Tortilla Recipe
Tortilla Recipe is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Tips on YouTube.
Prep: 38 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 56 min
Cost: $0.86 total, $0.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.5 cup Vegetable Shortening (cold, cut into small pieces)
- 1.5 teaspoons Sea Salt (fine sea salt)
- 0.125 teaspoon Baking Powder (1/8 teaspoon)
- 1.25 cup Water (lukewarm; add extra 1/4 cup if dough feels dry)
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients
Place 4 cups of all‑purpose flour into a large bowl, add 1/8 teaspoon baking powder, and whisk together.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Shortening
Add 1/2 cup cold vegetable shortening to the flour mixture. Using your hands, rub the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Time: PT2M
Add Salt and Water
Whisk together 1½ teaspoons sea salt with 1 cup lukewarm water. Drizzle the water slowly into the flour mixture, stirring with a fork or hand until a soft dough forms.
Time: PT3M
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 1 minute until smooth.
Time: PT1M
Rest the Dough
Form the dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rest for 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Divide and Shape Balls
After resting, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball. Coat your hands lightly with a bit of shortening to prevent sticking.
Time: PT5M
Roll Out Tortillas
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll each ball into a thin circle, about 6‑8 inches in diameter, aiming for an even thickness.
Time: PT10M
Preheat the Skillet
Place a cast‑iron skillet or griddle over medium heat and let it heat for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cook the Tortillas
Lay a rolled tortilla onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 15‑20 seconds, then flip and cook the other side another 15‑20 seconds until light brown spots appear and the tortilla puffs slightly.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium heat
Keep Warm
Transfer cooked tortillas to a clean kitchen towel, cover, and keep warm while you finish the remaining batch.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 22 g
- Fat
- 3 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using oil instead of shortening
Allergens: Wheat, Soy (in some shortenings)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole Wheat Flour, Bread Flour
- Instead of Vegetable Shortening: Unsalted Butter, Vegetable Oil
- Instead of Sea Salt: Kosher Salt, Table Salt
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking Soda (use 1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Water: Milk (for richer flavor)
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle
- Kitchen Towel
- Spatula
- Plastic Wrap or Bowl Cover
- Hands
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Incorporating the shortening evenly into the flour
- Resting the dough for 20 minutes
- Cooking each tortilla for only 15‑20 seconds per side
Chef Tips from the Video
- Coat your hands with a tiny amount of shortening while shaping balls to prevent sticking.
- Use a cast‑iron skillet for even heat distribution and authentic flavor.
- Cover cooked tortillas with a towel to keep them soft and warm.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too dry and crumbly.
Add lukewarm water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
Dough is sticky and sticks to the rolling pin.
Lightly dust the work surface and rolling pin with flour; if still sticky, incorporate a little more flour.
Tortillas do not puff or develop bubbles.
Make sure the skillet is hot enough (medium heat) and do not over‑cook; the brief high heat creates the puff.
Tortillas tear while rolling.
Let the dough rest a few more minutes; roll gently and keep the thickness even.
Storage
Refrigerator: Place in an airtight container or zip‑lock bag for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Separate with parchment paper, freeze in a zip‑lock bag for up to 2 months. Reheat on a skillet or microwave.
Room temperature: Store in a covered container for up to 1 day; keep covered with a towel to retain moisture.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be mixed and refrigerated up to 24 hours before rolling.
- Cooked tortillas freeze well; stack with parchment paper and store in a zip‑lock bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of flour tortillas in Mexican cuisine?
Flour tortillas originated in northern Mexico where wheat was more readily available than corn. They became a staple for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, especially among ranching communities, and later spread throughout the United States as a versatile flatbread.
What are the traditional regional variations of flour tortillas in Mexican cuisine?
In northern Mexico, flour tortillas are often larger and slightly thicker, sometimes enriched with lard. In Tex‑Mex cooking, they are used for burritos and fajitas, while in some regions they are brushed with butter before serving.
How are flour tortillas traditionally served in Mexico and the United States?
In Mexico they are served warm, often brushed with butter or lard and used to wrap meats, beans, or cheese. In the United States they are a base for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and even breakfast wraps.
What occasions or celebrations feature flour tortillas in Mexican or Tex‑Mex culture?
Flour tortillas appear at family gatherings, street‑food festivals, and celebrations like Cinco de Mayo where tacos and burritos are popular. They are also a daily staple for breakfast tacos and lunch wraps.
What authentic ingredients are used in traditional flour tortillas versus common substitutes?
Traditional recipes use wheat flour, lard or shortening, salt, and water. Modern home cooks often substitute vegetable shortening with butter or oil for flavor, and may add a pinch of baking powder for extra puff.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with homemade flour tortillas?
Homemade flour tortillas pair perfectly with carne asada, grilled chicken, refried beans, chorizo, and fresh salsas. They also work well for fajitas, quesadillas, and breakfast tacos with eggs and cheese.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Tips specialize in cooking tutorials?
The YouTube channel Chef Tips focuses on clear, step‑by‑step cooking demonstrations for everyday home cooks, emphasizing practical techniques, quick recipes, and kitchen hacks across a variety of cuisines.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Chef Tips?
Chef Tips aims to make cooking approachable by breaking down each step, using minimal equipment, and offering tips that help beginners achieve restaurant‑quality results without intimidation.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade flour tortillas?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing the dough, not letting it rest long enough, using water that is too cold, and cooking the tortillas for too long, which makes them tough instead of soft.
Why does this flour tortilla recipe use a small amount of baking powder?
The 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder adds a tiny lift, helping the tortilla puff slightly and develop a softer texture without making it cake‑like.
Can I make these flour tortillas ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Cooked tortillas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, refrigerated for up to four days, or frozen for up to two months.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
