Rick Martínez's Flour Tortillas

Rick Martínez's Flour Tortillas is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 16. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 45 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 2 hrs 8 min

Cost: $2.85 total, $0.18 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Whole Milk (plus 2 tablespoons, whole milk at room temperature)
  • 0.33 cup Duck Fat (melted; can substitute with lard, vegetable oil, or butter)
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted before use)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (double‑acting)
  • 1.75 teaspoons Kosher Salt (fine grain)

Instructions

  1. Heat Milk

    Pour 1 cup + 2 tbsp whole milk into a saucepan and heat over medium‑high until it reaches 180°F. Watch for small bubbles forming around the edges; do not let it boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 180°F

  2. Add Duck Fat and Cool

    Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in 1/3 cup melted duck fat, then set aside to cool until the mixture is below 140°F.

    Time: PT15M

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups sifted all‑purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1.75 tsp kosher salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Make Shaggy Dough

    Create a well in the dry mixture, pour in the cooled milk‑fat blend, and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms and no dry flour remains.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 3 minutes using the heel of your hand, folding and pressing, until the dough feels smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Rest the Dough

    Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour. This hydrates the flour and relaxes the gluten.

    Time: PT1H

  7. Divide and Shape Balls

    After resting, divide the dough into 16 equal pieces, roll each piece into a smooth ball, and place them on a sheet pan. Cover with a damp towel to keep from drying out.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Preheat Skillet

    Place a well‑seasoned cast iron skillet over medium‑high heat. Allow it to become very hot (similar to a hot griddle for pancakes).

    Time: PT5M

  9. Roll Tortillas

    Lightly dust a rolling pin and work surface with flour. Flatten each ball into a 7‑inch circle, turning a quarter turn after each roll. Use parchment paper between the dough and pin if sticking is an issue.

    Time: PT8M

  10. Cook Tortillas

    Place a rolled tortilla onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until bubbles appear and the underside is lightly browned, then flip and cook another 30 seconds. Transfer to a clean towel and keep covered.

    Time: PT8M

Nutrition Facts

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

Dietary info: Vegetarian (if using vegetable oil instead of duck fat), Contains gluten, Not vegan

Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Milk (dairy), Animal fat (duck)

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Rick Martínez's Flour Tortillas

Recipe by Food Network

Homemade flour tortillas enriched with duck fat for extra tenderness and flavor. This Mexican-inspired recipe yields 16 soft, pillowy 6‑inch tortillas perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a side for soups and stews.

MediumMexicanServes 16

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

Source Video
1h 53m
Prep
13m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 21m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.85
Total cost
$0.18
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heat milk to exactly 180°F without boiling.
  • Cool the milk‑fat mixture below 140°F before adding flour.
  • Allow the dough to rest for a full hour.
  • Use a very hot cast iron skillet; under‑heated pans cause dry, cracker‑like tortillas.
  • Cook each side for only ~30 seconds; over‑cooking dries the tortilla.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot milk can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • Cast iron skillet becomes extremely hot; use oven mitts when flipping.
  • Duck fat is high in saturated fat; consume in moderation.

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 readily available than corn. They became a staple for tacos, burritos, and as a scoop for stews, reflecting the region’s agricultural history and Spanish influence.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of flour tortillas in Mexican cuisine?

A

In northern states like Chihuahua and Sonora, tortillas are often larger, thinner, and sometimes enriched with lard or duck fat for extra tenderness. In central Mexico, they may be slightly thicker and used more for quesadillas.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve soft duck‑fat flour tortillas in Mexico?

A

They are typically served warm, stacked on a plate, and used to wrap meats, beans, or fresh salsas. In many homes they accompany breakfast tacos or are used to dip into soups and mole sauces.

cultural
Q

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

A

Flour tortillas are a daily staple but are also featured at family gatherings, weekend brunches, and festive meals such as Día de los Muertos feasts where tacos and quesadillas are served.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with these soft duck‑fat flour tortillas?

A

They pair beautifully with carne asada, chorizo, grilled vegetables, refried beans, and fresh pico de gallo. Use them for breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs or as a base for Mexican‑style wraps.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making soft duck‑fat flour tortillas?

A

Common errors include overheating the milk, adding the milk‑fat mixture before it cools below 140°F, skipping the hour‑long rest, and cooking the tortillas on a pan that isn’t hot enough, which leads to dry, tough results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use duck fat instead of a tortilla press, and can I use a press?

A

Duck fat enriches the dough, making it tender and flavorful. A tortilla press is not recommended for flour tortillas because the gluten network contracts, causing the dough to spring back and become uneven; rolling gives better control.

technical
Q

Can I make these flour tortillas ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After cooking, stack the tortillas, wrap tightly in foil or a zip‑top bag, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them flat with parchment between each; they keep for about a month.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the tortillas are done?

A

The tortilla should have light brown spots on each side, small bubbles on the surface, and be pliable without cracking. It should puff slightly in the center, indicating steam has created a soft interior.

technical
Q

How do I know when the tortillas are fully cooked?

A

When you see bubbles forming and popping on the surface, the edges lift, and the underside shows golden‑brown specks after about 30 seconds per side, the tortilla is done.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Network showcases a wide range of cooking shows, recipe demonstrations, and culinary techniques from professional chefs, focusing on both classic American dishes and international cuisines.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Network's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Food Network often blends professional chef expertise with accessible home‑cook tips, offering detailed technique explanations (like temperature control for milk) that many casual channels skip, making authentic Mexican recipes approachable for a broad audience.

channel

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