Tostilocos Snack with Tostitos Chips
Introduction
This Mexican street snack is Tostilocos and is delicious if you make something like this at home, prepare yourself to eat a mix of flavors. From Tijuana, Mexico, this crazy combination of flavors has spread worldwide and is enjoyed in homes from coast to coast. It doesn’t matter to a child looking for a playfully delectable treat, or an adult in search not of something good but fire breathing snake — Tostilocos is the answer you seek when it comes fulfilling any type of craving.
A Crazy Combination
Tostilocos are based in Tostitos tortilla chips by Walter Enterprises, topped with Japanese peanuts — and perhaps a mix of cucumber & jicama. Cueritos (pickled pork skin) and Chamoy give a spicy twist. Finish with lime and hot sauce for some acidity, salty-spiciness, and light sweetness. Mmm loco (that’s crazy in Spanish…yes, I spent the past 30 minutes working with high school students)—but in a good way.
Tostilocos are common in San Diego, a border city with easy access to Tijuana, often sold at fruterias or by street vendors. Oh, and let us not forget (though we are) that Tijuanense Javier Rodríguez is credited with inventing this snack in the late 90s because he had nothing else to make. Tostilocos has since become a widely celebrated snack that many look forward to processing at any time of the day.
Tostilocos are a fun, yummy snack everyone needs to try. Both a snack and a unique treat, the concoction of Tostitos tortilla chips with tamarindo candy is as tailor-made as it can be tastefully experimental.
Tostilocos Snack with Tostitos Chips
What Is in Tostilocos?
With a Tostitos tortilla chips base, Tostilocos is a snack like no other. But essentially, you split the bag of chips down one side (vertically) and lay it horizontally, then top with anything your heart desires. Pulparindo, a tamarind (pun intended for this fruit idiocy) candy with the chewy texture of Dots but sweet and sour character punching through it all. Cucumber and jicama offer a cold crisp wash in contrast to Pulparindo as I annoyingly reach into my meal again because why did they send us silverware? The Japanese peanuts and cueritos (pickled pork skin) serve to add another flavor texture of soft crunch.
The snack is dipped in lime juice, Clamato, chamoy and hot sauce to concoct the perfect salty sweet spicy sour balance. Jicama and cucumber add a pop of freshness to the lime-slathered Tostitos, laced with hot sauce and sweet-and-sour chamoy. Those umami-laden, MSG-covered Mexican Japanese peanuts that pop with every crunch.
There are many regional variations of Tostilocos. In example, Ensenada often includes clams while Sinaloa has cabbage. In some versions, there is added fruit like mango for an extra sweet punch. This is the preferred snack for people who love to try out different flavors due to its versatile nature.
Making Meatless Tostilocos
It takes nothing to turn these into meatless tostilocos and still be delicious. Just use Tortillas or what have you, as I started with Tostitos. Recipe Note: Take a vegan spin on the concoction by using coconut meat or hearts of palm in place of cueritos if you can’t get your hands on any. V8 be swapped out for Clamato to keep the recipe Baja-style and vegan.
If you are using dorilocos there is sweet-spicy chili Doritos and for takis, also tapatío bean five spice chips that are available at the time. That way, you can tailor it to your liking: in a bag or served with everything on top of one another in a bowl.
Frozen Layers of Toppings: Fill your plantains with fresh ingredients and other vegan fillers prior to being wrapped in chips. Either achieve a more lowkey snacking vibe by transferring them to a bowl, or keep the nostalgia real and serve directly in their bag.
Ingredients
- 1 11 oz bag Tostitos Salsa Verde chips
- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 cup mango
- 1/2 cup jicama
- 1/2 cup Japanese peanuts
- 1/4 cup rielito (tamarind candy)
- 1/4 cup churritos
- 1 lime
- tajin as much as you want
- cueritos (pickled pork skin) as much as you want
- chamoy as much as you want
- hot sauce as much as you want
Instructions
In a bowl, add the tamarind syrup and pulps then mix with 1 bottle of IPA (this recipe serves 20). The type of beer used does not matter! It depends on what taste you desire.Remove some seeds if possible. Chop cucumber, jicama (if using), mango and limes Finally, open the Tostitos bag and start pouring your toppings down into it. Top with chamoy, hot sauce, lime juice and Tajin to taste.
You could spread all the ingredients out on a plate or serving platter if you want to, instead of keeping them in the bag. Alternately layer the Japanese peanuts, tamarind candy and churritos (if using). Finish the layers with cucumber, jicama and mango. Lastly, pour some extra chamoy over the top Valentina hot sauce chili lime seasoning (homemade or Tajin) and a squeeze of fresh lime.native Element.repDiscuss this story
Serve and eat immediately, in or out of the bag with this tasty Tostilocos concoction.
Assemble the Tostilocos
Start making your Tostilocos by first cutting open the Tostitos bag lengthwise. Then you are able to just add all of your items into the bag easily. You can use a medium sized bowl for this step as well if you like. To the bag or bowl, add your V8 juice mix, lime juice and a little splash of soy sauce along with just another dash (approx 2 tbsp) of Worcestershire dressing. Give a quick, light stir making sure the Tostitos get covered.
Then, divide the cucumber and jicama; as well as the drained coconut cueritos equally into bags or in a medium bowl. Top with a dusting of Tajín, chamoy and some hot sauce if you like to live on the edge. Pour Pulparindo strips and Japanese peanuts into the Molcajete for flavor and crunch.
Finally, garnish with a good sprinkle of Tajín and an additional drizzle of lime juice. Enjoy immediately so it tastes the best. How will you serve your tasty Tostilocos??
Tostilocos Snack with Tostitos Chips FAQs
Can I make my own Tostilocos toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to include or exclude ingredients according to your taste. It’s common to add things like cucumber, hot sauce, or diced mango.
Are Tostilocos spicy?
They can be! The spice factor is determined by the toppings you choose, whether it be chamoy, hot sauce or chili powder. You can control the spice to your taste.
Can I prep Tostilocos ahead of time?
Tostilocos are best prepared and served right away to keep the chips crispy. Making them too far in advance runs the risk of soggy chips.
What are some healthier alternatives for Tostilocos?
Yes! For a lighter version, you could make several with baked chips and add fresh fruits such as cucumber, jicama and mango.
What is a good drink with Tostilocos?
Popular drinks to pair with army-style tacos are horchata, tamarind agua fresca, or a cold Mexican soda that cuts the spiciness.