Easy Tortilla Hacks You Can Use in the Kitchen

What do you do with tortillas? The most common answer is probably place some taco fillings in there, fold it together and call it a lunch. Want to know what else you can do with tortillas, or some easy ways to cook with them? Grab a pack of tortillas and check out some easy tortilla hacks below:

1. Place Tortilla Directly on Burner

To heat up a tortilla, try placing it directly on your burner on the stove. Instead of using a pan, putting it directly on the burner will char them slightly on the outside. You’ll want to find a large, clean tea towel and place it on a surface near your stovetop. Turn burners on the lowest setting and put the tortilla on there for 45 seconds, then flip it over for the other side.

2. Freeze, Don’t Waste

What do you do when everyone at the table is full yet you have a few extra tortillas that no one wants to eat? Instead of throwing it away, freeze them, separated by wax paper. You can easily reheat them another time.

3. Bake for Crispiness

To get a crispy tortilla, wrap in a barely damp cloth or paper towel and microwave on high until steamed, which is about 30 seconds. I personally am not a fan of the microwave and do not have one in my apartment, but I wanted to include this tip for those of you who do. Some of you may not mind the mere 30 seconds. After you microwave, Eating Well recommends you lay the tortillas on a clean work surface and coat both sides with cooking spray. Then carefully drape each tortilla over two bars of the oven rack. Bake at 375°F until crispy, 7 to 10 minutes.

4. Make Mexican Lasagna

Noodles are ideal for making lasagna, but they’re not the only way. Try using tortillas in place of the noodles and make this Mexican Lasagna recipe.

5. Have Dessert

Don’t think of tortillas as being made for only savory dishes. Try using one of the heating methods above and sprinkle some vegan butter and cinnamon sugar on top. It’s like a lighter, crispy version of a churro, hacked.

6. Make Taco Bowls

You can make your own taco bowls by flipping over a muffin tin. Preheat the oven to 375-degrees, then sprinkle the tortillas with some salt and a little water. Form them into the bowl-like shape. Put them in the spaces between the cups of your upside-down muffin tin. Toss them in the oven for about 10 minutes, and you’ll have taco bowls.

7. Tortilla = Napkin

If you spill food on yourself anyway when eating something messy like a taco, place a tortilla shell on your lap. Instanapkin! Just don’t invite your manner-minding family member over for this dinner.

Now that you’ve read these hacks, check out these recipes here on One Green Planet that call for tortillas:  Easy Veggie-Loaded Quesadillas, Mexican Lasagna, Magical Roasted Corn and Lime Tortilla Soup, Pizza Rolls, and these 5 Yummy Options for a Simple Summer Taco Night.

Image source: Mexican Lasagna