Yucatecan Tostadas (Salbutes)

Salbutes—crisp little handheld tortillas topped with shredded turkey, avocado, pickled onions, and cabbage or lettuce—are a popular street food in the Yucatán region of Mexico. Serve them for lunch or as a crisp and palate-refreshing snack after Thanksgiving. The sauce is quite hot, so use sparingly. (If you love heat, use 1 habanero chile, as is done in the Yucatán, instead of the 2 serranos.)

1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced

1 cup distilled white vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

8 corn tortillas (4 in. or 6 in.)

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium white or yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon oregano

2 cups shredded cooked turkey

1 cup chicken broth

2 serrano chiles, seeded and minced

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon orange juice

1 avocado, sliced

About 1 1/2 cups shredded green and/or red cabbage

Step 1

In a small pan over high heat, cover red onion with cold water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and drain. Put red onion in a small bowl with vinegar, 1/2 tsp. salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 week covered and refrigerated.

Step 2

To a small frying pan over high heat, add 1 in. of vegetable oil and heat to 375°. Fry tortillas, one at a time, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add sliced white or yellow onion and 1/4 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring, until onions are soft, about 4 minutes. Add oregano and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add turkey and broth. Bring to a boil, lower heat to a steady simmer, and cook, partially covered, for 10 minutes to let flavors blend.

Step 4

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine chiles, lime juice, orange juice, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt. Set aside.

Step 5

To assemble: Divide turkey-onion mixture among the 8 tortillas, then top each with avocado, cabbage, and drained pickled red onion (you will have extra onion; see Notes). Serve with serrano-citrus sauce.

Step 6

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0

Amount Per Serving
Calories 530Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 32g50%

Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 54mg18%
Sodium 470mg20%
Total Carbohydrate 38g13%

Dietary Fiber 5.6g23%
Protein 27g54%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Yucatecan Tostadas (Salbutes)