Easy Corn Tortillas Recipe
If you have ever wanted to master the art of homemade tortillas, this Easy Corn Tortillas Recipe is your perfect starting point. Fresh, warm tortillas made from masa harina come out tender, flavorful, and so much better than store-bought. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have authentic corn tortillas that will elevate your tacos, quesadillas, and more. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without the satisfying experience of freshly made tortillas at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Corn Tortillas Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential for achieving that perfect texture and taste that make corn tortillas so beloved around the world.
- Masa harina: The star ingredient, this finely ground corn flour gives tortillas their distinctive corn flavor and pliable texture.
- Fine sea salt (optional): Just a pinch to enhance the natural corn flavors without overpowering.
- Warm water: Helps to hydrate the masa harina, binding everything into a soft dough that’s easy to work with.
How to Make Easy Corn Tortillas Recipe
Step 1: Mix Masa Harina and Salt
Start by whisking together your masa harina and salt in a medium bowl until everything is evenly blended. This ensures the salt distributes evenly, enhancing every bite.
Step 2: Hydrate Dough
Slowly pour in the warm water while mixing with your hands or a spoon. Add the water gradually, as too much can make the dough sticky. The goal is a moist dough that starts to come together into a ball.
Step 3: Knead Dough
Give your dough a few minutes of kneading. This step is crucial as it helps to remove any dry powdery spots and creates a pliable, consistent dough that isn’t sticky or crumbly, much like moist playdough.
Step 4: Divide and Roll
Pinch off eight equal portions from your dough and roll them into smooth balls. To keep things from drying out, cover the dough balls with a damp towel as you work through the batch.
Step 5: Prepare Skillet
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. This heat is perfect for cooking the tortillas quickly without burning them, so adjust it as you go depending on how your skillet holds temperature.
Step 6: Press Tortillas
Place each dough ball between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic from a freezer bag and press them into thin disks about 1/16-inch thick, using a tortilla press or a flat baking dish. The thinness here makes tortillas light and flexible once cooked.
Step 7: Cook Tortillas
Carefully peel your tortilla off the paper and place it onto the hot skillet. Cook for 10 seconds on one side, then flip for about 1 minute. Flip again and cook until the tortilla puffs and is fully cooked through, roughly another 30 to 60 seconds. If your tortillas start cracking or drying, a quick spritz of water helps keep them soft.
Step 8: Repeat and Keep Warm
While each tortilla cooks, press the next one to keep the workflow steady. Stack cooked tortillas in a bowl lined with a clean kitchen towel and cover them to keep warm and moist until you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Easy Corn Tortillas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh corn tortillas are a wonderful canvas for garnishes. Think bright lime wedges, chopped fresh cilantro, radish slices for crunch, or even a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for that creamy tang that complements the corn flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These tortillas shine alongside smoky grilled meats, spicy salsas, and slow-cooked beans. Think pulled pork, carne asada, or even sautéed veggies paired with refried beans or Mexican rice for a truly satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your tortillas as mini taco cups by folding and lightly toasting them in muffin tins, or stack them with layers of fillings for a delightful tortilla lasagna. And don’t forget quesadillas stuffed with melting cheese and your favorite extras – guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your tortillas wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or inside an airtight container. They keep well at room temperature for a day or two but are best refrigerated if held longer to preserve freshness.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze your cooked tortillas separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together and can be thawed easily when needed.
Reheating
Reheat tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This keeps them soft and pliable, just like fresh off the press.
FAQs
Can I use regular cornmeal instead of masa harina?
Masa harina is specially treated with lime during processing, which gives it its unique flavor and texture perfect for tortillas. Regular cornmeal won’t give the same results, so for authentic tortillas, masa harina is a must.
Why is my dough too sticky or too dry?
If your dough feels sticky, it likely has too much water; just sprinkle in a bit more masa harina. If it’s crumbly or dry, add warm water slowly until it comes together smoothly.
Do I have to use a tortilla press?
Not at all! If you don’t have a press, use a flat heavy dish or plate to press your dough balls between parchment paper. It might take a bit more elbow grease but will work perfectly fine.
Why do my tortillas crack when I cook them?
Cracking often means the dough was too dry or the tortillas were rolled too thin. Ensuring the dough is moist and pliable before pressing and not rolling paper-thin helps prevent cracking during cooking.
How long do homemade corn tortillas last?
Stored properly in the fridge, homemade corn tortillas last about 3 to 4 days. For best flavor and texture, enjoy them fresh or frozen and reheated.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Easy Corn Tortillas Recipe, you’ll discover how incredibly satisfying homemade tortillas can be. They bring fresh flavor, a lovely texture, and an authentic touch to your meals. Making tortillas from scratch is easier than you think, and the reward is so worth it. Grab your masa harina and warm water, and start rolling—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Corn Tortillas Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 tortillas 1x
Description
This easy corn tortillas recipe is perfect for homemade, fresh tortillas with just a few simple ingredients. Made from masa harina, warm water, and a touch of salt, these tortillas are soft, pliable, and full of authentic flavor. Ideal for tacos, quesadillas, or any Mexican-inspired dish, this recipe guides you through mixing, pressing, and cooking tortillas on the stovetop for the best results.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup (115g) masa harina
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional)
- 1 cup (237ml) warm water
Instructions
- Mix Masa Harina and Salt: In a medium bowl, whisk together the masa harina and salt until well blended to ensure even seasoning throughout the dough.
- Hydrate Dough: Gradually pour in the warm water while mixing with your hands or a spoon. Add the water slowly until the dough is moist and begins to hold together. Adjust by adding more water if dry, or more masa harina if too sticky.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough for a few minutes until there are no dry or powdery spots. The dough should be moist, pliable, and not stick to your fingers, similar to playdough texture.
- Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Cover the dough balls with a damp towel to prevent drying while you work.
- Prepare Skillet: Heat a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Monitor the temperature and adjust the heat to avoid tortillas cooking too fast or burning.
- Press Tortillas: Cut two pieces of parchment paper or a plastic freezer bag to fit your tortilla press. Place a dough ball between the sheets and press to form a thin disk about 1/16-inch thick. Without a press, use a baking dish to flatten the dough between sheets.
- Cook Tortillas: Peel the tortilla carefully off the parchment or plastic and place it on the hot skillet. Cook for 10 seconds, flip, and cook about 1 minute. Flip again and cook for an additional 30-60 seconds until the tortilla puffs and is cooked through. If dry or cracking, spritz lightly with water.
- Repeat and Keep Warm: While cooking one tortilla, press the next. Transfer cooked tortillas to a warmer or a bowl lined with a clean dishtowel and keep covered until serving to maintain softness.
Notes
- Use warm water for better hydration and pliability of the dough.
- If you don’t have a tortilla press, a heavy baking dish or a flat pan can be used to press the dough.
- Keep the unused dough balls covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Cook tortillas over medium-high heat, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Spraying the tortillas with water during cooking helps prevent cracking and keeps them soft.
- Serve immediately or keep warm wrapped in a clean cloth to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
