How to prevent corn tortillas from breaking
Corn tortillas are a staple of Mexican cuisine, used in a variety of dishes such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. However, a common problem that many people encounter is that corn tortillas tend to break and crack when they are handled or folded. This can be frustrating and ruin the presentation of your dishes. In this article, we will explore various tips and techniques to help you prevent your corn tortillas from breaking, so that you can enjoy delicious and intact Mexican dishes.
Why do corn tortillas break?
Corn tortillas tend to break for two main reasons: dryness and lack of gluten. When corn tortillas are dry or stale, they become brittle and more likely to break. In addition, corn tortillas do not contain gluten, which gives the dough elasticity. The lack of gluten in corn tortillas makes them more likely to break when they cool.
1. Buy fresh tortillas
The first step in preventing corn tortillas from breaking is to make sure you are using fresh tortillas. Making your own corn tortillas at home is an excellent option because you can control the freshness of the ingredients. All you need to make homemade tortillas is masa harina, water, salt, and a tortilla press. If making tortillas from scratch is not feasible for you, consider purchasing freshly made corn tortillas from a tortilleria or local Mexican-American community bakery. If you buy pre-packaged tortillas, check the production date to make sure you are getting the freshest tortillas available.
2. Store them properly
Proper storage is critical to maintaining the freshness and pliability of corn tortillas. Unopened corn tortillas can be stored in their original packaging as long as it is undamaged and airtight. After opening the package, reseal it tightly after each use. Alternatively, you can store homemade or store-bought corn tortillas in sealable plastic bags. To prevent the tortillas from drying out, squeeze the excess air out of the bags before sealing. At room temperature, corn tortillas will keep for up to 10 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, storing them in the refrigerator can keep them fresh for up to 6 weeks or longer. Freezing is another effective method for long-term storage, as frozen corn tortillas can last for 2 months and beyond.
3. Heat the tortillas
Warming corn tortillas slightly can make them more pliable and less likely to break. There are several methods you can use to warm tortillas:
- Skillet: Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook the tortillas for a few seconds on each side until warm and soft.
- Grill: Place the tortillas directly on a preheated grill for a few seconds on each side until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the tortillas between slightly damp paper towels and microwave for about 30 seconds. The moisture from the paper towels will help soften the tortillas.
- Oven: Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven set at a low temperature, about 250°F, for a few minutes or until heated through.
4. Sauté briefly in oil
Another technique for making corn tortillas more pliable is to briefly cook them in oil. This method adds a touch of moisture and flexibility to the tortillas. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat a few inches of neutral cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Using tongs, gently place a tortilla in the hot oil. The oil should immediately begin to bubble around the tortilla.
- After 5-6 seconds, remove the tortilla from the oil. The goal is not to fry the tortilla, but to make it pliable and easy to work with.
- Place the cooked tortilla on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
5. Keep tortillas warm while cooking
If you’re preparing a meal that requires multiple tortillas, it’s important to keep them warm to keep them pliable. Here are two ways to keep tortillas warm:
- Tortilla warmer: Use a tortilla warmer, a round container with a lid, to keep the tortillas warm. Line the tortilla warmer with a clean cloth and stack freshly baked tortillas inside. The tortilla warmer will help keep the tortillas warm and tender for up to 20 minutes.
- Oven method: If you don’t have a tortilla warmer, you can wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven set at a low temperature, about 250°F. The foil will help keep the tortillas warm until you are ready to use them.
How to fry corn tortillas for taco shells without breaking them
If you want to make homemade taco shells from corn tortillas, you can follow these steps to fry them without breaking them:
- Heat the oil: Pour a sufficient amount of oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry the tortillas, but not smoking.
- Soften the tortillas: Before frying, it’s important to soften the tortillas to make them more pliable. You can do this by quickly passing each tortilla through hot oil for a few seconds on each side. Be careful not to leave the tortillas in the oil too long, as they may become crispy and brittle.
- Form taco shells: Once the tortillas are softened, remove them from the oil and carefully fold them in half while they are still warm. Hold them in the folded position until they cool and harden into the desired taco shell shape. You can use tongs or kitchen utensils to hold the tortillas in place.
- Drain excess oil: After shaping the taco shells, place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain any excess oil. This step will help remove excess grease and keep the taco shells crisp.
- Fill the taco shells: Once the taco shells have cooled and hardened, they are ready to be filled with your desired ingredients. Be careful not to overfill them, as this can cause them to crack or become difficult to eat.
By following these steps, you can enjoy crisp and intact homemade taco shells without worrying about them breaking or crumbling.
Bottom line
Preventing corn tortillas from breaking is essential to creating delicious and visually appealing Mexican dishes. By following these tips and techniques, you can ensure that your corn tortillas remain pliable, soft, and intact throughout the cooking and serving process. Remember to focus on using fresh tortillas, storing them properly, reheating them, and using cooking methods such as quick oil frying when necessary. With these strategies in mind, you can confidently enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes without the frustration of broken tortillas.
FAQS
Why do corn tortillas break?
Corn tortillas break due to dryness and lack of gluten. When tortillas are dry or stale, they become brittle and prone to cracking. In addition, corn tortillas do not contain gluten, which gives the dough elasticity, making them more susceptible to breaking when they cool.
How can I prevent corn tortillas from cracking?
There are several things you can do to prevent corn tortillas from breaking. First, make sure you use fresh tortillas. Store them properly, either in their original packaging or in sealable plastic bags. Warm the tortillas before use to make them more pliable. You can also cook them briefly in oil to add moisture and flexibility.
Can I make my own corn tortillas at home?
Yes, making corn tortillas at home is an excellent option. All you need is masa harina, water, salt, and a tortilla press. This allows you to control the freshness of the ingredients, resulting in more pliable and delicious tortillas.
How should I store corn tortillas?
Unopened corn tortillas can be stored in their original packaging, which will keep them intact and airtight. After opening the package, reseal it tightly after each use. Alternatively, you can store homemade or store-bought corn tortillas in sealable plastic bags. Squeeze out excess air before sealing to prevent dehydration. Corn tortillas will keep up to 10 days at room temperature, but you can extend their shelf life by storing them in the refrigerator or freezer.
Can I use a microwave to heat corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use a microwave to heat corn tortillas. Place the tortillas between slightly damp paper towels and microwave for about 30 seconds. The moisture from the paper towels will help soften the tortillas and make them more pliable.
How long can I keep tortillas warm?
To keep tortillas warm, you can use a tortilla warmer or wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven set at a low temperature, about 250°F. Using a tortilla warmer can keep tortillas warm for up to 20 minutes, while the oven method can keep them warm until you are ready to use them.