Knowing how to warm soft taco shells and keep them pliable is key to a fantastic taco night. Homemade Mexican cuisine is a treat that’s both delicious and budget-friendly, but no one enjoys a cold, stiff tortilla. Mastering the art of warming taco shells transforms your tacos, fajitas, burritos, and more. Let’s explore several effective methods to ensure your taco shells are always perfectly warm and inviting.
Why Warming Your Taco Shells is a Must
There’s simply nothing quite like biting into a warm, soft taco shell. The gentle warmth enhances the flavors of your fillings, creating a more comforting and enjoyable eating experience. Beyond taste, warm taco shells are significantly more pliable, making it much easier to assemble your tacos or fajitas without frustrating tears. This is especially appreciated when you’re making dishes like hearty skillet chicken fajita tacos, slow-cooked crockpot shredded chicken tacos, or vibrant shrimp tacos with cilantro cabbage slaw. For wraps and burritos, warm taco shells are essential for easy rolling and a satisfying texture. While a tortilla warmer is a convenient tool for keeping them warm, there are plenty of effective techniques even if you don’t have one.
Five Simple Methods to Warm Taco Shells
Warm taco shells are indispensable for a variety of dishes, from classic tacos to burritos and enchiladas. The warmth unlocks their softness and pliability, preventing them from cracking and making them a delight to handle and eat. These five straightforward methods are all effective, so the best approach is simply the one that suits you best.
1. Oven Baking: Gentle and Even Warmth
For evenly warmed, soft taco shells, the oven is an excellent choice. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Stack your taco shells and wrap them in aluminum foil, ensuring they are fully enclosed. Place the foil-wrapped stack in the preheated oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and soft. The oven method yields wonderfully tender taco shells. You can keep them warm directly on an oven-safe plate after heating.
2. Microwave: Quick and Convenient
When time is of the essence, the microwave offers a rapid warming solution. Place a stack of taco shells on a microwave-safe plate. Lightly dampen a paper towel and cover the taco shells completely. Microwave in 20-second intervals, checking for warmth and pliability after each interval. Continue microwaving until the shells are warm and flexible. While this method may not achieve the same level of softness as other methods, it’s incredibly efficient for a quick taco fix.
3. Stovetop: Two Ways to Warm
The stovetop offers two distinct approaches to warming taco shells, each imparting slightly different characteristics.
Open Flame (Gas Stove): If you have a gas stove, utilizing the open flame is a remarkably quick method. Using tongs, carefully place a taco shell directly over the flame, resting it on the stove grate. Heat for a brief 10 to 15 seconds per side, flipping with the tongs, until warmed through. Repeat for each taco shell. This method provides a slight char and a hint of crispness.
Dry Skillet (Cast Iron or Non-Stick): Alternatively, a hot, dry skillet, such as cast iron or non-stick, works beautifully. Preheat the skillet over medium heat until it’s hot. Place a taco shell in the dry skillet and heat for about 30 seconds, then flip and heat the other side for another 30 seconds. This method results in soft taco shells with a touch of delightful crispness around the edges.
Both stovetop methods are relatively fast and deliver warm, appealing taco shells.
4. Grill: Smoky Flavor Infusion
For a touch of smoky flavor, the grill is a fantastic option. You can warm taco shells directly on the grill grates for a quick method, which will impart a slightly crispy texture. If you prefer softer shells when grilling, wrap them in aluminum foil and place the foil packet over indirect heat on the grill while you cook your taco fillings. This indirect heat will gently warm the taco shells while keeping them soft and pliable, alongside infusing a subtle smoky essence.
5. Slow Cooker: Perfect for Keeping Warm
The slow cooker is an excellent technique, particularly for keeping taco shells warm for extended periods, ideal for parties or buffet-style meals. Wrap your taco shells in a slightly damp towel or cloth. Place the wrapped shells in a slow cooker set to the “warm” setting. They will heat through in approximately 30 minutes and remain warm as long as needed.
Maintaining Warmth: Keeping Taco Shells Ready to Serve
Once your taco shells are warmed to perfection, keeping them warm until serving is crucial. Using a dedicated tortilla warmer, whether plastic or terra cotta, is a simple solution. Alternatively, wrapping the warmed taco shells in aluminum foil or a clean kitchen towel works effectively. These methods will help retain warmth and softness for about 30 minutes, ensuring your taco shells are ready when you are.
Choosing Your Shells: Corn vs. Flour Taco Shells
Taco shells are available in various sizes and are primarily made from either flour or corn. You’ll also find options like white corn, yellow corn, and even blue corn tortillas, expanding your choices. The “best” type often comes down to personal preference and the style of dish you are preparing, though tradition also plays a role.
Flour Taco Shells: Versatile and Sturdy
Flour taco shells are crafted from a simple dough of flour, lard or shortening, salt, and a leavening agent like baking powder. The dough is rolled thin and cooked on a griddle. Flour tortillas are known for their sturdier texture compared to corn and are frequently used for Tex-Mex style tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and fajitas due to their ability to hold more substantial fillings without tearing easily.
Corn Taco Shells: Authentic and Flavorful
Corn taco shells are traditionally made from masa harina, a finely ground corn flour, combined with water and salt. The mixture is pressed into thin circles using a tortilla press and then cooked on a skillet until soft and pliable. Corn tortillas are the classic choice for street tacos, regular tacos, enchiladas, and taquitos. They can also be fried to create crispy taco shells or tortilla chips.
Serving Ideas for Warm Taco Shells
While taco shells are undeniably the star for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas, their versatility extends far beyond. They can seamlessly substitute for bread when serving alongside soups and beans or even be layered in casseroles in place of noodles. Here are some enticing ways to enjoy warm taco shells:
- Simply enjoy them warm with a spread of butter or peanut butter as a quick snack.
- Serve them as a warm side dish with hearty bowls of beans or comforting soups.
- Roll them up with your favorite deli meats and cheeses for a speedy and satisfying lunch, or create a flavorful hummus veggie wrap.
- Elevate your breakfast by making breakfast wraps filled with prosciutto, eggs, and avocado.
- Use them as the foundation for delicious steak tacos.
The possibilities are truly endless!
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