Griddle Flour Tortillas from Scratch - You seriously need to make these!

Griddle Flour Tortillas from Scratch - You seriously need to make these! is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by The Flat Top King on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min

Cost: $1.37 total, $0.34 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 0.33 cup Beef Tallow (softened, cut into small pieces)
  • 0.67 cup Hot Water (about two‑thirds cup, hot but not boiling (≈150°F/65°C))
  • 1 tablespoon Additional Flour (for dusting) (optional, to prevent sticking while rolling)

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients and Equipment

    Measure out 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/3 cup beef tallow, and 2/3 cup hot water. Set out bowl, rolling pin, griddle, and a clean kitchen towel.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    Place the flour and salt into the mixing bowl and whisk to distribute evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Incorporate Beef Tallow

    Add the softened beef tallow pieces to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the tallow into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Hot Water and Form Dough

    Pour the hot water gradually into the bowl, stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water; if too wet, sprinkle a tablespoon of flour.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface (or keep in the bowl) and knead for 5‑7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should no longer stick to your hands.

    Time: PT7M

  6. Rest the Dough

    Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 15‑20 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.

    Time: PT20M

  7. Divide and Shape Balls

    Portion the rested dough into 12 equal pieces (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each piece between your palms to form smooth balls.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Roll Out Tortillas

    Lightly coat your hands with a little beef tallow, then flatten each ball with the rolling pin. Start in the center and roll outward, keeping the shape as round as possible. Aim for a thickness of about 1‑2 mm.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Preheat the Griddle

    Heat the flat‑top griddle over medium‑low heat until it reaches roughly 350°F (175°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  10. Cook the Tortillas

    Place one tortilla on the hot griddle. Cook for 30‑45 seconds until bubbles form and the surface looks dry, then flip and cook another 30‑45 seconds until light brown spots appear. Transfer to a plate and cover with a towel. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 350°F

  11. Keep Warm and Serve

    Stack cooked tortillas on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to retain heat and softness. Serve immediately plain, with butter, or as a base for tacos, fajitas, etc.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Clean Up

    Wash the mixing bowl, rolling pin, spatula, and any other utensils. Wipe the griddle with a paper towel and a light coat of oil.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat, Beef

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Griddle Flour Tortillas from Scratch - You seriously need to make these!

Recipe by The Flat Top King

Learn how to make soft, pliable flour tortillas on a flat‑top griddle using beef tallow for extra flavor. This easy, biscuit‑like recipe requires just a few pantry staples and a hot griddle, delivering tortillas that are far superior to store‑bought.

EasyMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 12m
Prep
17m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.37
Total cost
$0.34
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Kneading the dough to develop gluten (Step 5)
  • Resting the dough to relax gluten (Step 6)
  • Rolling the dough thin without tearing (Step 8)
  • Cooking on a low‑medium heat until bubbles form, then flipping (Step 10)

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water can cause burns; handle with care.
  • Griddle surface becomes very hot; use mitts or a spatula.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of flour tortillas in Mexican cuisine?

A

Flour tortillas originated in northern Mexico where wheat was more abundant than corn. They became a staple for dishes like burritos, quesadillas, and fajitas, reflecting the region's Spanish and Indigenous culinary blend.

cultural
Q

How do traditional Mexican flour tortillas differ from the version made with beef tallow on The Flat Top King channel?

A

Traditional recipes often use lard or vegetable shortening. The Flat Top King’s version swaps those fats for beef tallow, giving the tortillas a richer, slightly beefy flavor and a tender crumb that stands up well on a hot griddle.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of flour tortillas exist within Mexican cuisine?

A

In the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora, tortillas are larger and thinner, sometimes brushed with oil. In Central Mexico, they may be slightly thicker and cooked on a comal. Each region adjusts thickness and fat type based on local preferences.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are flour tortillas traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Flour tortillas are common at family gatherings, street‑food festivals, and everyday meals. They are especially popular for breakfast dishes like huevos rancheros and for handheld foods at celebrations such as birthdays and holidays.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a classic Mexican flour tortilla, and what can be substituted?

A

The core ingredients are wheat flour, salt, water, and a solid fat (traditionally lard). Substitutes include beef tallow (as used by The Flat Top King), butter, or vegetable shortening, though each changes flavor and texture slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with the homemade flour tortillas from The Flat Top King?

A

These tortillas are perfect for tacos al pastor, carne asada, chicken fajitas, and breakfast burritos. Their soft texture also works well for quesadillas filled with cheese and roasted vegetables.

cultural
Q

How has the use of beef tallow in flour tortillas evolved in modern American cooking?

A

Beef tallow fell out of favor due to health trends, but recent interest in traditional fats and high‑smoke‑point oils has revived its use. Chefs appreciate its flavor and stability on high‑heat griddles, making it a trendy upgrade for home cooks.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making flour tortillas on a flat‑top griddle?

A

Common errors include over‑kneading (which makes the dough tough), using too much flour during rolling (drying the tortilla), and cooking at too high a temperature (causing burning before puffing). Follow the low‑medium heat guideline and keep the dough hydrated.

technical
Q

Why does The Flat Top King’s recipe use hot water instead of cold water when forming the dough?

A

Hot water helps the beef tallow melt into the flour, creating a more uniform dough and a softer texture. It also speeds up gluten development, making the dough easier to roll thin.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Flat Top King specialize in?

A

The Flat Top King focuses on outdoor cooking techniques, especially using flat‑top griddles and cast‑iron surfaces. The channel showcases recipes that highlight high‑heat cooking, from steaks to homemade breads and tortillas.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Flat Top King’s approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

The Flat Top King emphasizes griddle‑centric methods and the use of unconventional fats like beef tallow, whereas many Mexican cooking channels stick to traditional stovetop or comal techniques and classic lard. This gives his tortillas a unique flavor profile and a crisp‑yet‑soft texture.

channel

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