Homemade Tortillas

Homemade Tortilla Strips: A Crunchy Addition to Your Favorite Dishes

By Juan Jul 29, 2023

Homemade tortilla strips are a versatile and delicious addition to many dishes, such as soups, salads, and Mexican-inspired bowls. They can be easily made at home using just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time in the oven. In this article, we will explore the benefits of making your own tortilla strips and provide you with an easy-to-follow recipe.

The History of Tortilla Strips

Tortilla chips are a beloved snack food around the world, but did you know that their thinner counterpart, tortilla strips, have been around for much longer? In fact, they have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. They were traditionally made by cutting leftover tortillas into thin strips and frying them until crispy. These strips were then used to add crunch and texture to a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and salads.

The Importance of Texture in Mexican Cuisine

Texture is a crucial element in Mexican cuisine, and tortilla strips are no exception. The addition of crispy, crunchy strips to a dish provides a contrast to the softness of other ingredients, creating a more complex and satisfying eating experience. This is especially true in dishes like tortilla soup, where the strips are an essential component of the dish.

Making Your Own Tortilla Strips

Making your own tortilla strips is surprisingly easy, and it allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

One key takeaway from this text is that tortilla strips have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries and are important for adding texture to dishes. Making your own tortilla strips is easy, and they can be customized to your liking. There are also many creative ways to use tortilla strips, such as using them as a coating for chicken or fish or as a garnish for cocktails. When making tortilla strips, it’s important to cut them evenly and not overcrowd the pan to ensure they turn out crispy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas
• Vegetable oil
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Cut corn tortillas into thin strips.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the tortilla strips in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Fry until golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Sprinkle with salt while still warm.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Tortilla Strips

• Use day-old tortillas for the best results. Fresh tortillas tend to be too soft and can become gummy when fried.
• Cut the tortillas into even strips to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy, greasy strips.
• Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the strips from the pan, allowing excess oil to drip off.
• Sprinkle the strips with salt while they are still warm. This will help the salt adhere better.

Key takeaway: Texture is an important element in Mexican cuisine and tortilla strips provide the necessary crunch to dishes like soups, stews, and salads. Making homemade tortilla strips is easy and allows for customization of flavor. They can also be used in creative ways, such as as a coating for proteins, in breakfast burritos, and as a cocktail garnish.

Creative Ways to Use Tortilla Strips

Tortilla strips are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Top your favorite soup or chili with a handful of tortilla strips for added crunch.
• Use them as a crunchy coating for chicken or fish.
• Make a taco salad and use tortilla strips in place of croutons.
• Add them to a breakfast burrito for a satisfying crunch.
• Use them as a garnish for cocktails, such as a Bloody Mary.

1. In Soups and Stews

Tortilla strips are a classic addition to soups and stews, especially Mexican-inspired ones. Simply top your soup or stew with a handful of strips for added crunch and flavor. This works particularly well with spicier soups, as the strips provide a cool and refreshing contrast to the heat.

2. As a Crispy Coating

Tortilla strips can be used as a crunchy coating for chicken or fish. Simply crush the strips into small pieces and use them as you would breadcrumbs. This is a delicious way to add texture and flavor to your favorite proteins.

3. In Salads

Tortilla strips make a great addition to salads, especially those with a Mexican twist. Use them in place of croutons for added crunch and flavor. They work particularly well in taco salads, where they add a satisfying crunch to every bite.

4. In Breakfast Burritos

Add some crunch to your breakfast burrito by adding a handful of tortilla strips. This is a great way to add texture and flavor to an otherwise soft dish. Simply wrap your burrito as you normally would, and enjoy!

5. As a Cocktail Garnish

Tortilla strips can even be used as a garnish for cocktails, such as a Bloody Mary. Simply skewer a few strips and use them as a fun and tasty garnish for your next brunch cocktail.

FAQs for Homemade Tortilla Strips

What are homemade tortilla strips?

Homemade tortilla strips are thin slices of corn tortilla that have been fried until crispy. They’re a popular addition to dishes like salads, soups, and chili, and can also be used as a topping for nachos or tacos. Making your own tortilla strips at home is a simple and affordable way to add a crunchy, flavorful element to your favorite dishes.

How do I make homemade tortilla strips?

To make homemade tortilla strips, start by cutting corn tortillas into strips. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, and then add the tortilla strips. Fry the strips for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tortilla strips from the pan and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While corn tortillas are the traditional choice for homemade tortilla strips, you can also use flour tortillas if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that flour tortillas tend to be thicker and chewier than corn tortillas, which can affect the texture of your finished tortilla strips. If you do choose to use flour tortillas, consider cutting them into slightly thinner strips than you would with corn tortillas to ensure they cook evenly.

How long do homemade tortilla strips last?

Homemade tortilla strips will stay fresh for up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They may lose some of their crispiness over time, but can easily be re-crisped in a 350-degree oven for a few minutes before use.

Can I season my homemade tortilla strips?

Absolutely! Some popular seasoning options include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. To season your tortilla strips, simply mix your desired spices together in a small bowl and sprinkle them over the fried strips while they’re still hot. Toss to evenly coat, and enjoy your custom-seasoned tortilla strips.