let’s make burrito tortillas (flour tortillas) I used these for the spicy Caesar salad wrap in my
let’s make burrito tortillas (flour tortillas) 💛 I used these for the spicy Caesar salad wrap in my is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. Recipe by Chef Taelor Rankin on YouTube.
Prep: 55 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 1 hr 13 min
Cost: $0.72 total, $0.18 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp Salt (fine)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder (optional, adds fluffiness)
- 3/4 cup Hot Water (boiled then cooled 30 seconds, no ice)
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (optional for cooking, melted)
Instructions
Boil Water
Bring 3/4 cup water to a rolling boil in a saucepan, then remove from heat and let cool for about 30 seconds (no ice).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder until evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Form Dough
Gradually pour the hot water into the dry mixture, stirring with a spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
Time: PT3M
Knead Dough
Knead the dough by hand or with a KitchenAid dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Time: PT10M
Rest Dough
Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
Time: PT30M
Divide and Shape
Punch down the rested dough, divide it into eight equal pieces, and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
Time: PT5M
Roll Tortillas
On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a 10–12‑inch circle, turning 90° every few rolls and avoiding the very edge of the dough.
Time: PT10M
Cook Tortillas
Heat a dry skillet or comal over medium‑high heat until hot. Cook each tortilla for 20–30 seconds on the first side, then flip and cook another 20–30 seconds. Optional: brush with melted butter before the second side for extra flavor.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Keep Warm
Stack the cooked tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to retain heat and softness until serving.
Time: PT2M
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be vegan if butter omitted
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole Wheat Flour
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: vegetable oil
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Rolling Pin
- Skillet or Comal
- Kitchen Towel (optional)
- Dough Hook (KitchenAid) (optional)
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boil Water
- Form Dough
- Knead Dough
- Roll Tortillas
- Cook Tortillas
Chef Tips from the Video
- Using hot water jump‑starts gluten development for a softer tortilla.
- Resting the dough is crucial – it makes rolling much easier.
- Cook on a very hot, dry skillet for the best puff and browning.
- If you like buttery flavor, brush each tortilla with a little melted butter right after flipping.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too sticky and hard to handle
Add a tablespoon of flour at a time while kneading until the dough is smooth but still soft.
Tortillas tear or have holes after rolling
Let the dough rest longer (up to 45 minutes) to relax gluten, and keep the rolling surface lightly floured.
Tortillas are tough or chewy
Make sure the water is hot (not warm) and do not over‑knead; also avoid using too much flour during rolling.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or zip‑top bag for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat on a skillet before serving.
Room temperature: Best eaten fresh; can sit uncovered for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- After cooking, let tortillas cool then stack with parchment paper between each and freeze.
- Reheat frozen tortillas directly in a hot skillet for 30 seconds per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of flour tortillas in Mexican and Tex‑Mex cuisine?
Flour tortillas originated in northern Mexico where wheat was more abundant than corn, and they became a staple in Tex‑Mex cooking. They are used for tacos, burritos, and fajitas, representing the blend of Mexican tradition and American frontier influences.
What are the traditional regional variations of flour tortillas in Mexican cuisine?
In northern Mexico, tortillas are often larger and slightly thicker, sometimes brushed with lard. In Texas, they are commonly used for fajitas and are softer, reflecting the influence of American grilling culture.
How are flour tortillas traditionally served in Mexican households?
Freshly cooked tortillas are stacked on a plate, covered with a clean kitchen towel to stay warm, and served alongside beans, salsa, or used to wrap meats and vegetables for tacos and burritos.
What occasions or celebrations feature flour tortillas in Mexican or Tex‑Mex culture?
Flour tortillas appear at family gatherings, barbecues, and holiday meals such as Cinco de Mayo, where they are used to make tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas for communal dining.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with homemade flour tortillas?
Homemade flour tortillas pair perfectly with carne asada, grilled chicken, shrimp fajitas, chorizo, and classic dishes like chicken fajita bowls or breakfast huevos rancheros.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making flour tortillas?
Common mistakes include using cold water (which makes the dough tough), not letting the dough rest (causing tearing), over‑kneading, and cooking on a low‑heat skillet which prevents proper puffing and browning.
Why does this recipe call for hot water instead of warm or cold water?
Hot water instantly hydrates the flour and begins gluten development, resulting in a softer, more pliable dough that rolls out thin without tearing, whereas cold water yields a denser tortilla.
Can I make these flour tortillas ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can make them ahead. Store cooled tortillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Reheat on a hot skillet before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when cooking flour tortillas?
A properly cooked tortilla should have light golden brown spots on both sides, be slightly puffed in the center, and feel soft and flexible—not crispy or dry.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Taelor Rankin specialize in?
Chef Taelor Rankin’s YouTube channel focuses on approachable, home‑cooked American and Tex‑Mex dishes, often sharing personal stories and practical tips for making classic comfort foods from scratch.
How does Chef Taelor Rankin’s approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Taelor Rankin emphasizes simplicity and authenticity, using pantry staples and minimal equipment while sharing cultural anecdotes, whereas many channels rely on shortcuts or pre‑made components.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
