Transform your tacos: how to cook corn tortillas like top restaurants

Corn tortillas are an essential part of Mexican cuisine, and their flavor and texture can make or break a dish. If you’re tired of store-bought tortillas that are dry and bland, it’s time to learn how to cook corn tortillas like restaurants. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily create authentic, flavorful tortillas that will elevate your Mexican dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Masa harina (corn flour)
• Water
• Salt (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

• Tortilla press
• Cast-iron skillet or comal
• Spatula
• Plastic wrap

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Create the Masa:

In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and water. The ratio of masa harina to water will vary depending on the brand you use, so follow the instructions on the package. If you don’t have a scale, start with a ratio of 2:1 (2 parts masa harina to 1 part water) and adjust as needed.

2. Knead the Dough:

Once the ingredients are combined, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should not be too dry or too wet. If it’s too dry, add more water a little at a time. If it’s too wet, add more masa harina.

3. Divide the Dough:

Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Cover the balls with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

4. Press the Tortillas:

Place a ball of dough between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a tortilla press to flatten the dough into a thin circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter. If you don’t have a tortilla press, you can use a rolling pin.

5. Heat the Skillet:

Heat a cast-iron skillet or comal over medium-high heat.

6. Cook the Tortillas:

Carefully peel off the plastic wrap from one side of the tortilla. Place the tortilla on the hot skillet. After about 30 seconds, flip the tortilla and cook for another 30 seconds. The tortilla should be slightly browned and puffy.

7. Serve Immediately:

Remove the tortilla from the skillet and serve immediately. Corn tortillas are best when served warm.

Tips for Restaurant-Quality Tortillas

• Use fresh masa harina: Fresh masa harina will produce tortillas that are more flavorful and have a better texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will result in tough tortillas. Mix it just until it comes together.
• Let the dough rest: Letting the dough rest for at least 30 minutes will allow the masa harina to absorb the water and make the tortillas more pliable.
• Cook the tortillas on a hot skillet: A hot skillet will help to create a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Only cook a few tortillas at a time to ensure that they cook evenly.
• Keep the tortillas warm: Wrap the cooked tortillas in a clean towel to keep them warm and prevent them from drying out.

Variations

• Add salt: For a more flavorful tortilla, add a pinch of salt to the masa harina before mixing.
• Add herbs or spices: You can also add herbs or spices to the masa harina, such as cilantro, cumin, or chili powder.
• Make blue corn tortillas: Use blue corn masa harina to create blue corn tortillas.
• Make whole-wheat tortillas: Use whole-wheat masa harina to create whole-wheat tortillas.

The Secret to Perfect Tortillas

The key to making perfect corn tortillas like restaurants is practice. The more you make them, the better you’ll become at it. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren‘t perfect. Just keep practicing, and you’ll eventually master the art of cooking corn tortillas like a pro.

Common Questions and Answers

1. What is the best way to store corn tortillas?

Store corn tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

2. How can I reheat corn tortillas?

You can reheat corn tortillas in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. To reheat in the microwave, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. To reheat on the stovetop, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, or until heated through. To reheat in the oven, wrap the tortillas in foil and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

3. What are the best toppings for corn tortillas?

Corn tortillas are a versatile food that can be topped with a variety of ingredients. Some popular toppings include:

• Beans
• Meat
• Cheese
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Onions