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How To Keep Corn Tortillas From Falling Apart In Enchiladas

How To Keep Corn Tortillas From Falling Apart In Enchiladas

Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Shari Mason

While corn tortillas are a great option for making enchiladas, I have found that they can be difficult to work with. When attempting to wrap them, they often crumble, affecting the overall texture and appearance of the enchiladas.

Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to keep your corn tortillas from falling apart. 

We’ll provide tips on how to keep corn tortillas from falling apart in enchiladas.

Steps To Keep Corn Tortillas From Breaking In Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas on a Dishpan
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). 
  2. Use warm/hot corn tortillas for your enchiladas. 
  3. Dip each corn tortilla in hot oil before making the enchiladas [1]. This will help the tortillas stay pliable and not break apart when folded. 
  4. Let the tortillas cool before using them. 
  5. Fill each tortilla with your desired filling. 
  6. Roll the tortillas tightly and secure them with toothpicks. 
  7. Place the rolled enchiladas in a baking dish. 
  8. Pour your favorite enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas. 
  9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. 
  10. Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. 
  11. Remove the foil and bake the enchiladas for 10 minutes. 
  12. Let the enchiladas cool before serving.

Read:

Do You Dip Corn Tortillas In Enchilada Sauce?

Yes, you can dip corn tortillas in enchilada sauce. Doing so adds texture and flavor to the tortillas and can help to bind the ingredients in the enchilada together. 

“Corn is an efficient way to get energy calories off the land, and soybeans are an efficient way of getting protein off the land, so we’ve designed a food system that produces a lot of cheap corn and soybeans resulting in a lot of cheap fast food. “

– Michael Pollan, Author

It can also help to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy as they bake. If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your enchiladas, dipping the corn tortillas in enchilada sauce is a great way to do it.

Read:

Corn vs Flour Tortillas For Enchiladas

Corn tortillas [2] are the traditional choice for enchiladas, as they hold their shape better than flour tortillas when rolled. Additionally, many people prefer the flavor and texture of corn tortillas. 

Flour tortillas are also popular, as they can be filled with various ingredients. Ultimately, the choice between corn and flour tortillas for enchiladas comes down to personal preference.

Do You Cook Corn Tortillas Before Making Enchiladas?

corn tortilla on a pan

It is not necessary to cook corn tortillas before making enchiladas. However, many prefer to cook them before preparing the enchiladas to give them a softer texture and better flavor. 

This can be done by heating a skillet over medium-high heat, adding a teaspoon of oil, and lightly cooking each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side.

This will infuse the tortillas with a smoky flavor while keeping them pliable and easy to work with.

How Do You Get Corn Tortillas To Stick Together?

To get corn tortillas to stick together, heat them. This can be done in a skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat.

Warm each side of the tortilla for a few seconds before pressing them together. 

“In the enchilada dance, fortify your tortillas; let them twirl without a tear.”

– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

This will help soften the tortillas and make them more pliable, so they can easily be sealed.

Once both sides of the tortilla have been heated, they can be pressed together firmly to form a seal. This should help them stick together and prevent them from coming apart when filled.

FAQs

u003cstrongu003eWhy are your enchiladas soggy?u003c/strongu003e

A few different things usually cause soggy enchiladas. The most common cause is the enchiladas have been sitting in the sauce for too long, causing them to absorb too much liquid and become soggy. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAnother cause could be that the enchiladas were not cooked properly, resulting in a soggy texture. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eLastly, the tortillas may not have been heated enough before filling and rolling, resulting in a soggy texture.

u003cstrongu003eWhy do you dip corn tortillas in water?u003c/strongu003e

Dipping corn tortillas in water help make them softer and more pliable. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThis allows them to be folded or rolled more easily and prevents them from breaking or cracking when filled. It also helps prevent the filling from seeping through the tortilla.

u003cstrongu003eWhat is the best way to heat corn tortillas for enchiladas?u003c/strongu003e

The best way to heat corn tortillas for enchiladas is to place them on a hot skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAlternatively, you can heat the tortillas in the microwave for around 15 to 20 seconds or wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat them in the oven for a few minutes.

In Conclusion

Following the steps above, you can enjoy delicious enchiladas without worrying about them falling apart. 

Adding a few extra ingredients to the mix can help keep the tortillas from breaking and make them easier to work with.

When using store-bought tortillas, look for thicker varieties that won’t break when rolled. 

Finally, warm the tortillas before filling and rolling them, making them more pliable and less likely to tear. 

With these tips, your enchiladas will stay intact and tasty.

References:

  1. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/simple-perfect-enchiladas-recipe0-2043114
  2. https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_make_corn_tortillas/
Shari Mason

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