Authentic two-ingredient corn tortillas
Corn Tortillas
Corn Tortillas
25 minEasy
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
15
15 tortillas
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Corn Tortillas
Authentic two-ingredient corn tortillas
Tender, earthy corn tortillas made with just masa harina and water. These authentic tortillas have a sweet corn flavor and pliable texture that store-bought cannot match.
10m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
15
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Real corn tortillas need only two ingredients—masa harina and water. A tortilla press makes quick work of shaping, and a hot comal or skillet gives them the perfect lightly charred finish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1.5 cups warm water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Plastic wrap or zip-lock bag for pressing
- Extra masa for dusting
- Optional: 1 tsp oil for softer tortillas
Instructions
- 1
Mix masa harina, salt, and warm water until a soft dough forms. It should feel like Play-Doh—not sticky, not crumbly.
- 2
Divide into 15 small balls (about 1.5 inches each) and keep covered with a damp towel.
- 3
Place a ball between two pieces of plastic in a tortilla press. Press firmly to flatten into a thin round.
- 4
Cook on a dry, hot comal or skillet for about 1 minute per side until lightly charred.
- 5
Stack finished tortillas in a towel-lined basket to steam and stay pliable.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Substitutions
Masa harinaNo true substitute
Regular cornmeal will not work—you need nixtamalized corn flour
Tortilla pressHeavy skillet or pot
Press the dough ball between plastic with the flat bottom
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Vanilla Extract
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the vanilla matters
For baking and desserts, vanilla is often carrying more aroma than people expect. A better bottle gives the whole recipe a cleaner finish.
This is a small pantry move that usually makes baked goods taste more complete.
- Improves aroma in desserts and bakes
- Useful across cakes, cookies, and breakfast bakes
Vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry upgrades to keep using.
Shop vanilla extract for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
If the dough cracks at the edges when pressed, it is too dry—knead in a bit more water.
Keep uncooked dough balls covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
Storage
Refrigerate in a sealed bag for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm on a dry comal or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 15 servings
Calories70
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein2g
Carbohydrates1g
Fat14g
Fiber80mg
Sugar1g
Sodium0g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is masa harina?
- Corn flour made from nixtamalized corn. Maseca is the most common brand.
- Can I use a rolling pin?
- Yes, roll between plastic sheets, though a press is faster and more even.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.
You Might Also Like
VeganDairy-Free
Easy
Italian
Pizza Dough
2h 15m8 servings
View Recipe
Pizza Dough
2h 15m•Easy
Vegetarian
Medium
French
Pie Crust
1h 15m8 servings
View Recipe
Pie Crust
1h 15m•Medium
Vegetarian
Medium
French
Rough Puff Pastry
2h 30m8 servings
View Recipe
Rough Puff Pastry
2h 30m•Medium
VeganDairy-Free
Medium
Italian
Ciabatta
4h 45m8 servings
View Recipe
Ciabatta
4h 45m•Medium
Vegetarian
Easy
Indian
Naan from Scratch
1h 35m8 servings
View Recipe
Naan from Scratch
1h 35m•Easy
VeganDairy-Free
Easy
Mexican
Flour Tortillas
45 min12 servings
View Recipe
Flour Tortillas
45 min•Easy