It's hard not to love tortillas. From the soft pillowy texture of a flour tortilla to the earthy, complex flavor and texture of a corn tortilla, they're a must with any Tex-Mex meal. But, there are a lot of questions that swirl around the two, mainly: what is the difference between corn and flour tortillas? We've got the answer to that and more. Let's talk tacos… or should we say tortillas.
THE GREAT TORTILLA DEBATE: CORN VS. FLOUR
There is no denying they are both tasty, and for many occasions, they work equally as well. When it comes to choosing, you can go off what you have on hand or what you prefer. But we did round up a few tips to help decide when to use each tortilla.
HOW ARE CORN TORTILLAS MADE? AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO GOOD?
There’s more behind corn tortillas than just the delicious taste. The process of making corn tortillas is called nixtamalization. It involves cooking corn (also called maize) in an alkaline solution of calcium hydroxide, or limewater. Next, corn kernels are stone-ground to create corn dough (called a masa). Next, it’s shaped, flattened into thin disks, and baked to create a tortilla!
If you’re carb-conscious, corn tortillas tend to have fewer carbs, less fat, and more fiber than flour tortillas. They are also a whole-grain food that’s gluten-free and celiac-friendly. We love an inclusive meal moment!
WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT CORN TORTILLAS?
While corn tortillas are less sturdy than flour tortillas, they don’t absorb liquids from meats, sauces, and condiments like flour tortillas do. That’s why corn tortillas are more commonly used to hold taco fillings. They are also found in hard and soft shell varieties.
WHAT ARE THE BEST USES?
If you're looking for that epic crunch, this is 'crispy corn tortillas' time to shine. They also offer a sturdy base for shredded meats, taco-seasoned ground beef, grilled fish, and shrimp. For tostadas and variations (like huevos rancheros), a fried corn tortilla is crispy enough to stand up to heavy toppings and sauces and is always delicious. Or, if you're feeling a soft corn shell moment, this variation works great for street tacos, enchiladas, and more!
HOW ARE FLOUR TORTILLAS MADE? AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO GOOD?
Typically made from wheat, flour tortillas contain gluten and feature a soft pillowy texture. Traditionally, flour tortillas are made with lard; however, Old El Paso’s flour tortillas are made with vegetable-based fats! That’s what gives them their flexible nature and makes flour tortillas perfect for wraps, roll-up, and so much more.
Old El Paso flour tortillas come in several different sizes, but don’t sleep on the convenient bowl shapes, which make filling and eating easy (not to mention delicious). The regular-sized bowls are a nice size for Tex-Mex meals, while the mini bowls are great for apps, light bites, and the perfect addition to kids’ lunchboxes!
WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT FLOUR TORTILLAS?
Versatile is the name of the game with flour tortillas, and they work with almost any flavor profile. They can also hold their own when faced with large quantities of meat and vegetables. We love to see it.
WHAT ARE THE BEST USES?
When a burrito craving strikes, flour tortillas are the way to go. They're flexible and don't tear or crack easily, even when loaded up with Tex-Mex goodness. We also love a flour tortilla for quesadillas! They offer a soft and pliable texture that toasts up nicely on a griddle or in a skillet.
Flour tortillas are also a great neutral base for fusion fillings such as classic American foods or even elevated Asian appetizers thanks to the mild flavor. Or, for a fun twist that's also super portable, grab your Old El Paso's Soft Tortilla Taco Bowls. As you know, our bowls also come in the mini-size and are a lunchtime must-try for the kiddos. Why? Good question. Not only are they delicious, but they contain all the ingredients, so the meal stays contained. Easy, portable, and delicious? That's what we're talking about!
FAQs
While corn tortillas are less sturdy than flour tortillas, they don't absorb liquids from meats, sauces, and condiments like flour tortillas do. That's why corn tortillas are more commonly used to hold taco fillings. They are also found in hard and soft shell varieties.
What is better, corn tortilla or flour tortilla? ›
When it comes to nutrition, corn tortillas have the advantage of being made from whole grains, with fewer calories, sodium, and carbs but more fiber than flour tortillas. They're also gluten-free. As for cooking and eating, some people complain that corn tortillas break easily.
Do Mexicans prefer corn or flour tortilla? ›
Corn tortillas are seen as more authentic to Mexican dishes, corn has been a staple ingredient in Mexican cooking for thousands of years. Wheat, on the other hand, has only been around since the Spanish brought the crop with them when they arrived in the Americas.
How to tell corn and flour tortillas apart? ›
While flour tortillas are usually white, a typical corn tortilla is closer to a yellowish color. Also, corn tortillas are usually smaller than flour tortillas.
Do you use corn or flour tortillas for street tacos? ›
Corn tortillas go well with Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. They are also perfect for use in tostadas, sopes, and quesadillas. Flour tortillas are often used in burritos, fajitas, and chimichangas. They are also great for making quesadillas, sweet dishes like dessert tacos, and breakfast burritos.
How to choose the best tortillas? ›
A good corn tortilla should be pliable, able to bend or roll without breaking or tearing. It should provide a bit of chew, without being overly thick or thin. Finally, corn tortillas should be rather neutral in flavor, but still provide a subtle taste of corn.
How to make corn tortillas not break? ›
Steam corn tortillas in the microwave so they stay pliable and don't split under the weight of taco fillings. Wrap a stack of tortillas in damp paper towels or a damp kitchen towel, then wrap in plastic wrap or place in a microwave-safe resealable plastic bag (keep the bag open to vent).
When to use flour or corn tortillas? ›
Corn tortillas tend to have more fiber and nutrients but less fat and calories than flour ones, and they're safe for those with gluten-related conditions. But flour tortillas may be better for denser fillings. Frequently featured in Mexican dishes, tortillas are a great main ingredient to consider.
Which tortilla is best for tacos? ›
Tacos. If you are making a simple taco, corn tortillas are best as they help bolster the ingredients and add to the overall flavor. If you are planning on building an epic taco you may choose to use a flour tortilla to hold all of the ingredients together.
Should I use flour or corn tortillas for enchiladas? ›
Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, but flour tortillas also work. Choose 7- or 8-inch flour tortillas or 6-inch corn tortillas—they fit best in most pans. Recipes vary, but for a 3-quart rectangular casserole dish, you will need about eight flour or corn tortillas.
Traditionally in Mexico quesadillas are made with corn tortillas, not wheat flour tortillas, and a melty, white cheese. Here in the states though, because of how close we are to the Sonoran area of northern Mexico, quesadillas are more often made with flour tortillas.
Why do Mexicans use two corn tortillas? ›
But a popular explanation is that the second tortilla can be used to make another taco with any fillings that spill out the side. Other reasons include preventing a tortilla from breaking, or if you have a particularly moist filling, & others do it because corn tortillas are delicious – can't argue with that!
Are Mexican restaurant tortilla chips corn or flour? ›
The thing that makes Mexican restaurant's tortilla chips special is the tortillas they are made from. They cut fresh corn tortillas into quarters and fry them.
What do Mexicans use corn tortillas for? ›
Uses. Corn tortillas are the basis of many traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, flautas, quesadillas, chilaquiles, and tortilla soup.
Does Taco Bell use flour or corn tortillas for the Mexican pizza? ›
The Mexican Pizza returned to the menu in all its previous glory, complete with the same ingredients including seasoned beef and refried beans between two fried flour tortillas, topped with pizza sauce, three-cheese blend and fresh diced tomatoes.
Does Taco Bell use flour tortilla? ›
Since everything at Taco Bell is made-to-order, it's easy to customize many items to fit your lifestyle. For example, replacing the flour tortilla in our Chicken Soft Taco for a crunchy taco shell accommodates a made-without-gluten diet. All our food is prepared in a common kitchen with food that contains gluten.
Which is better, flour or corn tortillas for enchiladas? ›
While some recipes use flour tortillas, corn tortillas are traditional — and for good reason — are the better option for enchiladas. Corn tortillas have a distinct flavor that plays a key part of the enchilada experience, compared to flour tortillas, which are more like a blank slate.
Which is better for keto corn or flour tortillas? ›
Corn tortillas are low carb, but they are not zero carbs. That's important if you're on a keto or no-carb diet, where you're carefully monitoring your net carbs intake. They are a fantastic low-carb alternative to flour tortillas and can help you out in a low-carb diet or a weight loss diet.
Is a corn tortilla better than a slice of bread? ›
Corn tortillas have fewer calories on average than bread slices. Depending on the type of bread, the calories can vary significantly.
What has more gluten, flour or corn tortillas? ›
Corn tortillas tend to have a slightly more earthy flavor and a firmer texture than their flour counterparts. They're also smaller in size, making them ideal for tacos. Plus, let's not forget that they're gluten-free and vegan too!
