Crunchy Tortilla Strips Recipe: How to Make Them at Home

Making tortilla strips may sound complicated, but it’s actually a very easy process. Whether you want to use them as a topping for soups, salads, or even as a snack, you can make them at home by following a few simple steps. They are a great way to add a crispy texture to your favorite dishes and can be customized to your liking with different spices and seasonings.

To make tortilla strips, you will need some corn tortillas, oil, and seasonings of your choice. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, cut the tortillas into thin strips (about 1/4 inch wide) and brush them on both sides with oil. You can either use a pastry brush or your hands to evenly coat the strips with oil. Sprinkle them with your desired seasonings, such as salt, chili powder, garlic powder, or paprika. Then, place the strips on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once they are done, let them cool for a few minutes before using them to top your favorite dishes.

Ingredients needed to make Tortilla Strips

Before we get started with the actual process of making tortilla strips, you’ll need to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of everything you’ll need:

1. Corn Tortillas

The base of your tortilla strips is the corn tortillas that you will use. Choose a quality brand of tortillas that are fresh and pliable. Stale tortillas won’t work as well.

2. Cooking Oil

You’ll need cooking oil to fry the tortilla strips. You can use any type of cooking oil that you prefer, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.

3. Salt

A bit of salt will add flavor to your tortilla strips. Use a good quality salt that will complement the flavor of the tortillas.

4. Lime Juice (optional)

For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to your tortilla strips.

5. Seasonings (optional)

You can use a variety of seasonings to add additional flavor to your tortilla strips. Some options include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, or paprika. Choose the seasonings that you like best.

6. Toppings (optional)

Once your tortilla strips are done, you can use them as a crunchy topping for salads, soups, or other dishes. Consider adding toppings such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro.

7. Tools

You’ll also need a few tools to make your tortilla strips, including a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, a frying pan, and a pair of tongs for frying.

8. Serving Dish (optional)

Finally, choose a serving dish for your completed tortilla strips. This can be a simple plate, or you can get creative with a fun bowl or tray.

9. Preparation Time

It’s essential to be mindful of your time; considerable patience is necessary for the preparation and cooking time. Give yourself at least 30 minutes to an hour to make tortilla strips.

10. Safety Precautions

Always be cautious when using hot oil; it can cause serious injury if it splatters. You should also cook in an open space or well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of smoke and fire hazards.

10 Steps To Make Delicious Tortilla Strips At Home

Tortilla strips are a classic Mexican ingredient that can add crunch and texture to your salads, soups, and main dishes. While buying pre-made tortilla strips can be expensive and bland, making them at home is easy and affordable. Here are 10 simple steps to make delicious tortilla strips at home that will impress your guests and elevate your dishes.

Step 1: Choose The Right Tortillas

Not all tortillas are created equal when it comes to making tortilla strips. Choose corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, as they are more commonly used in Mexican cuisine and crisps up better when fried. It’s also important to select fresh tortillas that are pliable and not dried out or stale.

Step 2: Cut The Tortillas Into Strips

Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the tortillas into strips of your desired width. We recommend cutting them into 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch strips for a perfect crunch. You can also use kitchen scissors to make the process easier.

Step 3: Preheat The Oil

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350-375°F. You should use enough oil to fully submerge the tortilla strips.

Step 4: Fry The Tortilla Strips

Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, fry the tortilla strips in batches until they are golden brown and crisp. This should only take a few minutes per batch. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will affect the temperature and make the strips greasy.

Step 5: Remove From The Oil And Drain

Use a slotted spoon or spatula to remove the fried tortilla strips from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Season with salt and any other spices you prefer while the strips are still hot.

Step 6: Optional Baking Method

If you prefer to bake your tortilla strips, preheat your oven to 375°F and lay the strips on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown.

Step 7: Experiment With Different Flavors

While salt is always a classic seasoning for tortilla strips, you can also experiment with different flavors to match your dish. Try adding chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, or paprika to your tortilla strips for a smoky or spicy kick.

Step 8: Store In Airtight Container

If you have any leftover tortilla strips, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.

Step 9: Use In A Variety Of Dishes

Tortilla strips can be used in a variety of dishes, from topping soups and salads to adding crunch to tacos and enchiladas. Get creative and try them in new ways to explore the versatility of this ingredient.

Step 10: Share With Friends and Family

Making your own tortilla strips at home is a fun and easy way to impress your friends and family at your next gathering or dinner party. Share your delicious creation with your loved ones and watch their faces light up with satisfaction.

Tools and Ingredients Needed to Make Tortilla Strips

Making tortilla strips requires only a few tools and ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Corn Tortillas

The best tortillas for making tortilla strips are corn tortillas. Flour tortillas can also be used, but corn tortillas provide a more authentic taste and texture. You can either make your own tortillas from scratch or buy them pre-made from the store. When choosing pre-made tortillas, make sure they are fresh and pliable.

Vegetable or Canola Oil

When making tortilla strips, you’ll need a neutral oil to fry them in. Vegetable or canola oil are good choices because they have a high smoke point and won’t add any extra flavor to the tortilla strips. You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the tortilla strips when frying.

Knife or Kitchen Scissors

To cut the tortillas into strips, you’ll need a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. A knife will give you straighter lines, but scissors are quicker and easier to use.

Frying Pan

For frying the tortilla strips, you’ll need a frying pan or a deep skillet. Cast iron and non-stick skillets both work well. You’ll want to fill the skillet with about an inch of oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F on a thermometer.

Salt (Optional)

Once the tortilla strips are fried, you can sprinkle them with salt for extra flavor. This step is optional, but most people prefer their tortilla strips to be slightly salty. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can skip the salt or use a reduced-sodium option.

That’s a Wrap!

And just like that, you’re now a tortilla strip expert! We hope you found this guide informative and helpful in making these delicious snacks. Don’t forget to share your creations with us and let us know how they turned out. Thanks for reading and come back for more tasty recipes soon!