It is easy to visualize tortillas when you’re thinking of Mexican cuisine. This staple ingredient is used in many delicious dishes, such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
As with other staple food, both corn and flour tortillas are widely available in grocery stores. However, this thin flatbread is surprisingly easy to make as well.
Whether you have some homemade leftovers or store-bought ones, you can undoubtedly warm them up before stuffing them with flavorful fillings!
Keep reading to find out how to heat corn tortillas and keep them moist and pliable!
Method 1: On a Stovetop
To warm corn tortillas in a skillet, you must do it one by one on a stove top. Although it seems like a lot of work, it’s actually easy and quick. This is the best way to heat corn tortillas so they don’t break. You can also follow this method to reheat naan bread.
Here is how to do it.
1. Preheat your skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the skillet is hot enough, place one tortilla and reheat for ± 30 seconds for one side. Then, flip and heat the other side for another 30 seconds.
3. When it looks bubbly, it’s perfectly heated and ready to use!
If you prefer a crispier exterior, melt a little butter before reheating. The butter will sort of toast and crisp up the exterior.
Method 2: On an Open Flame
Warming tortillas on an open flame works great for corn tortillas.
If you’re not used to this method, heating up over an open flame sounds daunting and complicated. But, guess what, it is surprisingly easy! Here is how to do it.
1. Have the tortillas and tongs ready on your arm’s reach. Sprinkle some water on the flatbread to re-moisturize them.
2. Turn on the gas stove to low – medium heat. Don’t use high heat because you risk burning the flatbread.
3. Place one tortilla directly over the flame and let it warm up for about 15 to 30 seconds.
4. With tongs, flip to the other side and continue reheating.
5. When it starts to bubble, it’s a sign that the flatbread is perfectly reheated.
Method 3: In An Oven
Unlike reheating in a skillet or on an open flame, heating tortillas in the oven allows you to heat up some pieces simultaneously. It’s perfect if you need to work with a ton of them.
Reheating in the oven is a preferred method for flour tortillas. Here are our detailed instructions to do it.
1. Set your oven to 300 to 350 F.
2. Stack 5 to 8 pieces and wrap them in aluminum foil.
3. Bake for 10 to 25 minutes until thoroughly reheated.
4. Repeat the same steps to reheat more pieces.
Method 4: Heat Tortillas in Microwave
If you have little time but have to heat up tortillas for a quick family meal, reheating in the microwave would be your best option. The only downside is the flatbread can be a little chewy and gummy.
Here is how to warm up tortillas in the microwave.
1. Place tortillas in a suitable container. You can do 1 to 5 pieces at a time.
2. Cover them with a damp paper towel.
3. Microwave over medium power for approximately 30 seconds. Add extra time to reheat more pieces.
How to Keep Tortillas Soft After Reheating
Let’s say you’ve done a great job of reheating the flatbreads. Now, they are perfectly warm and ready to use.
The only problem is you have to wait for several other batches to reheat. In that case, you might want to know the right way to keep tortillas warm and soft until they’re ready to use.
The ideal option would be to keep them in a tortilla warmer. But, not everyone has this specific appliance at home.
Don’t worry. Here are some simple steps to preserve the soft, delicate texture of tortillas after reheating.
1. Wrap tortillas in a clean, damp towel.
2. Place them in a basket or a bowl and cover them with a plate.
3. Store well until you’re ready to use them.
FAQs
Should leftover tortillas be refrigerated?
Homemade tortillas can stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days and a maximum a week in the fridge.
If you have store-bought ones, store leftovers as instructed in the package. Either way, make sure they are stored in a sealed, airtight container.
Can you freeze tortillas?
Yes. Tortillas freeze wonderfully for up to 6 months. To freeze, start by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking.
Next, pack them in a resealable freezer bag, remove excess air, seal the bag tightly, and place it in the freezer.
How do you know if tortillas have gone bad?
It’s not difficult to determine whether tortillas have gone bad. Start by examining their appearance and smell.
If they have visible molds, dark spots, or smell off, you shouldn’t eat them. Instead, discard them immediately and clean up the container and surrounding area.
In A Nutshell
Tortillas are a must-have ingredient if you love wraps and Mexican food. But, before you can stuff them with your favorite fillings, reheating is a crucial step to make them soft and pliable again.
For corn tortillas, the best options are reheating in a skillet or on an open flame. For flour tortillas, you can reheat them quickly in the microwave or oven. Check our tips above on the ultimate ways to reheat tortillas! These tips also work for Ezekiel tortillas, Naan, Pita, Roti and other flatbreads.
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
