Homemade Corn Tortillas (Perfect Every Time + Foolproof Tips)
These Homemade Corn Tortillas puff beautifully every time, giving you that soft, tender texture you expect from authentic tortillas. They're perfect for tacos, tostadas, or dipping into soups!
Servings: 10 tortillas
Equipment
- comal or griddle
Ingredients
- 1 cup masa harina 150g
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup (packed) masa harina, ½ tsp salt, and between ¾ to 1 cup of warm water in a mixing bowl. Mix for 2 minutes to hydrate the dough evenly.*The amount of water depends on the brand of masa harina you are using. Maseca uses less water, while Masienda uses a bit more.
- Check the texture. It should feel soft and smooth like Play-Doh. If it cracks when pressed, add a little more water. If it's too sticky, add a little more masa.
- Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes (1 hour is better), covered or wrapped in plastic so it doesn't dry out.
- Re-knead briefly and add water or masa if needed. Then roll the dough into balls about the size of a golf ball and keep them covered.
- Prepare your press by lining it with parchment paper on the bottom and plastic on top. Press the ball gently to flatten.
- Turn the tortilla over so the parchment paper is now facing up. Press gently one more time to make it even all around. Then peel the parchment paper away.
- Gently cradle the exposed side of the tortilla in your hand, then carefully peel the plastic away from the other side.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Cook the tortilla for 15 seconds.
- Flip and cook the other side for 40 seconds.
- Flip again and the tortilla should puff within 10-15 seconds.
- Flip one last time to finish cooking the tortilla for 10 seconds.
- Keep the tortillas wrapped in a towel or tortilla warmer before serving. This step is extremely important, don't skip it!
Notes
- Use a non-stick comal or griddle so tortillas release easily and flip cleanly.
- No puff? Heat may be too low. You can also try gently pressing the edges after the second flip to encourage steam.
- Use a timer for consistent cooking on each side.
- Keep tortillas warm in a towel or tortilla warmer to keep them soft and pliable.
- Streamline the process: While one tortilla cooks during the longest stage (about 40 seconds on the second flip), press the next one to keep the process smooth and efficient.
Nutrition
Serving: 1tortilla | Calories: 42kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
