How to Make Soft Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are a staple of traditional Mexican cuisine. These flat, round, unleavened breads made from masa harina (corn flour) are ideal for making tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tostadas, and other Mexican dishes. However, sometimes corn tortillas can be dry and stiff, making them hard to roll, fold, or wrap. If you’re struggling to get your tortillas soft and pliable, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll share some helpful tips on how to make corn tortillas soft and tender.

Firstly, before we dive into the different methods of making soft corn tortillas, it is worth mentioning that the freshness of the tortillas matters. When buying tortillas from the market, make sure to choose the freshest ones available. Fresh tortillas will feel soft and flexible, and they won’t crack or break. If your tortillas are dry and brittle, try heating them up in the microwave for a few seconds, or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave them for 30 seconds to restore moisture. With that said, let’s explore some other ways to make your corn tortillas softer and more enjoyable.

10 Tips to Making Soft Corn Tortillas

1. Start with fresh masa

The key to making soft corn tortillas is to start with fresh masa, which is a dough made from ground corn that has been treated with slaked lime. You can purchase fresh masa at Mexican grocery stores or make it yourself from dried corn kernels. Fresh masa has a moist, pliable texture that makes it easy to work with and produces tortillas that are tender and flavorful.

2. Use warm water

When mixing the masa, use warm water rather than cold. Warm water helps to activate the starches in the corn, which will make your tortillas softer and more pliable. Use just enough water to form a smooth, soft dough—too much water will make the masa sticky and difficult to work with.

3. Knead the masa well

Kneading the masa well is important to develop the gluten and produce a smooth, even texture. To knead the masa, work it with your hands in a circular motion, folding it over on itself and pressing it down until it becomes smoother and more elastic. Knead for at least 5 minutes, or until the masa becomes soft and pliable.

4. Let the masa rest

After kneading, let the masa rest for at least 30 minutes, covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. This allows the water to fully hydrate the cornmeal and will make it easier to shape the tortillas. Resting also allows the masa to develop a deeper, more complex flavor.

5. Don’t overwork the masa

When shaping the tortillas, be gentle with the masa and avoid overworking it. Too much handling can cause the tortillas to become tough and chewy. Once the masa has been rolled into a ball, use gentle pressure to flatten it into a tortilla shape.

6. Use a tortilla press

If you have a tortilla press, use it to shape the tortillas. A press will ensure that the tortillas are uniform in thickness and will help to prevent them from cracking or tearing. Place the ball of masa between two sheets of plastic or wax paper and press down firmly with the press until the tortilla is the desired thickness.

7. Cook at the right temperature

Cook the tortillas on a hot griddle or comal at a temperature between 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking them too hot will cause the edges to burn and the tortilla to become tough. Cooking them too low will cause them to dry out and become brittle.

8. Cook for the right amount of time

Cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side, or until it is slightly golden and has puffed up slightly. Overcooking the tortillas can cause them to become brittle and dry.

9. Keep the tortillas warm

After cooking each tortilla, place it in a tortilla warmer or wrap it in a clean towel to keep it warm and moist. This will prevent them from drying out and becoming tough.

10. Enjoy!

Now that you have perfected the art of making soft corn tortillas, it’s time to enjoy them! Fill your tortillas with your favorite ingredients, such as grilled meats, beans, cheese, or vegetables, and savor the delicious flavor and texture of freshly made tortillas.

10 Simple Tricks to Make Perfectly Soft Corn Tortillas

Now that you know the basics of making corn tortillas, it’s time to learn some hacks that will help you achieve the perfect softness. Here are ten simple tricks that will elevate your tortilla game:

1. Keep Your Dough Soft and Pliable

The key to soft tortillas is to have a soft dough. Make sure that your masa is well hydrated and pliable before pressing it into tortillas. Add a few tablespoons of warm water if necessary to achieve the perfect texture.

2. Use Hot Water

Using hot water to mix your masa dough will help break down the gluten, making it easier to work with and resulting in softer tortillas.

3. Rest the Dough

Let your dough rest for at least 30 minutes before pressing it into tortillas. This allows the moisture to evenly distribute throughout the masa, resulting in more pliable dough and softer tortillas.

4. Press with a Tortilla Press

Invest in a good quality tortilla press. It takes the guesswork out of pressing the dough evenly and results in consistent thickness for soft tortillas.

5. Use a Kitchen Towel

Place a kitchen towel over your tortilla press before pressing the dough. This will prevent sticking, resulting in easy release and evenly shaped tortillas.

6. Cook on a Hot, Dry Griddle

The key to perfectly cooked soft tortillas is to cook them on a hot, dry griddle. Preheat your griddle for at least 10 minutes before placing your tortillas on it.

7. Flip Only Once

Flip your tortillas only once during the cooking process to avoid overcooking and drying them out.

8. Cover with a Kitchen Towel

To keep your tortillas soft and warm, cover them with a kitchen towel as soon as they come off the griddle. The towel will trap the steam, creating a warm and moist environment for soft tortillas.

9. Allow for a Short Rest Period

After cooking, let your tortillas rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the moisture to distribute evenly, resulting in softer tortillas.

10. Store Properly

To keep your tortillas soft for longer, store them in an airtight container or plastic bag. You can also freeze them to use later. To reheat, lightly toast on a dry griddle or in the oven wrapped in foil.

By following these ten simple tricks, you will achieve perfectly soft corn tortillas every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and fillings. Your homemade tortillas are sure to impress your friends and family, and elevate your culinary skills to the next level.

Tips on Making Soft Corn Tortillas

Making soft corn tortillas takes more than just the recipe; you need to pay attention to your cooking process. It would help if you focused on the type of masa you use, the amount of water to add, and the cooking technique. Here are some tips to have a soft and tender corn tortilla:

1. Use the right masa harina

The type of masa harina you use will determine how soft your tortillas will be. Some brands of masa harina are coarser than others, making it hard to achieve a soft tortilla. Therefore, it would help if you go for a finer brand. The fine texture will make it easier to form the masa into a tortilla, absorb water better, and result in a softer tortilla.

2. Knead the masa properly

Before forming the masa into tortillas, knead it correctly. You don’t want your masa to be too dry or too wet; it should have a perfect consistency. To achieve this, add water bit by bit while kneading until you reach the right consistency. You should knead masa for about five minutes, cover it with a damp towel, and leave it to rest for at least 30 minutes.

3. Add enough water

The amount of water you add to your masa plays a vital role in making a soft corn tortilla. You don’t want to add too little water or too much as it will affect the tortilla’s texture. As a general rule of thumb, use 1 1/4 cups of water to 2 cups of masa harina. However, you can add or reduce the amount of water depending on how the masa feels.

4. Cook the tortillas over low heat

The way you cook tortillas is just as important as the ingredients you use. To make a soft corn tortilla, cook it over low heat. High heat will cause it to cook fast and lose moisture, resulting in a dry and stiff tortilla. Cook it for about a minute on each side, or until it forms brown spots. The cooking time may vary depending on how thick the tortilla is.

5. Keep tortillas warm

After cooking your tortillas, you can keep them warm by putting them in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean cloth. This will help them retain their moisture and remain soft. If you don’t have a tortilla warmer, you can use a pot with a lid or a baking dish lined with paper towels.

Now that you know how to make a soft corn tortilla, you can enjoy delicious tacos, quesadillas, or any other favorite Mexican dishes. With these tips, you can confidently make tortillas that are soft, tender, and tasty.

Make Your Corn Tortillas Soft and Scrumptious!

We hope this article was helpful to you! Now, you know some tricks to make those corn tortillas soft and delicious, just like they should be. Our favorite way to enjoy them is to fill them up with some juicy pulled pork, fresh cilantro, and a touch of lime juice. Yum! Thank you for reading and don’t forget to come back soon for more cooking hacks and food tips that will make your life easier and more flavorful. See you next time!