Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you know that no meal is complete without a side of warm, delicious flour tortillas. While it may seem daunting to make your own from scratch, it’s actually quite simple, especially if you have a skillet handy. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking flour tortillas in a skillet, so you can enjoy the taste of homemade tortillas whenever you want.
First things first, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. To make homemade flour tortillas, you’ll only need a few pantry staples: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, vegetable oil, and warm water. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re ready to start.
To begin, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the dough. Next, add the vegetable oil and warm water, and stir until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a splash of warm water. Once the dough reaches the right consistency, knead it on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes to develop the gluten.
After kneading the dough, divide it into small, golf ball-sized portions. Use a rolling pin to flatten each portion into a thin, round tortilla. If the dough sticks to the rolling pin or surface, dust it with a bit of flour. Repeat this process until all the dough portions are flattened into tortillas.
Now it’s time to cook the tortillas in a skillet. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with vegetable oil. Carefully transfer a tortilla to the skillet and cook it for about 30 seconds on each side, or until it puffs up and develops golden brown spots. Once cooked, remove the tortilla from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm. Repeat this cooking process for the remaining tortillas, adding more vegetable oil to the skillet as needed.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully cooked flour tortillas in a skillet. Now you can serve them alongside your favorite Mexican dishes or use them as a base for wraps and quesadillas. Store any leftover tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze them for later use. Enjoy your homemade tortillas!
Preparation and Ingredients:
To cook flour tortillas in a skillet, you’ll need a few key ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Equipment:
- A large mixing bowl
- A skillet or frying pan
- A rolling pin
- A spatula or tongs
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and equipment, you’re ready to begin preparing the flour tortillas.
Gather Necessary Ingredients
Before you start cooking flour tortillas in a skillet, make sure you have all the ingredients you need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Shortening | 1/4 cup |
| Warm water | 3/4 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Having all the ingredients prepared and measured out before you start cooking will ensure a smoother cooking process. Once you have gathered everything you need, you can proceed to the next steps of cooking delicious flour tortillas in a skillet.
Prepare the Dough
Before cooking flour tortillas in a skillet, you need to prepare the dough.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil to the bowl while mixing with a spoon or your hands.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
- Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and shape them into balls.
- Cover the dough balls with a damp towel and let them rest for at least 15 minutes.
Preparing the dough is an important step as it helps to activate the gluten in the flour and allows the tortillas to become soft and pliable when cooked in the skillet.
Cooking:
Once you have rolled out your flour tortillas and prepared your skillet, it is time to start cooking. Follow these simple steps to cook your flour tortillas to perfection:
Step 1: Preheat the Skillet
Place your skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the skillet to heat up for a couple of minutes before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Cook the Tortilla
Place one of the rolled-out tortillas onto the hot skillet. Cook the tortilla for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, or until it bubbles up and starts to brown slightly. Use a spatula to flip the tortilla and cook the other side.
Step 3: Repeat the Process
Continue cooking the remaining rolled-out tortillas in the same manner, adding each tortilla to the skillet as the previous one finishes cooking. Make sure to adjust the heat if necessary to prevent the tortillas from burning.
Step 4: Keep Tortillas Warm
Once a tortilla is cooked, transfer it to a plate or a tortilla warmer to keep it warm while you cook the remaining tortillas. This will help prevent them from drying out.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the tortillas are cooked, they are ready to be served. Use them for your favorite Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas. Enjoy the homemade taste and texture of freshly cooked flour tortillas!
Preheat the Skillet
Before you start cooking your flour tortillas, it’s important to preheat your skillet. A preheated skillet ensures that your tortillas cook evenly and develop a nice golden-brown color.
To preheat your skillet, place it over medium heat on the stovetop. Allow the skillet to heat up for a few minutes, until it feels hot when you hover your hand over it.
While the skillet is heating up, you can prepare your tortillas by placing them on a clean plate or cutting board.
Tip: If you want to add a bit of extra flavor to your tortillas, you can lightly brush them with melted butter or olive oil before placing them in the skillet.
Once your skillet is hot, you’re ready to start cooking your tortillas! Follow the next steps to learn how to achieve perfectly cooked flour tortillas in a skillet.
Cook the Tortillas
Once the skillet is hot, place a tortilla in the center and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the edges start to curl slightly and the bottom has brown spots.
Flip the tortilla over using a spatula and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the second side has brown spots as well. Cooking times may vary, so keep a close eye on the tortillas to prevent burning.
Stack and Cover
After each tortilla is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, stacking them on top of each other as you go. If you prefer softer tortillas, cover the stack with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and moist.
Serve and Enjoy
Your freshly cooked flour tortillas are now ready to be served. They can be used as a base for a variety of dishes such as tacos, burritos, wraps, or quesadillas. Fill them with your favorite ingredients, fold them, and dig in!
Serving and Storage:
Once your homemade flour tortillas are cooked to perfection, you can serve them immediately. Place the warm tortillas on a plate and cover them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and pliable.
To store leftover flour tortillas, wait for them to cool completely. Then, stack the tortillas on top of each other and place them in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before consuming the refrigerated tortillas, you can reheat them in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them warm and soft again.
If you have a larger batch of tortillas that you would like to store for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap each tortilla individually in plastic wrap or place a piece of parchment paper between each tortilla to prevent sticking. Then, store the wrapped tortillas in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen flour tortillas can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw frozen tortillas, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Whether you are serving the tortillas immediately or storing them for later use, follow these tips to ensure that your homemade flour tortillas stay fresh and delicious.
Serve the Warm Tortillas
Once you have cooked your flour tortillas in the skillet, it’s time to serve them and enjoy! Here are a few serving suggestions:
1. Tacos:
Fill the warm tortillas with your favorite taco fillings such as grilled vegetables, seasoned meat, salsa, guacamole, and cheese. Roll them up and serve immediately for a delicious and satisfying meal.
2. Quesadillas:
Make a quick and easy quesadilla by adding some cheese, cooked chicken or beef, and any other desired toppings onto one tortilla. Top with another tortilla and cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
These warm tortillas are also great for serving alongside dishes like enchiladas, fajitas, or even as a side with soups and stews. The possibilities are endless!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to cook flour tortillas in a skillet?
To cook flour tortillas in a skillet, you will need the following ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 cup of warm water, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste of the tortillas may be slightly different.
How long does it take to cook flour tortillas in a skillet?
Cooking flour tortillas in a skillet usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. You will know they are ready when they start to puff up and have golden brown spots.
Do I need to use oil in the skillet when cooking flour tortillas?
Yes, you will need to use a small amount of oil in the skillet when cooking flour tortillas. This helps prevent them from sticking to the pan and gives them a nice crispy texture.
Can I make the tortillas in advance and reheat them later?
Yes, you can make the tortillas in advance and reheat them later. To reheat, simply place them in a warm skillet for a few seconds on each side until they are warm and pliable again.
