10+ Corn Tortilla Recipes: Delicious Ideas for Every Meal

10+ Corn Tortilla Recipes: Delicious Ideas for Every Meal

Corn tortillas are a staple in many kitchens. They are loved for their versatility and great taste.

You can easily make delicious corn tortillas at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re preparing tacos, enchiladas, or a side dish, making your own tortillas can elevate your meals.

A colorful array of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and golden corn tortillas spread out on a rustic wooden kitchen table

In this article, you’ll discover various corn tortilla recipes for different skill levels. From traditional methods to quick and easy variations, there’s something here for everyone.

1) Classic Homemade Corn Tortillas with Masa Harina

A wooden tortilla press flattening a ball of masa harina dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Corn tortillas cooking on a hot comal

Making classic corn tortillas at home is simple. You’ll only need a few ingredients to create soft, delicious tortillas perfect for tacos or quesadillas.

Gather your ingredients: masa harina, warm water, and a pinch of salt. The masa harina gives the tortillas an authentic corn flavor.

Mix the masa harina and salt in a bowl. Gradually add warm water until the dough is smooth and soft.

Divide the dough into small balls. Press them flat using a tortilla press or rolling pin.

Cook each tortilla on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. Remove when lightly browned.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix masa harina and salt.
  2. Gradually add warm water.
  3. Knead until smooth.
  4. Shape into small balls.
  5. Flatten each ball with a press.
  6. Cook on a hot skillet for 30 seconds per side.

2) Chef John’s Simple 3-Ingredient Corn Tortillas

A chef mixing masa harina, water, and salt to form dough, then rolling out and cooking corn tortillas on a hot griddle

Chef John’s corn tortillas are easy to make with just three ingredients. You can whip them up quickly for homemade tacos or snacks.

Measure out one cup of instant corn masa flour and add a half teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually mix in three-quarters of a cup of hot water (about 130°F or 54°C).

Shape the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball into a tortilla using a press or rolling pin.

Cook the tortillas on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. Remove when lightly browned.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup instant corn masa flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup hot water (about 130°F or 54°C)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine masa harina and salt in a bowl.
  2. Gradually mix in hot water.
  3. Shape dough into small balls.
  4. Flatten balls into tortillas.
  5. Cook on a hot skillet for 30 seconds per side.

3) Easy Corn Tortillas with Warm Water and Salt

A wooden rolling pin flattening dough between two sheets of parchment paper, a bowl of warm water and salt nearby

You only need a few ingredients to make these corn tortillas. This recipe uses masa harina, warm water, and salt.

Mix the masa harina and salt in a bowl. Gradually add warm water until the dough forms and feels soft but not sticky.

Divide the dough into small balls. Use a tortilla press or rolling pin to flatten them.

Cook each tortilla on a heated skillet for about 30 seconds on each side at medium-high heat (around 375°F or 190°C). The tortillas should be soft and slightly golden.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 cups warm water

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix masa harina and salt.
  2. Gradually add warm water until a dough forms.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls.
  4. Flatten each ball with a tortilla press or rolling pin.
  5. Cook on a skillet for 30 seconds on each side at 375°F (190°C).

4) Gluten-Free Soft Corn Tortillas

A stack of soft, gluten-free corn tortillas, with a few scattered kernels of corn and a sprinkle of salt on a wooden cutting board

You can easily make gluten-free soft corn tortillas at home. Enjoy them fresh and warm with your favorite fillings.

Use masa harina, a special corn flour, and mix it with warm water and a pinch of salt. This creates a dough that is easy to work with.

Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball between two sheets of parchment paper.

Cook them on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and slightly browned.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix masa harina and salt.
  2. Gradually add warm water until a dough forms.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls.
  4. Flatten each ball between parchment paper.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Cook each tortilla for 30 seconds on both sides.

5) Nixtamalized Corn Tortillas from Scratch

A person grinding corn on a metate, then shaping and cooking the tortillas on a comal over an open flame

Making nixtamalized corn tortillas from scratch is a rewarding process. Start with dried corn and treat it with an alkaline solution to improve texture and flavor.

Use masa harina made from nixtamalized corn, then mix it with warm water to form a smooth dough. Shape the dough into small balls and press them flat to create tortillas.

Cook the tortillas on a hot comal or skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. They should puff up slightly when done.

Ingredients

  • Dried corn (about 2 cups)
  • Calcium hydroxide (lime)
  • Water
  • Salt (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook corn in water with calcium hydroxide for about 30 minutes.
  2. Soak the corn overnight for better texture.
  3. Rinse and grind the corn to make masa.
  4. Mix masa with warm water until smooth.
  5. Shape into tortillas and cook on a hot skillet.

6) Corn Tortillas with a Touch of Lime Juice

Freshly made corn tortillas with a hint of lime juice, arranged in a stack on a rustic wooden cutting board

Adding lime juice to your corn tortillas gives them a fresh and zesty flavor. This small touch can make your tortillas even more delicious.

Use masa harina, salt, water, and fresh lime juice for this recipe. The lime juice adds flavor and improves the tortilla’s texture.

You can use these tortillas for tacos, quesadillas, or as a side for any meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup masa harina
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix masa harina and salt together.
  2. Add warm water and lime juice gradually.
  3. Knead the dough until smooth.
  4. Divide the dough into small balls.
  5. Flatten each ball using a tortilla press or rolling pin.
  6. Cook on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.

7) Cast-Iron Skillet Corn Tortillas

A cast-iron skillet sizzling with freshly cooked corn tortillas, stacked on a rustic wooden cutting board

Using a cast-iron skillet helps you make delicious corn tortillas. The skillet provides even heat and cooks your tortillas perfectly.

Start with masa harina, warm water, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients to make a soft, pliable dough.

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Form small balls of dough and flatten them into rounds.

Cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. The tortillas should puff up slightly when ready.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix masa harina and salt.
  2. Gradually add warm water until a dough forms.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls.
  4. Flatten each ball with a tortilla press or your hands.
  5. Heat the cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side.

8) Corn Tortillas Using Lard or Butter for Richness

A skillet sizzling with golden corn tortillas being cooked in lard or butter, emitting a rich and savory aroma

Using lard or butter in corn tortillas adds a rich flavor and soft texture. These fats make the tortillas more forgiving and delicious.

Start with masa harina, lard or butter, salt, and warm water. The fat helps make the tortillas more pliable.

Heat your skillet to medium-high (about 375°F or 190°C). Cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until lightly browned.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 2 tablespoons lard or butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix masa harina, lard or butter, and salt.
  2. Slowly add warm water and stir until the dough forms.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls.
  4. Press each ball into a flat tortilla.
  5. Cook on a hot skillet for 30 seconds on each side.

9) Vegan Corn Tortillas with Vegetable Oil

A sizzling pan of vegan corn tortillas being cooked in vegetable oil

Making vegan corn tortillas with vegetable oil is quick and easy. You’ll enjoy a soft and flexible texture that holds up well for various fillings.

Gather masa harina, warm water, salt, and vegetable oil. The oil adds a nice richness to the tortillas while keeping them pliable.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (approximately 40°C)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix masa harina and salt.
  2. Stir in vegetable oil.
  3. Gradually add warm water until you have a smooth dough.
  4. Divide the dough into small balls.
  5. Press each ball into a thin tortilla using a tortilla press or rolling pin.
  6. Cook each tortilla in a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.

10) Quick Corn Tortilla Wraps for Tacos

A stack of freshly made corn tortillas being filled with various taco ingredients

Making quick corn tortilla wraps for tacos is simple and delicious. You can use homemade tortillas or store-bought.

Both options are soft and perfect for your favorite fillings. Start with fresh corn tortillas.

Heat them in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them warm and flexible.

Fill your tortillas with beans, grilled chicken, or veggies. Add salsa, cheese, or avocado for extra flavor.

Serve these wraps immediately for the best taste.

Ingredients

  • Corn tortillas
  • Filling of choice (beans, meats, veggies)
  • Toppings (salsa, cheese, avocado)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat at 350°F or 175°C.

  2. Warm each tortilla for 30 seconds on each side.

  3. Add your chosen filling to the center of each tortilla.

  4. Top with salsa, cheese, or avocado.

  5. Roll up each tortilla and enjoy!

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