Learn how to prepare corn tortillas three ways: dry-heat, pan-fried, and oven-baked.
1. DRY HEAT CORN TORTILLAS
How do you heat corn tortillas so that they don’t break? Dry heat is the answer. This method is easy and my preferred way to warm corn tortillas.
1. Set a cast-iron pan skillet over medium-high heat, then add a corn tortilla. Cook for 15-30 seconds.
2. Flip and cook the other side for 15-30 seconds. You know they’re done when they smell toasty and brown spots appear.
3. Immediately add the tortillas to the inside of a cloth or a tortilla keeper to preserve their heat.
2. OVEN- BAKED CORN TORTILLAS
1. Preheat the oven to 350° F | 176° C. Then, wrap 5 corn tortillas in foil. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
2. Set the wrapped tortillas onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Immediately add the tortillas to the inside of a cloth or a tortilla keeper to preserve their heat.
3. PAN-FRIED CORN TORTILLAS
- Set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet.
- Warm 1/4 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, about 10 seconds.
- Using tongs, set the tortilla to dry on the wire rack. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Allow some of the excess oil to drain off. Then, immediately add the tortilla to the inside of a cloth or a tortilla keeper to preserve their heat.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO USE CORN TORTILLAS?
- Tacos
- Homemade Tortilla Chips
- Chilaquiles
- Tortilla Soup
- Enchiladas
- Nachos
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If you love this recipe, we hope you will pair a warm corn tortillas with one of these meals!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The dry-heat method is my go-to way of preparing corn tortillas for tacos. If you happen to be making tacos for a crowd, try oven-baking them instead. Pan-fried corn tortillas are the best method if you’re going for flavor.
I never go wrong with frying one side of the corn tortilla for 15-30 seconds, followed by 10 seconds on the opposite side of the tortilla.
I use avocado oil because of its high smoking point, making it perfect for frying.
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How to Prepare Corn Tortillas
Ingredients
- 10 corn tortillas
- ¼ cup avocado oil, for the pan-fried tortillas
Instructions
For the Dry-Heat Corn Tortillas:
- Set a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add a corn tortilla. Cook for 15-30 seconds.
- Flip and cook the other side for 15-30 seconds. You know they’re done when they begin to smell toasty, darken, and brown spots appear.
- Immediately add the tortillas to the inside of a cloth or a tortilla keeper to preserve their heat.
For Oven-Baked Corn Tortillas:
- Preheat the oven to 350° F | 176° C. Then, wrap 5 corn tortillas in foil. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Set the wrapped tortillas onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Immediately add the tortillas to the inside of a cloth or a tortilla keeper to preserve their heat.
For the Pan-Fried Corn Tortillas:
- Set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet.
- 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.
- Using tongs, set the tortilla to dry on the wire rack. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Allow some of the excess oil to drain off. Then, immediately add the tortilla to the inside of a cloth or a tortilla keeper to preserve their heat.
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When making corn tortillas on the stove-top, cook one tortilla at a time.
- Web Story: Check out our web story for how to cook corn tortillas!
Nanie
Saturday 14th of May 2022
Excellent
Tressa Jamil
Sunday 12th of June 2022
I'm glad this was helpful for you.