Learn how to make corn tortillas from scratch with this easy-to-follow recipe, including step-by-step photos and information on technique, ingredients, and tools you'll need.
Homemade corn tortillas are essential to authentic Mexican cuisine. Sure, you can purchase a package of cheap corn tortillas from the local grocer, but the homemade version has a fresh corn flavor that brings the meal home. They’re also extremely easy to make.
You really only need 3 ingredients: Masa Harina, Water and Salt. Masa is a corn flour used widely in Mexica cuisine, and essential for making homemade corn tortillas.
It doesn't take much time, and it really is worth making your own tortillas at home. There are many good ones on the market available at your local grocery store, but these are so much better, and far more satisfying since you made them from scratch.
Clean up is pretty easy, and once you experience the flavor, you'll want to make them fresh all the time.
Let's talk about how to make corn tortillas, shall we?
How to Make Corn Tortillas, Homemade - the Recipe Steps
Ingredients
- 1 cup masa harina
- 1/2 cup warm water (+ more as needed)
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Directions
- Heat pan to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, add masa dough, water and salt. Mix to form a dough. If it feels too dry, add water a little at a time to achieve the needed consistency. It should not be too wet as to be too sticky. It will be soft and consistent but won't stick to your hands as you knead the dough.
- Form the dough into 8 golf-ball-sized balls of dough.
- Line a tortilla press with parchment paper or wax paper and press each of the balls into a flat tortilla. If you do not have a press, use a rolling pin and get them nice and flat.
- Dry cook them on the hot pan or cast iron skillet about 1-2 minutes on the first side, until brown spots form and the tortilla dough puffs up, then flip and cook 30-60 seconds more until browned and cooked through.
- Serve!
NOTE: The pan cooking time can vary depending on the heat level. Just look for the tortillas to brown and grow puffy.
Step by Step Instructions - Corn Tortilla Recipe Steps
Add the Masa Harina to a Mixing Bowl
Add Water and Salt, and Mix.
Form the dough into 8 golf-ball-sized balls.
Press the Tortilla Dough
Isn't that a nice looking corn tortilla? Now they're ready for pan roasting. Time to Cook the Tortillas!
Dry cook your tortillas on the hot pan or cast iron skillet about 1-2 minutes on the first side, until brown spots form and the tortilla dough puffs up, then flip the tortilla and cook 30-60 seconds more until browned and cooked through.
Homemade Tortillas - Great for Mexican Dishes and More
Equipment Needed for Making Homemade Corn Tortillas
You can purchase your own tortilla press and tortilla holder/warmer from the following links. NOTE: These are affiliate links, so we do get a commission.
Tortilla Press: IMUSA, VICTORIA-85008, Cast Iron Tortilla Press, Black, 8-Inches
Tortilla Holder/Warmer: IMUSA, MEXI-1000-TORTW, Tortilla Warmer, Brick Color, 8.5-Inches
Buy Masa Online (Amazon Affiliate link, my friends!) - Bob's Red Mill is a popular choice.
Recipe Tips & Notes
Here are some questions I get about making corn tortillas as home.
- Do I Need a Tortilla Press to Make Corn Tortillas? You do not need a tortilla press to make homemade corn tortillas, but it does make the job easier. The tortilla press makes it much easier to get a flat, consistent tortilla. If you do not have one, use a rolling pin or a heavy pan to flatten the dough into tortillas.
- How Can I Prevent My Corn Tortillas From Drying Out. If you are making a large batch of tortillas, cover the stack of freshly pressed dough with a slightly damp towel to keep them slightly moist. If you do not cook them right away, they may dry out rather quickly.
Try These Homemade Corn Tortillas on Some of My Popular Taco Recipes
- Baja Fish Tacos
- Chorizo con Huevos
- Carne Asada Tacos
- Tacos al Pastor
- Beef Enchiladas
- Rajas Poblanas
- See All Taco Recipes
You might also like:
- How to Make Homemade Tortilla Chips (use your fresh tortillas!)
- Ghost Pepper Chips
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Homemade Corn Tortillas Recipe - How to Make Corn Tortillas from Scratch
Equipment
- Tortilla press
Ingredients
- 1 cup masa harina
- 1/2 cup water + more as needed
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat pan to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, add masa, water and salt. Mix to form a dough. If it feels too dry, add water a little at a time to achieve the needed consistency. It should not be too wet as to be too sticky.
- Form the dough into 8 golf-ball-sized balls.
- Line a tortilla press with parchment paper and press each of the balls into a flat tortilla. If you do not have a press, use a rolling pin and get them nice and flat.
- Dry cook them on the hot pan about 1-2 minutes on the first side, until they begin to brown and puff up, then flip and cook 30-60 seconds more until browned and cooked through.
- Serve!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Homemade corn tortillas are naturally gluten free!
sandi Bjarnson says
thank u