Cody Casey
Heating tortillas in a pan is one of the best ways to reheat them and keep them warm. It's important to note that corn tortillas can become stiff and rubbery if they cool down after being heated, so it's best to warm them up right before filling them. When using a pan, it's recommended to use a dry, stainless steel skillet or comal over medium heat. For flour tortillas, you can add a slight golden char by heating them for about 30 seconds on each side. For corn tortillas, it's best to heat them for a shorter period, about 20 to 30 seconds on each side, to avoid drying them out. If you're making burritos, you can add toppings while the tortilla is in the pan, allowing it to get a light fry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan type | Cast iron skillet, stainless steel skillet |
| Pan heat | Medium-high, medium-low, medium |
| Tortilla type | Corn, flour |
| Tortilla preparation | No butter, oil, or grease; brush with water if tortilla is a few days old |
| Cooking time | 20-30 seconds per side, 30-60 seconds per tortilla |
| Tortilla texture | Crunchy, soft, pliable, crispy |
| Storage | Stack on a plate, cover with a bowl or tea towel |
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What You'll Learn
Use a dry skillet or comal over medium heat
Heating tortillas in a dry skillet or comal over medium heat is a quick and efficient method to prepare them for your meal. This technique works best for flour tortillas, but it can also be used for corn tortillas.
Start by placing your tortilla directly onto the dry, hot surface of the skillet or comal. It is important that the skillet or comal is dry and not oiled. Set the heat to medium and let the tortilla toast for about 20 to 30 seconds. You should aim for a slight golden char, so keep a close eye on the tortilla, flipping it at just the right moment to ensure it remains pliable with enticing golden spots. If you are using a corn tortilla, you may want to run it under the faucet first, as the water will steam and help to soften the tortilla.
If you are preparing multiple tortillas, you can wrap them in a damp dish towel or paper towels, then encase them in aluminum foil and place them in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes. This method ensures that the tortillas stay warm and soft.
If you are looking for a crispier texture, you can melt a little butter or heat some cooking oil in the skillet before adding the tortillas. Alternatively, you can set a heat-proof metal rack on top of the burner and warm your tortillas there, turning them occasionally until they reach your desired level of crispness.
With these simple techniques, you can enjoy warm and flexible tortillas that are ready to be filled and enjoyed!
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Flip every 30 seconds to avoid dryness
When heating tortillas in a pan, it's important to keep a close eye on them to prevent them from drying out and becoming crunchy. This is especially important if you're aiming for soft, supple tortillas suitable for dishes like burritos.
To avoid dryness, one effective method is to flip the tortilla every 30 seconds. This ensures even heating on both sides and helps retain moisture. It's recommended to heat each tortilla for around 20 to 30 seconds on each side over low to medium heat. This timing may vary slightly depending on your heat source and the type of pan you're using. Cast iron skillets, for example, retain heat well and can cook tortillas in as little as 30 to 60 seconds total.
By flipping the tortilla regularly, you prevent prolonged exposure to direct heat, which can cause dryness and overcooking. This technique is particularly crucial when using a dry skillet without any butter, oil, or grease, as these additional ingredients can help prevent sticking and moisture loss.
If you're using a stainless steel skillet, it's essential to heat the tortilla without any oil. Adding oil to a stainless steel pan can create an unpleasant burnt taste. Instead, rely on flipping the tortilla frequently to prevent sticking and promote even heating.
Additionally, if your tortillas have been refrigerated, it's a good idea to briefly run them under the faucet before placing them in the pan. This step adds moisture and helps soften the tortillas, making them less prone to drying out during the heating process.
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Add butter or oil for crispness
If you want to add a little crispness to your tortilla, you can add butter or oil to the pan. This method works well for flour tortillas. Start by heating a skillet on high heat. Melt a little butter or heat a little cooking oil in the skillet before adding the tortillas. You can also brush both sides of the tortilla with oil before placing it in the pan.
When the oil is hot, place the tortilla in the pan. It should sizzle immediately. If you are making a burrito, you can turn the heat down to medium-low and add your toppings while the tortilla is in the skillet. This will give your tortilla a light fry and a touch of brown.
Cook each side of the tortilla for about 10 to 20 seconds. You will know it is ready to flip when brown spots start to appear on the underside of the tortilla. If you are making taco shells, cook each tortilla for about 10 to 15 seconds, then flip it over and fold it in half. Hold it in place with tongs for another 15 seconds or so until it is crispy.
If you are making tortilla chips, cut the tortillas into triangles and heat about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a few chips in the oil at a time and fry until crispy. Be careful not to crowd the pan, as this will bring down the oil temperature and prevent your tortillas from getting crispy.
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Wrap in foil and heat in the oven
If you're preparing tortillas for a large group, warming them in the oven is a good option. This method is also recommended if you want to keep your tortillas warm for a long period before serving.
First, wrap a stack of five or fewer tortillas in a packet of aluminum foil. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (180°C). Place the packet of tortillas in the oven for 10 to 20 minutes, until they are heated through. You can also place multiple packets of five tortillas each in the oven simultaneously.
If your tortillas are a few days old, brush them lightly with water before cooking to prevent them from drying out. You can also add a little water if you plan to cook them in batches and want to keep the first batch warm while the others are cooking.
Once the tortillas are heated, keep them wrapped in the foil until you're ready to serve them. This method ensures that your tortillas stay soft and warm for a long time.
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Use a tortilla warmer or the microwave
If you want to avoid the hassle of heating tortillas individually on a pan, you can use a tortilla warmer or the microwave to heat several tortillas at once.
Tortilla warmers are a great way to keep your tortillas warm throughout the meal. They are usually made of fabric or clay and are microwave-safe. To use a tortilla warmer, simply load it up with tortillas, close the flap, and microwave for 15 seconds. Check the tortillas, and if they are not warm enough, put them back in the microwave for a few more seconds. The more tortillas you have, the longer it will take to warm them up. Once the tortillas are warm, you can carry the warmer to the table, and your tortillas will stay warm and chewy for the whole meal.
You can also use the microwave without a tortilla warmer. Place a stack of five or fewer tortillas in a packet of aluminum foil and microwave for 15 to 30 seconds. Flip the packet halfway through to ensure even heating. If your tortillas are a few days old, brush them with a little water before microwaving to prevent them from drying out.
It is important to note that you should not put the lid of a tortilla warmer in the microwave, as it may not be safe. Always follow the instructions provided with your tortilla warmer for the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the tortillas in a dry (no oil) stainless steel skillet over medium heat and cook them for about 30 seconds on each side.
If you want to avoid drying out your tortillas, wrap them in a damp dish towel or enough damp paper towels to cover before placing them in the pan.
Set your burner to low or medium heat. Avoid high heat, as this may cause your tortillas to dry out and become crunchy.
Heat each tortilla for 20 to 30 seconds on each side until warmed. Monitor your tortillas closely and flip them at the right moment to ensure they remain pliable with golden spots.
Yes, you can heat corn tortillas in a pan. If your corn tortillas have been in the fridge, run them under the faucet before placing them in a dry skillet over low to medium heat.
