FLOUR TORTILLAS / how to make /PERFECT Step by Step ❤

FLOUR TORTILLAS / how to make /PERFECT Step by Step ❤ is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Rachel's Step by Step on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 2 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 37 min

Cost: $0.75 total, $0.19 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (loosened, sifted)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder (leavening agent)
  • 1.75 teaspoons Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 3 tablespoons Shortening (vegetable shortening, solid)
  • 1.06 cups Water (hot, just above warm (about 110°F/43°C))
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for dusting) (light dusting to prevent sticking)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    Loosen the flour, then measure 3 cups into the mixing bowl. Add ½ teaspoon baking powder and 1¾ teaspoons salt. Mix thoroughly so the leavening and salt are evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cut in Shortening

    Add 3 tablespoons solid shortening to the dry mixture. Using clean hands, rub the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Water and Form Dough

    Gradually pour about 1 cup of hot water (110°F/43°C) into the bowl, a little at a time, mixing with a spoon or hand until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add up to 1 tablespoon more water.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured countertop and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Rest the Dough

    Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a slightly damp kitchen towel, and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: room temperature

  6. Divide and Shape Balls

    After resting, tear the dough into 12‑14 equal pieces (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each piece into a smooth ball and lightly dust with flour.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Preheat Griddle

    Place the cast‑iron griddle on the stove and heat over medium‑high until hot (about 5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  8. Roll Tortillas

    On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a thin circle (about 6‑8 inches). Roll from the center outward, turning the dough a few times for even thickness.

    Time: PT12M

  9. Cook Tortillas

    Place a rolled tortilla on the hot griddle. Cook until bubbles form (30‑45 seconds), then flip and cook the other side for another 30‑45 seconds. Press down any large bubbles with a spatula.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  10. Cool and Store

    Let the tortillas cool completely, then place them in a Ziploc bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
25 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten

Allergens: Wheat, Soy (in some shortenings)

Last updated: June 14, 2026

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FLOUR TORTILLAS / how to make /PERFECT Step by Step ❤

Recipe by Rachel's Step by Step

Learn how to make ultra‑soft, pliable flour tortillas that stay tender even after refrigeration. This step‑by‑step guide follows Rachel's proven technique of loosening flour, cutting in shortening, proper kneading, resting, and quick cooking on a hot cast‑iron griddle.

MediumMexicanServes 4

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

Source Video
1h 22m
Prep
25m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$0.75
Total cost
$0.19
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Combine Dry Ingredients
  • Cut in Shortening
  • Add Water and Form Dough
  • Knead the Dough
  • Rest the Dough
  • Cook Tortillas

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water can cause burns; add slowly and stir.
  • Griddle becomes extremely hot; use oven mitts when handling.

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 tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage and Spanish influence.

cultural
Q

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

A

In northern Mexico, tortillas are often larger, thinner, and made with lard for extra flavor. In Tex‑Mex cooking, they may be slightly thicker and used for burritos or fajitas. Some families add a pinch of sugar for a softer bite.

cultural
Q

How is flour tortilla traditionally served in Mexican households?

A

Freshly cooked tortillas are kept warm under a cloth and served alongside beans, salsas, and meats. They are torn by hand, not cut, and used to scoop food, emphasizing their soft, pliable texture.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions are flour tortillas commonly prepared in Mexican culture?

A

Flour tortillas are a daily staple but are also prepared in larger batches for family gatherings, holidays like Día de los Muertos, and weekend barbecues where tacos and fajitas are served.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Mexican flour tortillas versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional recipes use all‑purpose flour, lard or shortening, baking powder, and salt. Substitutes include butter for richer flavor or vegetable oil for a lighter texture, though the texture may change slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with these soft homemade flour tortillas?

A

These tortillas pair perfectly with carne asada, grilled chicken, refried beans, chorizo, and fresh guacamole. They also work well for breakfast burritos or as a base for quesadillas.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making flour tortillas at home?

A

Common errors include using cold water, skipping the resting period, over‑kneading, and cooking the tortilla too long, which makes it hard. Also, compacted flour leads to inaccurate measurements.

technical
Q

Why does this flour tortilla recipe use shortening instead of butter or lard?

A

Shortening has a higher melting point than butter, which creates a tender crumb without adding water. It also produces a neutral flavor, letting the tortilla’s texture shine, while still being vegan‑friendly.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes. After cooking, let them cool, then stack and store in a sealed Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on a hot griddle or microwave before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step specializes in clear, beginner‑friendly cooking tutorials that break down classic recipes into simple, repeatable steps, often focusing on comfort foods and family‑style dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Rachel's Step by Step's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Rachel's Step by Step emphasizes technique fundamentals—like proper dough resting and gentle kneading—rather than just the final product. She also provides detailed troubleshooting and cultural context, which many fast‑paced channels omit.

channel

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FLOUR TORTILLAS / how to make /PERFECT Step by Step ❤