"Master the Art of Warming Up Corn Tortillas with These Tips"

Introduction:

Whether you're making Taco Tuesday a weekly tradition or just want to enjoy some delicious tacos any day of the week, knowing how to effectively heat up corn tortillas is a must. There are various methods to do so, but not all methods are created equal. In this article, we'll go over the most popular ways to heat up corn tortillas, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as share our favorite method for warm, toasty, and soft corn tortillas.

I. Microwave Method:

While the microwave is a convenient way to heat up flour tortillas, this steamed method is not ideal for corn tortillas. Heating up soft corn tortillas in the microwave gives them a mealy flavor and doesn't improve their texture. So, to keep the flavor and texture of your corn tortillas intact, stick to a different method for heating them up.

II. Dry Skillet Method:

The dry skillet method is a classic way of heating up corn tortillas. It's best done on a cast-iron skillet, which doesn't require any oil to coat the surface. You can heat up your tortilla in the skillet for about 15-30 seconds on each side, or until they're warm and getting some nice toasty brown spots. Using tongs to flip and move the tortillas around makes it easier. While this method is excellent for cooking small amounts of tortillas, it becomes cumbersome when you're cooking for the whole family.

III. Air Fryer and Toaster Methods:

Although you can technically heat up corn tortillas in an air fryer, it's not a recommended method because only a few tortillas can fit in the fryer at a time, and they tend to fold up, which can be frustrating. Similarly, using a toaster is not an ideal method as tortillas tend to flop down inside, and it's challenging to get them out. However, note that this method works better for flour tortillas since they're sturdier and don't flop over.

IV. Oven Method:

The oven method is the easiest way to warm up corn tortillas quickly. It's also our preferred method for warm and toasty, but still soft, corn tortillas. Arrange the top rack in your oven so that it's about 6-8 inches from the top heat source. Then, arrange your tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the oven on the top rack under the broiler until toasted spots just begin to appear on the tortillas, which takes about two minutes. Once those tops are lightly toasted, take the pan out of the oven and use tongs to flip the corn tortillas over. While you won't put them back into the oven, the side that is now facing up is warm and soft and ready for you to add your favorite taco fillings.

V. Keeping Tortillas Warm:

Suppose you're working in batches or aren't ready to eat your tortillas right away. In that case, it's essential to stack them up and wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them warm and soft until you're ready to enjoy them. This can be especially helpful when cooking for a large group of people. If you leave your tortillas in the foil for too long and they no longer feel warm, place them back into the oven for four to six minutes to heat them through without making them hard. Alternatively, transfer the tortillas from the foil to a microwave-safe plate. Place a damp paper towel over the stack and microwave for 20 seconds at a time until reheated.

VI. Freezing Corn Tortillas:

Yes, you can freeze corn tortillas. To extend their shelf life, freeze them in the unopened packaging that they came in, or if the package has been opened, seal them well or transfer the tortillas to an airtight container or bag and freeze. Thaw your tortillas by putting the package on the counter for 30-60 minutes or in the fridge for 12 hours. You could also use the defrost function or power-level 50% for 30 seconds at a time until thawed. Note that you can also freeze and thaw already heated corn tortillas, but they won't be as tasty as fresh ones.

Conclusion:

Heating up corn tortillas may seem like a minor detail, but it can make or break your taco night experience. While there are various methods to heat up corn tortillas, some methods are better than others. The oven method is by far our favorite as it's easy, quick, and produces warm, toasty, and soft corn tortillas. It's also essential to remember to keep your tortillas warm when working in batches and to freeze your tortillas properly to maintain their taste and texture.