Question 1

What temperature should the pan be at?

Accepted Answer

The temperature of the pan for cooking tortillas is decently forgiving, anywhere between 400 degrees F and 550 degrees F will work. Our cast iron pan on our stove over medium heat stabilizes around 525 degrees. At that temperature, 30 seconds per flip cooks the tortillas beautifully.

If your pan is hotter or cooler, you’ll have to adjust your cook times accordingly. But that’s why we always add visual cues to our recipes so that you can learn to cook intuitively.

Question 2

What if I don’t have a tortilla press?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t have a tortilla press, we recommend you get one if you care to make tortillas regularly. However, you can use any flat bottomed object to press your tortillas out. But a press will make the job easier and leave you with more consistently sized tortillas (both in diameter and thickness).

Question 3

Do corn tortillas need to puff up?

Accepted Answer

While corn tortillas can puff up, and some will claim that it’s necessary for the perfect tortilla, it’s more an indication of technique rather than quality. A tortilla that doesn’t puff up is still perfectly delicious. So no, your tortillas do not need to puff up, don’t worry about it.

Question 4

Do you have a recommended brand of masa?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have tried many brands of masa harina, even high quality brands like King Arthur who we love for all their other flour products. However, Masienda masa harina is by far the best. It’s easier to work with, it provides more consistent results, and it tastes better (it has a richer corn flavor).

Plus Masienda works with and supports its network of farmers, their masa is certified non-GMO, and they source materials that aren’t treated with pesticides and maintain a chemical-free post-harvest handling practice - all of which we love! Learn more about them here.

Question 5

What do I do if my tortillas overlap while cooking?

Accepted Answer

If you are cooking two tortillas at once and they happen to overlap while placing them onto the pan, don't worry, and don't try to separate them right away, they like to stick together! Simply wait 30 seconds for the first side to cook. Before flipping, gently lift the top tortilla, it should come away easily now that they are partially cooked.

However, the part that overlaps will be less cooked, you may need to give it a couple extra seconds to cook fully after the last flip.

Question 6

What is the secret to making corn tortillas?

Accepted Answer

That’s simple, practice! The more you make them, the better you’ll get at it. While making good corn tortillas is easy, making the perfect tortilla is a much longer, but very delicious, journey.

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