How To Keep Corn Tortillas From Falling Apart: Solved

Last Updated on September 16, 2024 by Shari Mason

Ever had the thrill of whipping up some mouth-watering tacos, just to watch helplessly as your corn tortillas *fall apart* before you even get a taste?

We’ve all been there, so we did a series of experiments to uncover strategies on how to keep corn tortillas from falling apart and make meal preparation with them much more manageable.

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.

Fresh corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, so corn tortillas [1] must be stored properly. You can keep fresh corn tortillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Fresh tortillas and store-bought corn tortillas should be kept away from moisture, such as steam, as this will make them soggy and more likely to fall apart.

When you heat tortillas, we recommend using low to medium heat, enough to keep tortillas warm. Corn tortillas can easily become dry and brittle when exposed to too much heat.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the tortillas are not overworked when folding them, as this can cause them to break apart. Use a tortilla press with a little oil or a cast iron griddle.

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

A large Mexican population makes fresh tortillas using a rolling pin, water, and corn flour.

To keep corn tortillas fresh, it is best to wrap them in foil or plastic and store them in the refrigerator. It will help keep fresh tortillas last for up to one week.

If you plan to store them 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.

You can use this procedure with store-bought tortillas. This method can keep them fresh, and you can avoid stale tortillas.

Read:

• Can You Eat Flour Tortillas Without Cooking Them?
• Are Tortillas Kosher For Passover?

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 heat with hot oil. 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.

Stale corn tortillas break easily, so you should reheat them in less than a minute.

You can heat hard corn tortillas, but ensure that the extra moisture from the boiling water doesn’t go directly to the tortilla chips because they will fall apart.

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 softened and lightly browned.

Corn tortillas tend to break easily, so I recommend using a paper towel, aluminum foil, damp towel, or kitchen towel when reheating using a steamer basket, dry grill, and microwave method.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to lengthen shelf life.

Read: Where Does Chipotle Get Their Tortillas?

How To Keep Corn Tortillas From Falling Apart In Enchiladas

You can use enchiladas in corn tortillas 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.

Enchiladas will help corn tortillas stay together as they can fill the small cracks and keep them from becoming too dry.

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. It will help keep them flexible and prevent cracking.

“Elevate your taco game with our simple, tried-and-true techniques.”

–Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

Roll them as thin as possible, as thicker tortillas are more prone to cracking.

FAQs

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.

Making enchiladas as a binder can also be a good idea as it can fill small cracks. Also, it is best to keep corn flour tortillas warm to prevent it from falling apart.

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:

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