Recipe

Tortas Locas - Mexican-Inspired Crazy Sandwiches

Fiery Fiesta Tortas: A Flavorful Twist on Mexican Sandwiches

4.6 out of 5

Tortas Locas are a beloved Mexican street food that combines the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a sandwich. Packed with bold ingredients and spices, these tortas are a delightful explosion of taste and texture.

Pastry› Sweet Pastry› Tortas locas

Cuisine of the Americas› North American cuisine› Mexican cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

6 minutes

Total time

26 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Gluten-free, Dairy-free (if omitting cheese), Nut-free, Egg-free, Soy-free

Allergens

Wheat (in the crusty rolls), Dairy (in the queso fresco and chipotle mayo)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

4 crusty rolls (bolillos or ciabatta) (400g) 4 crusty rolls (bolillos or ciabatta) (400g)
1 pound (450g) grilled steak, thinly sliced 1 pound (450g) grilled steak, thinly sliced
1 avocado, sliced 1 avocado, sliced
1 cup (200g) refried beans 1 cup (200g) refried beans
1 cup (100g) shredded lettuce 1 cup (100g) shredded lettuce
1 cup (100g) sliced tomatoes 1 cup (100g) sliced tomatoes
1 cup (100g) sliced onions 1 cup (100g) sliced onions
1 cup (100g) crumbled queso fresco (Mexican cheese) 1 cup (100g) crumbled queso fresco (Mexican cheese)
1/4 cup (60ml) chipotle mayo 1/4 cup (60ml) chipotle mayo
2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 4g)
Protein: 30g
Fiber: 6g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan over medium heat.
2.
Slice the crusty rolls in half lengthwise.
3.
Spread a generous amount of refried beans on the bottom half of each roll.
4.
Layer the grilled steak, avocado slices, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and onions on top of the beans.
5.
Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco over the vegetables.
6.
Spread chipotle mayo on the top half of each roll.
7.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
9.
Place the assembled tortas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted.
10.
Remove from heat and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Avocado — Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft when gently squeezed. To prevent browning, drizzle the avocado slices with lemon or lime juice.
Queso fresco — If queso fresco is not available, you can substitute it with crumbled feta cheese or a mild white cheese.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra kick of heat, add sliced jalapeños or pickled peppers to your tortas.
Experiment with different meats such as grilled chicken or pork for variety.
Toast the crusty rolls before assembling the tortas for added texture and flavor.
Customize the chipotle mayo by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers to suit your spice preference.
Serve the tortas with a side of Mexican rice and a refreshing salsa for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Tortas Locas hot, straight from the grill, to fully enjoy the crispy bread and melted cheese. Accompany them with a side of tortilla chips and fresh guacamole for a satisfying and authentic Mexican experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the Tortas Locas in half diagonally and secure each half with a toothpick. Arrange them on a platter with a garnish of fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a vibrant and inviting display.