The Ultimate Guide to Warming Corn Tortillas (With Step-By-Step Pictures!)
In this ultimate guide to warming corn tortillas, you’ll walk through the best methods for how to warm corn tortillas to perfection.
Warming corn tortillas is a simple yet crucial step in preparing delicious Mexican dishes.
Whether you prefer a gas burner, skillet on the stovetop, the oven, or popping them in the microwave, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in and elevate your taco game!
Why warming up corn tortillas is important
Warming corn tortillas helps to enhance their flavor, aroma, and pliability.
Cold tortillas can be stiff and prone to breaking when you try wrapping them around you favorite taco filling. Warm tortillas are more flexible and easier to work with.
And, most importantly, warm corn tortillas taste more delicious!
So, whether you’re making shredded chicken tacos or some delicious beef tacos, properly warmed tortillas will definitely make your dining experience so much better.
Let’s go over the best methods for warming up corn tortillas for your next taco night!
Methods for Warming Corn Tortillas
Gas Burner Method
If your stovetop is gas, then you’re in luck!
Warming a corn tortillas over the fire of a gas burner really brings out the flavor of the tortillas and gives them a little bit of charring that is both super tasty and really cool looking.
- Turn on your gas burner on medium low.
- Set a tortilla directly on the burner grate above the flame. Let the tortilla warm and char for about 15 – 20 seconds.
- Using tongs, flip the tortilla over and warm on the other side for another 15 – 20 seconds.
- Place the warm tortilla on a plate. Lay a clean kitchen towel over to keep it warm. Heat up as many tortillas as you need, and make a stack of them under the towel.
It’s very important that you keep an eye on the tortilla because it can go from perfectly warmed to burned super quick.
This method is perfect for when you only need a few tortillas warmed.
Skillet Method
Warming tortillas in a skillet is another good way to warm up corn tortillas for taco night, especially if you have an electric stovetop instead of a gas stovetop.
- Place a skillet over medium heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, put a tortilla on the center of the skillet.
- Place a lid (or cookie sheet if you don’t have a lid) over the top to lock in moisture and prevent drying out.
- After 30 seconds or so, flip the tortillas. Put the lid or cookie sheet back over the top and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Once warm, immediately put the tortilla on a plate. Cover the tortillas with a kitchen towel to keep them warm.
Be careful not to overcook the tortillas, as they will become rubbery and hard to bite through.
Oven Method
The oven method is best for when you need to warm up corn tortillas for a crowd.
- Preheat your oven to 225°F.
- Wrap about 6 – 8 tortillas in an aluminum foil packet. To make the packet, tear off a sheet of aluminum foil that is about 15″ long. Place a stack of tortillas about 2″ from the top of the sheet. Fold the sheet in half lengthwise, sandwiching the tortilla stack. Fold in the sides first, then fold down the top of the packet. Folding the top last makes it easy to open the packet once the tortillas are warmed up.
- Place the foil-wrapped tortillas in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are warm to the touch.
- Keep the tortillas in the foil packets to keep them warm until it’s time to eat.
Although this method is great for warming a large batch of tortillas at once and effectively makes the corn tortillas warm and pliable, you do miss out on the flavor developed from the gas burner or skillet methods.
Microwave Method
For a quick and easy way to warm tortillas, use the microwave.
- Stack 5 – 6 tortillas on a microwave-safe plate.
- Place a damp paper towel between each tortilla. Place a damp paper towel over the top of the stack.
- Microwave the stack on high for about 30 seconds, or until the tortillas are heated through.
- Cover the stack of microwaved tortillas with a kitchen towel until it’s time to eat.
This method is perfect for when you’re short on time.
Tips for warming corn tortillas perfectly
- Avoid overheating the tortillas, as they can become rubbery and difficult to bite through.
- If your tortillas are especially dry, sprinkle them with a little bit of water before warming them up.
- To avoid burning the tortillas, keep a close eye on them while heating them up. This is especially true for the gas burner method and the skillet method.
- Experiment with different warming methods to find your preferred technique. You may find that a certain method gets the tortillas to exactly how you like them,
- Serve the warmed tortillas immediately for the best results.
Taco recipes you’ll love
Need some delicious filling for your perfectly warmed tortillas? Here are some recipes that you’ll love:
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Instant Pot Shredded Beef (perfect for tacos!)
Mastering the art of warming corn tortillas is a simple yet essential skill for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine. By following the methods and tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your tortillas are warm, soft, and ready to be filled with your favorite tacos fillings.
