
Warming Corn Tortillas
Warming tortillas is an easy task and there are a variety ways to warm them. Here are a few common ways to choose from.
- Open Flame Method- Carefully heat tortillas directly over a gas flame flipping them until toasty and pliable.
- Hot Skillet Method- Heating tortillas in a cast iron skillet is simple and a great way to prepare tortillas for a few people. Heat the skillet over high heat. Do not add oil to the skillet. Place tortillas in hot skillet for about 1 minute turning tortilla over half way. Stack the heated tortillas in a tortilla warmer or place them on a plate and cover with a clean towel or foil.
- Hot Skillet Method 2- Spread a very small amount of oil over each side of tortilla using a pastry brush. Heat tortillas over a hot skillet until golden but still pliable.
- Steaming Method- This is easier for larger quantities of corn tortillas, especially if you need to hold them hot for a little while. Pour 1/2 inch water into the bottom of the steamer, then line the steaming basket with a clean, heavy kitchen towel. Lay the tortillas in the basket in stacks of 12 (a small vegetable steamer will accommodate only one stack; a large Asian steamer will hold three or four stacks). Fold the edges of the towel over the tortillas to cover them, set the lid in place, bring the water to a boil and let boil only for 1 minute, then turn off the fire and let stand, covered, for 15 minutes. If you wish to keep the tortillas hot for up to an hour, slip the steamer into a low oven or reheat the water periodically.
- Oven Method- Pre-heat oven to 350°, very lightly oil each side of the tortillas. Spread them out on a cookie sheet so they don't overlap and bake for about 4-5 minutes turning over halfway through cooking time.
- Oven Method 2-Wrap 6 or fewer tortillas in damp paper towels and then microwave for about 50-60 seconds on high. Be sure to separate tortillas right away or they will stick together. This method is great to use for a quick lunch of soft tacos.
- Crock Pot Method-You can also use a damp towel wrapped around tortillas and keep them in a crock pot set on low or wrap corn tortillas in a damp cloth and then wrap that in foil and place them in an oven set to low heat.
- For a large group, keep tortillas warm in a tortilla warmer.