas.
Agua Fresca: Light and fruity agua fresca is a refreshing non-alcoholic option that complements the meal well.
Beer Varieties: Consider serving light lagers or Mexican beers that balance the heat of the spices.

Add Fresh Sides

Corn Salad: A vibrant corn salad brings sweetness and crunch, making it an ideal side for your tostadas.
Crisp Tortilla Chips: Serve crispy tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole for an added crunch alongside your dish.

How to Perfect Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo

Making delicious grilled shrimp tostadas is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you nail every aspect of this dish.

Seasoning: Don’t be shy with your spices. The right amount will elevate the flavor of the shrimp.
Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before cooking. This helps achieve a nice char on the shrimp and prevents sticking.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh guacamole and pico de gallo will make a noticeable difference in taste. Choose ripe avocados and fresh tomatoes.
Watch Cooking Time: Overcooking shrimp can lead to a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on them while grilling—2-3 minutes per side is ideal.
Customize Your Shells: Try using baked tostada shells for a healthier option or corn tortillas for a softer bite.
Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve tostadas right after assembling them to maintain crispness.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo

To round out your meal, consider these tasty side dishes that complement grilled shrimp tostadas beautifully.

Mexican Street Corn Salad: A creamy and tangy salad made with corn, lime juice, cotija cheese, and spices.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with fresh cilantro and lime juice adds a refreshing touch to your meal.
Black Bean Salsa: This hearty salsa includes black beans, corn, peppers, and onions—perfect for scooping up with chips!
Jicama Sticks with Chili Powder: Crunchy jicama sticks sprinkled with chili powder offer a refreshing contrast to the rich toppings.
Roasted Veggies: Mixed seasonal vegetables roasted until tender provide a colorful and nutritious addition.
Guacamole-Stuffed Mini Peppers: Sweet mini peppers filled with guacamole can act as both garnish and additional bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling shrimp for tostadas can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

seasoning: Not using enough seasoning can leave your shrimp bland. Always ensure to coat the shrimp evenly with spices for enhanced flavor.
Overcooking shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long makes them rubbery. Aim for 2–3 minutes per side over medium-high heat for perfect tenderness.
Skipping fresh ingredients: Using old or canned guacamole and pico de gallo can dull the dish’s vibrancy. Always opt for fresh ingredients to elevate your tostadas.
Neglecting proper assembly: Layering ingredients incorrectly can lead to soggy tostadas. Start with guacamole, then add shrimp and toppings strategically for the best texture.
Serving without lime: Forgetting lime wedges means missing out on an essential flavor boost. Serve your tostadas with fresh lime to brighten every bite.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store grilled shrimp tostadas in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Keep components like guacamole and pico de gallo separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo

You can freeze the grilled shrimp separately from other components.
Use a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last about 2 months.
Avoid freezing guacamole and pico de gallo, as they don’t thaw well.

Reheating Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tostadas on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overheat.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo?

Grilled shrimp tostadas topped with fresh guacamole and pico de gallo are a vibrant Mexican dish that combines crispy shells with flavorful toppings.

How do I make my own guacamole?

To make guacamole, mash ripe avocados and mix in lime juice, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Adjust ingredients to taste!

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just be sure to thaw them completely before grilling for even cooking.

What can I serve with Grilled Shrimp Tostadas?

These tostadas pair wonderfully with Mexican rice, black beans, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand!