There are several ways you can warm up corn tortillas. One way is to heat them up directly over a gas burner on the stove. Here's how to do it without burning them!
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you quick & simple plant-based recipes every week!
Why use an open flame?
Warming the corn tortillas this way helps to strengthen them for corn tortilla tacos so they don't break as easily.
It also gives them a light fire-grilled or charred flavor.
🔪 Instructions
Here's the step-by-step instructions and photos of how to warm or reheat corn tortillas over an open flame.
Step 1 - Turn on your gas burner to medium low or low heat. Warm one corn tortilla at a time for 20 seconds on each side. Use tongs to flip the tortilla. Do NOT use your hands, you could burn yourself. Do NOT leave the stove while you're doing this. If you leave them over the fire too long, they will catch on fire.
Step 2 - This is about the most amount of char you should have on the tortillas (in my opinion). Much more than this and they will taste burnt and become tough and hard. So, keep a close eye on them!
Step 3 - Keep the tortillas warm and soft by stacking them inside a clean dish towel, cloth napkin, wax paper or tortilla warmer while you warm the rest of the tortillas. They will stay warm and lightly steam inside.
The cloth also prevents the bottom tortilla from getting soggy from condensation by touching the plate it's resting on.
Step 4 - Fill your tortillas and enjoy!
Expert tips
- Don't multitask when warming the tortillas. They burn very quickly and can even light on fire. Keep a close eye on them!
- Don't use your hands to flip the tortillas, you could burn yourself. Use long-handled tongs to flip them.
- Keep the flame low, so the tortilla warms up before it gets too much char on it.
- Run your exhaust fan while you're doing this, for ventilation. (This is good to do anytime you cook with a gas stove, actually)
❓ FAQ
If you don't have a gas stove, no worries. Cover a stack of tortillas with a wet paper towel. Warm the stack of corn tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds. Flip the stack and heat again for 30 seconds.
💜 More recipes you'll love
Once you have those corn tortillas warmed up, use them for these delicious vegan taco, tostada and burrito recipes!
📖 Recipe
How to Warm Corn Tortillas on a Gas Stove Burner
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 corn tortillas store-bought
Instructions
- Turn on your gas burner to medium low or low heat. Warm one corn tortilla at a time for 20 seconds on each side. Use tongs to flip the tortilla. Do not leave the stove while you're doing this. If you leave them over the fire too long, they will catch on fire.
- They should only brown/char a little bit. If you leave them over the fire too long, they will taste burnt and become tough and hard. So, keep a close eye on them!
- Keep the tortillas warm and soft by stacking them inside a clean dish towel or cloth napkin while you warm the rest of the tortillas. The cloth also prevents the bottom tortilla from getting soggy from condensation by touching the plate it's resting on.
Kathy says
I have been warming tortillas this way for most of my life. best way. every time I have to use a pan when traveling, it reminds me how much I want my gas stove at home.
Abi Cowell says
Yes 🙌🏻 Same here, Kathy!
Meggen Wilson says
Super helpful. Love the links to your recipes.
Abi Cowell says
Thank you so much, Meggen!