Perfect Tortilla Toasting: Pan-Style, Quick, And Easy!

Toasting tortillas is a crucial step in creating Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. It adds a crispy texture and enhances the flavor of the fillings. There are several ways to toast a tortilla, including using a stove, oven, or grill. When toasting tortillas, it is important to ensure they are slightly warmed and pliable. This can be achieved by taking them out of the refrigerator and letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Additionally, when using a stove, it is recommended to heat a pan that is larger than the diameter of the tortillas over medium to medium-high heat. The tortilla can then be placed directly into the pan and heated for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, or until the bottom is browned in spots.

How to Toast a Tortilla in a Pan

Heat a pan larger than the tortilla over medium to medium-high heat

Heating the pan is the first step in the tortilla-making process. It is important to use a pan that is larger than the diameter of your tortillas. Heat the pan over medium to medium-high heat. You do not need to oil the pan or even spray it with non-stick spray. This is because the tortilla itself will provide the oil needed for toasting. If you are using a non-stick pan, you can skip the oiling step. However, if you are using a stainless steel skillet, you may want to spritz the pan with a small amount of oil to prevent the tortilla from sticking. Vegetable oil is a good option for this.

Once the pan is heated, you can move on to the next step of toasting your tortilla. Place the tortilla directly into the pan and heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your heat source and preference, until the bottom is browned in spots. If you are using a gas stove, be sure to keep the tortilla moving so it doesn't burn. The tortilla should develop a golden-brown colour and become slightly crispy. Be careful not to overcook it, as it may become too brittle.

Place the tortilla in the pan for 30 seconds to 1 minute

Once your pan is hot, it's time to place your tortilla in the pan. You should heat your tortilla for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side. This will give it a golden-brown colour and make it slightly crispy. It's important to keep an eye on your tortilla at this stage, as you don't want it to burn or become too brittle.

Use a spatula to flip your tortilla, ensuring it toasts evenly. Tongs can also be used to flip the tortilla, and you can also use them to hold the tortilla over the flame if you are using a gas stove. If you are using tongs, be sure to move the tortilla around so that it doesn't burn.

If you are using a non-stick pan, you may want to spritz it with your chosen oil first. This will help to ensure even browning and add flavour. If you are using butter, you may want to melt this in the pan first.

Flip the tortilla and cook the other side

Once you've heated your pan to a medium-high heat, it's time to toast your tortilla. Place the tortilla in the pan and heat for about 30 seconds to one minute, or until the bottom is browned in spots.

Now it's time to flip the tortilla and cook the other side. Use a spatula or a pair of tongs to carefully lift the tortilla and flip it over. You want to ensure that the tortilla is toasted evenly, so take care not to tear it or fold it as you flip. Once you've flipped the tortilla, let it cook for another 30 seconds to one minute. Keep an eye on the heat—if it's too high, the tortilla may burn quickly and become bitter.

As the tortilla cooks, you should see it start to develop a golden-brown colour and become slightly crispy. This is the perfect level of toastiness! Be careful not to overcook the tortilla, as it may become too brittle and break apart.

Once the tortilla is toasted to your liking, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate or a clean surface. Repeat the process with any remaining tortillas, stacking them as you go.

Remove the tortilla and repeat with any others

Once your tortilla is toasted on one side, it's time to flip it over and repeat the process. Use tongs or a fork to turn the tortilla over and heat the other side for around 45 seconds or until you see brown spots. You can also hold the tortilla over the flame with tongs, flipping to toast both sides. Keep the tortilla moving or it will burn.

Once you're happy with the colour of your tortilla, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate or a clean surface. Repeat the process with any remaining tortillas. You can stack them as they are heated.

If you're using a grill, place the tortillas directly on the grill in batches of up to four at a time. This will help you control the browning without them burning. Heat each side for about 30 seconds or until browned to your liking, then use tongs to flip them over.

Stack the tortillas as you toast them

Stacking tortillas as you toast them is an efficient way to toast multiple tortillas at once. This method is ideal for preparing a large batch of tortillas, and it allows for even heat distribution among the tortillas.

To stack and toast tortillas, start by heating a pan that is larger than the diameter of your tortillas over medium to medium-high heat. There is no need to oil the pan or use non-stick spray. Once the pan is hot, place one tortilla directly into the pan and heat for about 45 seconds, or until the bottom is browned in spots. Use tongs or a fork to flip the tortilla and heat the other side for the same duration.

After the first tortilla is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate or a clean surface. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, stacking them as you go. This way, you can toast multiple tortillas without overcrowding the pan, ensuring even toasting for each tortilla.

Stacking tortillas as you toast them is a simple and effective method that saves time and effort, making it a convenient option for preparing larger quantities.

Frequently asked questions