How to Heat Corn Tortillas– Fresh corn tortillas can take any meal to the next level, but have you seen corn tortillas straight out of the package? They are a crumbly mess if you use them as is. We created this article for how to properly warm corn tortillas on the stovetop and in the oven, so this isn’t a problem for you. These methods work for yellow, white, and blue corn tortillas.
HOW TO HEAT CORN TORTILLAS
Dry-Heat 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 rewarm 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!
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 smell toasty and brown spots appear.
Baked Corn Tortillas
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; this is the best way to heat corn tortillas for a crowd!
Preheat the oven to 350° F (176° C). Then, wrap the corn tortillas in foil. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Set the tortillas onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
Pan-Fried Corn Tortillas
For crispy and flavorful tortillas, you will want to 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.
- Set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet.
- 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, 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.
COOKING TIPS
- To make pan-fried corn tortillas, dry them on a wire rack or paper towels after cooking them.
- When making corn tortillas on the stovetop, cook one tortilla at a time.
- Immediately add corn tortillas to the inside of a cloth or a tortilla keeper to preserve their heat.
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You know how to heat corn tortillas, so pair them with one of our dinner favorites!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Maybe you already know what you want to make, or perhaps you’re wondering what to do with corn tortillas. Here are a few of my suggestions.
- Breakfast Tacos
- Homemade Tortilla Chips
- Chilaquiles
- Shredded Beef Tacos
- Tortilla Soup
- Instant Pot Carnitas
- Enchiladas
- Nachos
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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. Pan-fried corn tortillas are the best method if you’re going for flavor.
How long do you fry corn tortillas?
For best results, fry the corn tortilla for 15-30 seconds, flip, and cook for 10 seconds.
What’s the best oil for frying corn tortillas?
I use avocado oil because of its high smoking point, making it perfect for frying.
Are corn tortillas supposed to be heated?
It’s necessary to warm corn tortillas before eating them because the heat draws out the flavor, and it makes them more durable and less likely to break- better flavor and better texture!
What do you cook corn tortillas on?
Depending on how you prepare the tortillas, here are the materials you will need. To prepare dry-heat and pan-fried tortillas, a nonstick, cast-iron, or stainless steel skillet work best. If you’re baking the corn tortillas, you will need a rimmed baking sheet.
YOU SHOULD ALSO TRY:
- Simple Guacamole
- Cinco De Mayo Recipes
- Vegan Mexican Rice
- Pico De Gallo
- And more Central and South American favorites!
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How to Heat 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 and brown spots appear.
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.
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, add the tortilla to the inside of a cloth or a tortilla keeper to preserve their heat.
Notes
- To make pan-fried corn tortillas, dry them on a wire rack or paper towels after cooking them.
- When making corn tortillas on the stovetop, cook one tortilla at a time.
- Immediately add corn tortillas to the inside of a cloth or a tortilla keeper to preserve their heat.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Nanie
Saturday 14th of May 2022
Excellent
Tressa Jamil
Sunday 12th of June 2022
I'm glad this was helpful for you.