Learn how to prepare corn tortillas three ways: dry-heat, pan-fried, and oven baked.
METHOD #1: Dry-Heat
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 or 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 begin to smell toasty, darken, and brown spots appear.
3. Immediately add the tortillas to the inside of a cloth or a tortilla keeper to preserve their heat.
METHOD #2: Oven-Baked
1. Preheat the oven to 350.° Then, wrap 5 corn tortillas in aluminum foil. Repeat with remaining ingredients.Wrap 5 corn tortillas in aluminum 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.
METHOD # 3: Pan-Fried
- 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.
Want to enjoy a warm corn tortilla?
Try one of these great recipes from the Jamil Ghar!
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO PREPARE CORN TORTILLAS
What is the best way to use corn tortillas?
- Tacos
- Homemade Tortilla Chips
- Chilaquiles
- Tortilla Soup
- Enchiladas
- Nachos
What is the best way to heat corn tortillas for tacos?
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.
How long do you fry corn tortillas?
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.
What’s the best oil for frying corn tortillas?
I use avocado oil because of its high smoking point, making it perfect for frying.
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 pan or 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.° Then, wrap 5 corn tortillas in aluminum 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
- For best results- When making corn tortillas on the stove-top, cook one tortilla at a time.
Check out our web story for how to prepare corn tortillas!
Nanie
Saturday 14th of May 2022
Excellent