How to Make Fresh Corn Tortillas at Home

Freshly made corn tortillas are a delightful treat that you can easily make in your own kitchen. By following our step-by-step process and using our tips, you can create mouthwatering tortillas that are far superior to store-bought ones.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (115 grams) masa harina
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional)
• 1 cup (237 ml) warm water

Directions

1. Whisk the masa harina and salt together until well blended.
2. Slowly pour in the warm water while mixing. The dough should be moist and starting to hold together. Stop adding water when this consistency is reached.
3. Knead the dough for a few minutes until there are no dry or powdery spots left. The dough should resemble playdough – moist, but not tacky.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll into balls. Keep the balls covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
5. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cut two pieces of parchment paper or a plastic bag into the shape of the tortilla press. Place a ball of dough between the parchment or plastic sheets and press down until the dough has spread into a thin disk (~1/16-inch thick).
6. Carefully transfer the tortilla to the hot skillet and cook each side for the specified times. Cooked tortillas should puff in the middle.
7. Transfer cooked tortillas to a tortilla warmer or bowl lined with a clean dishtowel to keep warm until ready to serve.

Tips for Success

• Use warm water to bring out the flavors of the masa and rehydrate it properly.
• Ensure the dough resembles playdough – moist, but not sticky. Adjust the amount of water or masa harina as needed.
• Knead the dough to fully incorporate the water and hydrate the masa flour.
• Keep a spray bottle filled with water nearby when cooking the tortillas to moisten them if they become dry.

Enjoy these homemade corn tortillas fresh, or store them in an airtight container for a few days. Reheat on the stovetop and add some moisture if needed to prevent them from drying out. Try them with our suggested recipes for delicious tacos!

Source: Our Best Soft Corn Tortillas