How to Heat Corn Tortillas

How to Heat Corn Tortillas – Fresh corn tortillas take any meal to the next level, but have you seen corn tortillas straight out of the package? They are a crumbly mess! I created this article to show you how to heat corn tortillas on the stovetop and in the oven, so that isn’t a problem for you; these methods work for yellow, white, and blue corn tortillas.

ARE CORN TORTILLAS SUPPOSED TO BE HEATED?

Warming corn tortillas before eating them draws out the flavor and makes them more durable and less likely to break – better flavor and better texture for all your breakfast, lunch, or dinner recipes.

HOW TO HEAT CORN TORTILLAS

The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.

1. Dry-Heat Corn Tortillas

Here’s the simplest way to warm up corn tortillas.

How do you cook corn tortillas so they don’t break? The answer is using dry heat! This method is easy and my preferred way to warm corn tortillas. All you need is a flat, warm surface like a cast-iron skillet, and your corn tortillas will come out soft and perfect every time – without using oil!

Step 1: Set a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add a corn tortilla; cook for 15-30 seconds.

Step 2: Flip and cook the other side for 15-30 seconds. You will know they’re done when they begin to smell toasty and brown spots appear.

2. Baked Corn Tortillas

The oven is the best way to heat corn tortillas for a crowd!

Pop the tortillas in the oven for 10 minutes; they will steam inside the foil, and this is how to cook corn tortillas in the oven to get perfectly soft but durable tortillas for your recipes. However, if you want to make crispy tortillas in the oven, increase the heat and roast them unwrapped for 10 minutes.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Then, wrap 5 corn tortillas in foil. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Set the wrapped tortillas onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

3. Pan-Fried Corn Tortillas

Heat corn tortillas in a pan for the most flavorful tortillas.

For crispy and flavorful tortillas, heat the corn tortillas in oil on the stovetop; this method is also the perfect way to make crispy tortillas or corn tostadas. You will need to cook them longer in the oil until they turn golden brown.

Step 1: Set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet. Then, warm ¼ cup of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is smoking, add the corn tortilla and cook for 15-30 seconds. Flip and cook the other side for about 10 seconds.

Step 2: Using tongs, set the tortilla to dry on the wire rack or paper towel. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

EXPERT TIPS

• For perfectly crispy pan-fried corn tortillas, it’s best to allow them to dry on a wire rack or blot them with paper towels after cooking.
•  When preparing corn tortillas on the stovetop in oil, you should warm the corn tortillas individually – one at a time.
• To ensure the tortillas retain their warmth, transfer them to a cloth or a tortilla keeper.

SEARCHING FOR MORE LIKE THIS? 

You know how to heat corn tortillas, so pair them with one of these dinner favorites!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

You might have a meal planned already, or perhaps you need some inspiration for how to use warm corn tortillas; here are a few suggestions!

• Breakfast Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Homemade Tacos with Ground Beef, Birria Con Consume
• Homemade Tortilla Chips
• Tostadas
• Chilaquiles
• Tortilla Soup, Chili Con Carne
• Instant Pot Carnitas
• Enchiladas
• Nachos
• Picadillo Con Papas

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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• Guacamole without Tomatoes
• Cinco De Mayo Recipes
• Vegan Mexican Rice
• Pico De Gallo