If you’re craving authentic Mexican flavors or looking to elevate your taco night, homemade corn tortillas are a game-changer. They’re surprisingly easy to make and require only a few basic ingredients. Let’s dive into how you can create these fresh, flavorful tortillas from scratch!
Ingredients & Substitutions
To make homemade corn tortillas, you’ll need:
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- ½ tsp salt
Substitutions:
- Masa Harina: If you can’t find masa harina, you can substitute with corn flour, but the texture may differ slightly.
- Water: Ensure the water is warm to help with dough consistency.
- Salt: Adjust according to your taste preference.
Helpful Tools
To simplify the process, consider using these tools:
- Tortilla Press: This speeds up the tortilla-making process and ensures even thickness.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for cooking the tortillas, imparting a delicious charred flavor.
How To Make These Homemade Corn Tortillas Recipe
Making the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and salt.
Gradually add warm water and mix with clean hands until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 2 minutes until smooth and pliable.
Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Forming into Tortillas
Divide the dough into 20 equal balls.
Flatten each ball using a tortilla press lined with plastic sheets.
Cooking the Tortillas
Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until slightly browned and bubbly.
Keep tortillas warm in a tea towel until ready to serve.
Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks For These Homemade Corn Tortillas
- Perfect Consistency: Adjust water carefully to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Pressing Tortillas: If you don’t have a tortilla press, use a pie dish or heavy object to flatten the dough.
FAQs
Cornmeal is not a direct substitute as it lacks the same texture and flavor.
Store them in airtight containers or ziplock bags in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Adjust with a little more water if the dough feels too dry.
Yes, allow the cooked tortillas to cool before frying for tostadas.
Easy Homemade Corn Tortillas
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Making the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl add masa harina and salt and mix together. Now add the warm water and use your clean hands to combine all the ingredients.
- Knead the dough with your hands for about 2 minutes or until you have formed a soft dough. If the mixture feels very dry, add water 1 tsp at a time. Careful not to overdo it.
- Form the dough into a ball. The dough should have almost a playdough like consistency which you can check by pressing your thumb or finger into the dough.
- Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and allow the dough to rest for 10 mins.
Forming into Tortillas
- Divide the dough into 20 equal balls. Roll them in your hands to form a ball shape.
- Line a tortilla press with two thick sheets of plastic. A cut up ziplock bag works perfectly for this. If not, use parchment with a little oil.
- Place the ball between the plastic sheets and press until it's about 4-5 inches in diameter.
Cooking the Tortillas
- Pre-heat a cast iron skillet on medium high heat.
- Place each tortilla on the hot pan and allow to cook for 30 seconds each side, turning 3 times. Make sure you are seeing some browning on the edges and a few brown spots in the middle of the tortillas as well.
- The tortilla should bubble up or puff up while you are cooking them which is a good sign. Gently press down on the tortilla with your spatula to promote this effect.
- Wrap your tortillas up in a clean tea towel to keep them from drying out while repeating the process with the rest of the dough. Enjoy your homemade corn tortillas!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Homemade Corn Tortillas
Making homemade corn tortillas is a rewarding culinary adventure. With a few simple ingredients and tools, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful tortillas that elevate any meal. Experiment with different fillings and salsas to create unforgettable tacos and dishes!
Loved this recipe so quick and easy! What do you recommend for a tortilla press?
Hi Jain, thanks so much I’m so happy you loved it! I got a cast iron tortilla press off amazon which works great!
Okay thank you! I will have to take a look 👀
Yay corn tortillas!! My friend is gluten free so this recipe was absolutely perfect 👍
THank you Katie!! Yes these are so perfect for people who are gluten free!
These were amazing so much better fresh
Right?! homemade tortillas make all the difference! I’m so happy you loved the recipe 🙂
This was EXACTLY what I needed. Thank you 😊
wow thank you so much Petra! I’m so happy this recipe helped 🙂