If you've ever tasted homemade Mexican tortillas, you know that there's nothing quite like the warm, soft and slightly charred flavor they bring to a meal. Whether it's filled with savory meats and vegetables or simply topped with salsa and cheese, the tortilla is a staple in Mexican cuisine that has gained popularity all over the world. But did you know that making your own tortillas at home is not only easy, but also a great way to elevate your dishes and impress your friends and family? In this article, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make homemade Mexican tortillas that will have you saying adiós to store-bought ones for good.
Main Ingredients: Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, All
Chicken chimichangas are a delicious and easy way to use up leftover chicken. Simply shred the chicken, mix it with some spices and other flavorful ingredients, and wrap it up in a homemade flour tortilla. Fry or bake until crispy, and top with your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, and sour cream.
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Homemade Flour Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Flour Tortillas, Table Salt, Baking Powder, Vegetable
There's nothing quite like the taste of freshly made flour tortillas. And the best part? They're surprisingly easy to make at home. All you need is flour, salt, water, and a rolling pin. Combine the ingredients, roll out the dough, and cook on a hot skillet. You'll never want to go back to store-bought tortillas again.
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Cinnamon Sugar Fried Flour Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Flour Tortillas, White Sugar, Cinnamon, Allspice, Fresh
These sweet and crispy cinnamon sugar fried flour tortillas are the perfect dessert or snack. Simply cut the tortillas into strips, fry them in hot oil until golden brown, and toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Serve with a side of ice cream or fruit salsa for a delicious treat.
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Antelope Fajitas with Homemade Flour Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Antelope, Fajita Rub, Flour Tortillas, Red Bell Pepper
Looking to switch things up from the traditional chicken or beef fajitas? Try using antelope meat instead. Marinate the antelope in spices, garlic, and citrus juice before grilling or sautéing. Serve on homemade flour tortillas for a unique and flavorful twist on a classic dish.
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Steak Fajitas with Cassava Flour Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Onion, Bell Pepper, Avocados, Olive Oil
If you're looking for a gluten-free option for your fajitas, try using cassava flour tortillas. These grain-free tortillas are made from cassava root and are a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions. Fill them with grilled steak, peppers, and onions for a delicious and healthy meal.
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Black Bean Mexican Pizza on Cassava Flour Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Flour Tortillas, Black Beans, Cumin, Salt, Pepper
Who says you can't have pizza on a tortilla? This black bean Mexican pizza is made on a cassava flour tortilla, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pizza. Top with black beans, corn, salsa, and cheese, and bake until crispy. Serve with a side of guacamole for a tasty and filling meal.
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Pulled Pork Street Tacos (with Cassava Flour Tortillas)
Main Ingredients: Pulled Pork, Flour Tortillas, Pineapple, Red Onions
Upgrade your taco game with these pulled pork street tacos made on cassava flour tortillas. Slow cook the pork until it's tender and easily shredded, then serve on warm tortillas with your choice of toppings like pickled onions, cilantro, and lime. It's a simple and delicious meal that's perfect for a crowd.
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Gluten Free Baja Fish Tacos with Fresh Flour Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Flour Tortillas, Bread, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream
These gluten-free Baja fish tacos are bursting with flavor and made even better with fresh flour tortillas. Coat the fish in a spice blend, then pan-fry or grill until cooked through. Serve on warm tortillas with cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime for a taste of the beach at home.
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Large flour tortillas
Main Ingredients: Large Flour Tortillas, Grated Cheese, Monterey Jack
When it comes to making burritos or large wraps, you'll need large flour tortillas to hold all of your ingredients. These tortillas are perfect for filling with your favorite protein, vegetables, and rice for a filling and satisfying meal. You can even use them to make homemade quesadillas for a quick and easy lunch.
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Chicken Fajitas
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breasts, Salt, Canola, Onion, Bell
Chicken fajitas are a classic Mexican dish that never gets old. Marinate chicken in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, and spices, then cook in a skillet with bell peppers and onions. Serve on warm tortillas with your choice of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for a delicious and flavorful meal.
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Amazing Chicken Quesadilla
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Salt
Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that can be customized to your liking. For an amazing chicken quesadilla, simply layer shredded chicken, cheese, and any other desired fillings between two flour tortillas. Cook in a skillet until golden brown and crispy, then slice and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Chicken Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Olive Oil, Garlic, Cream Cheese, Chiles
Another classic Mexican dish, chicken enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for any occasion. Simply fill flour tortillas with shredded chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce, then bake until heated through and bubbly. Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a taste of authentic Mexican street food, try making Mexican street tacos at home. These small tacos are made with corn tortillas and filled with grilled meat, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. They're simple yet packed with flavor, making them a favorite among taco lovers.
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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Main Ingredients: Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Ground Paprika, Ground
For a hassle-free dinner, try making sheet pan chicken fajitas. Simply toss chicken, bell peppers, and onions with spices and roast on a sheet pan until cooked through. Serve on warm tortillas with your choice of toppings for an easy and delicious meal that requires minimal cleanup.
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Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Ground Beef, Chili Powder, Oregano, Cumin
Looking for a filling and tasty meal? These cheesy ground beef quesadillas are the answer. Brown ground beef with onions and spices, then layer it between two flour tortillas with plenty of cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy, then slice and serve with your favorite toppings.
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Easy Chicken Tacos
Main Ingredients: Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Dried
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try making these easy chicken tacos. Simply cook chicken in a skillet with your choice of spices, then serve on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. You can also use leftover chicken for an even faster dinner option.
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Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Olive Oil, Chili Powder, Garlic
These creamy oven baked chicken taquitos are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. Mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, corn, and spices, then roll up in warmed tortillas. Bake until crispy and serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Shredded Chicken Tacos
Main Ingredients: Tomato Sauce, White Distilled Vinegar, Garlic, Chili
Shredded chicken tacos are a simple yet delicious meal that can be made with just a few ingredients. Simply cook chicken in a skillet with spices and salsa, then shred and serve on warm tortillas. Top with your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, and sour cream for a tasty and customizable meal.
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Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Enchilada Sauce
If you're craving the flavors of chicken enchiladas but want an easier way to make them, try this chicken enchilada casserole. Simply layer torn flour tortillas with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and cheese, then bake until heated through and bubbly. It's a comforting and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
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King Ranch Chicken With Flour Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Rotel Tomatoes
King Ranch chicken is a popular casserole dish that's often made with corn tortillas. For a twist on the classic, try using flour tortillas instead. Layer chicken, corn, black beans, and cheese between torn flour tortillas and bake until hot and bubbly. Serve with a side of salsa for a delicious and hearty meal.
The Ingredients You'll Need
The Essential Ingredients
To make homemade Mexican tortillas, you'll need four key ingredients: flour, water, salt, and baking powder. These simple ingredients may already be in your pantry, making it convenient to whip up a batch of tortillas whenever you please. It's important to use fresh, high-quality flour to achieve the best results. You can use all-purpose flour or opt for masa harina, a special corn flour used specifically for tortillas. As for water, it's best to use warm water to help activate the gluten in the flour and create a pliable dough. Salt is used for flavor, while baking powder helps the tortillas rise and become soft and fluffy.
The Optional Ingredients
While the basic ingredients are enough to make delicious homemade Mexican tortillas, you can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture. Some popular variations include adding olive oil or butter for a richer taste, cornmeal for a more authentic texture, or spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, to cater to dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
The Process of Making Homemade Mexican Tortillas
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. If using any additional ingredients, such as spices or cornmeal, add them in at this stage. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Add Water and Knead
Slowly add warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing as you go. Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water; if it's too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 3: Rest the Dough
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to work with.
Step 4: Roll Out the Tortillas
Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out each ball into a thin, round tortilla. If you don't have a rolling pin, a wine bottle or even your hands can work just fine.
Step 5: Cook on a Hot Skillet
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place a tortilla on the skillet and cook for about a minute on each side, or until it starts to puff up and develop light brown spots. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Homemade Mexican Tortillas
Your homemade Mexican tortillas are now ready to be devoured! Serve them hot or let them cool and store them in an airtight container for later use. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to enchiladas and quesadillas.
Now that you know how easy it is to make your own homemade Mexican tortillas, you'll never have to settle for store-bought ones again. Impress your loved ones with this simple, yet delicious addition to any meal. So grab your apron and get ready to become a tortilla-making pro!