Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by Shari Mason
It can be incredibly frustrating when you make a meal using corn tortillas only to have them fall apart as you try to pick them up.
Fortunately, there are easy methods you can use to keep your corn tortillas from falling apart and make meal preparation with them much easier.
We’ve got some simple tips for ensuring your tortillas stay intact and providing delicious meals.
How Can You Keep Corn Tortillas From Falling Apart?
To keep corn tortillas from falling apart, make them pliable by warming them up in your oven, open flame, or microwave.
It is important to ensure that the corn tortillas [1] are stored properly. This means keeping them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and ensuring they are used within a few days.
It is also important to keep them away from sources of moisture, such as steam, as this will make them soggy and more likely to fall apart.
When it comes to cooking, it is also important to be mindful of the amount of heat used.
Corn tortillas can easily become dry and brittle when exposed to too much heat, so it is best to cook them at a lower temperature.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the tortillas are not overworked when folding them, as this can cause them to break apart.
Lastly, it is important to ensure that the tortillas are not too thin when rolling them out, as this will make them more prone to breaking apart.
Read: How To Keep Turkey Burgers From Falling Apart?
How To Keep Them Fresh
To keep corn tortillas fresh, it is best to wrap them in foil or plastic and store them in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh for up to one week.
If you plan to store them for longer, you can freeze them by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. They should stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
Read: Can You Eat Flour Tortillas Without Cooking Them?
How To Heat Corn Tortillas
Heating corn tortillas is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Start by heating a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tortillas one at a time onto the skillet and heat for 10-15 seconds on each side.
“Every movie is a road movie. Every novel is a mystery. Every tortilla chip is sacred.”
– Sherman Alexie, American Novelist
If you prefer softer tortillas, cover the skillet with a lid while they are heating. Once they are done, you can use them as desired.
Read: How To Keep Corn Tortillas From Falling Apart In Enchiladas?
How To Soften Them For Enchiladas In The Oven
To soften corn tortillas for enchiladas [2] in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and brush both sides with a light oil coating.
Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time until they are softened and lightly browned.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Read: Where Does Chipotle Get Their Tortillas?
How To Keep Corn Tortillas From Falling Apart In Enchiladas
When making enchiladas with corn tortillas, it’s important to keep them from falling apart.
To do this, lightly brush each side of the tortillas with vegetable oil before you fill them with your ingredients.
This will help them stay together and keep them from becoming too dry. Additionally, you can warm the tortillas in a damp paper towel in the microwave before filling them.
This will help keep them pliable and make them easier to fold.
Why Are My Corn Tortillas Cracking When I Roll Them?
Corn tortillas are not properly hydrated, making them difficult to roll without cracking. The best way to prevent tortillas from cracking is to moisten them before rolling them.
Try lightly spraying them with water or dipping them in warm water for a few seconds. This will help keep them flexible and prevent cracking.
Additionally, make sure to roll them as thin as possible, as thicker tortillas are more prone to cracking.
FAQs
How do you make corn tortillas more durable?
Corn tortillas can be made more durable by frying them. Frying them will make them firmer and less likely to break when handled.
You can also add a small amount of oil to the masa harina dough before you roll out the tortillas. This will help them keep their shape and make them more durable.
Why do my flour tortillas fall apart?
This could be due to several reasons, such as the dough not being kneaded enough, the tortillas not being rolled out thin enough, or the pan is too hot when cooking the tortillas.
It could also be due to the dough not having enough fat or liquid.
Why do my homemade corn tortillas fall apart?
Homemade corn tortillas can fall apart if they are not cooked properly. If they are overcooked, they can become dry and brittle; undercooked, they can be too soft and sticky.
Be sure to cook them until they are lightly browned and pliable. Also, ensure the dough is not too dry or too wet, as this can cause the tortillas to break apart.
In Conclusion
Keeping corn tortillas from falling apart is easy if you follow our suggested steps.
The key is ensuring your tortillas are warm and pliable and giving them adequate time to steam before serving.
Additionally, you can use a bit of oil or butter to help keep them together.
By using a little extra care when handling your tortillas, you should be able to enjoy delicious and intact corn tortillas every time.
References:
- https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_make_corn_tortillas/
- https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/simple-perfect-enchiladas-recipe0-2043114
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