Tortillas are a type of flatbread made from wheat or corn flour that originate from Mexico and Central America. They come in different sizes, with smaller tortillas around 6 inches in diameter used for tacos, and larger tortillas around 10-12 inches used for burritos, fajitas, and wraps. With their versatility, flexibility, and neutral flavor, tortillas have become popular not just in Mexican cuisine, but also as a substitute for sandwich bread or wraps. But can you really use tortillas in place of traditional flatbreads or lettuce when making wraps? Let’s take a closer look at whether tortillas make good wraps.
What is a wrap?
A wrap is a type of sandwich made with a soft flatbread or tortilla that is rolled or folded around a filling. Typical fillings for wraps include meats, cheeses, vegetables, beans, hummus, sauces, and more. The flatbread wraps the ingredients into a convenient handheld package. Wraps are quicker to make than regular sandwiches since they don’t require slicing bread and can be assembled directly on the tortilla. They are also generally more portable and less messy.
Some key features of good wrap flatbreads or tortillas are:
- Soft and pliable texture so they can be rolled or folded without cracking
- Neutral flavor that complements but doesn’t overpower fillings
- Sturdy enough to contain moist fillings without tearing
- Large enough diameter to fully encase ingredients (around 10-12 inches)
Benefits of using tortillas as wraps
Tortillas can serve as the perfect blank canvas for wraps. Here are some of their advantages:
Versatility
Tortillas are extremely versatile when it comes to flavors. You can fill them with anything from deli meats and cheeses to spicy southwest fillings. Their neutral taste won’t conflict with bold spices or clashing flavors.
Convenience
Tortillas are readily available in supermarkets, easy to store, and quick to prepare. You can fill and roll a tortilla in just a few minutes for an on-the-go meal. Pre-made wraps keep well, making them ideal for grabbing as a snack.
Portability
The rolled shape of tortilla wraps makes them compact and easy to eat while walking or traveling. You don’t need any plates or utensils to eat them.
Less mess
Unlike sandwiches, wraps seal in fillings and prevent them from spilling out and making a mess. The fillings are also less likely to soak into the tortilla like they would with bread.
Healthier alternative
Tortillas offer a gluten-free and low-carb alternative to regular white flour sandwich wraps or bread. Options like whole grain or spinach tortillas can provide extra fiber and nutrients. Tortilla wraps are also easy to make vegetarian or vegan.
Customizable
With tortilla wraps, you can customize the ingredients to your tastes in endless combinations. Feel free to experiment with whatever fillings you prefer.
Potential drawbacks of using tortillas
While tortillas make excellent wraps in many cases, they do have a few drawbacks to consider:
Delicate texture
Corn tortillas in particular can be prone to tearing if overstuffed or handled carelessly. This can cause messy spills. Flour tortillas are more durable. Choosing a thicker tortilla can help prevent tears.
Smaller size
Taco-sized tortillas around 6 inches work for miniature wraps but are really too small for full-sized wraps packed with fillings. Seek large 10-12 inch tortillas.
Can be bland
Some types of plain tortillas have very little flavor on their own. This makes them ideal for bold fillings but less suitable if you want the wrap itself to contribute more taste.
May stick when heated
Tortillas can become gluey or stick to pans or grids when warmed. Heating them directly on racks in the oven avoids this issue.
Shorter shelf life
Raw tortillas typically last only 1-2 weeks in the fridge compared to bread which stays fresh for 1-2 weeks at room temperature. So tortillas need to be replenished more often.
What size tortillas work best?
For wrap purposes, look for large flour tortillas around 10-12 inches in diameter. Here are some good sizes that wrap well:
| Tortilla Size | Description |
|---|---|
| 10 inches | Good standard size for most wrap fillings |
| 12 inches | Better for bigger or multiple fillings |
| 8 inches | A bit small for wraps unless using less filling |
| 6 inches | Best reserved for tacos and mini wraps |
The ideal tortilla depends on your preferred wrap size and contents. Bigger tortillas allow you to fit more ingredients but can be trickier to eat if overloaded. Adjust the tortilla diameter to the amount of filling.
How to choose the right tortillas
With so many varieties available, which tortillas are best for making tasty homemade wraps? Here are some tips:
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas hold up better than more delicate corn tortillas.
- Whole wheat or grain tortillas provide more nutrients and fiber.
- Spinach or tomato tortillas add color and extra flavor.
- Herb and garlic tortillas pair well with Mediterranean fillings.
Texture
- Thicker tortillas are less prone to breaking.
- Softer and more pliable tortillas roll more easily.
- Denser tortillas hold fillings better than thin, flaky ones.
Fresh or frozen
- Fresh tortillas are softest and most pliable.
- Frozen tortillas work well too but benefit from brief thawing first.
- Pre-made frozen wraps allow quick and easy assembly.
Preparation
- Lightly warm tortillas first for extra flexibility.
- Double up two smaller tortillas if needed.
- Prevent sticking by lightly oiling the pan.
The ideal tortilla depends on the type of wrap you’re making. Test brands and varieties to find your favorites.
How to prepare tortillas for wraps
Proper preparation helps tortillas wrap better while avoiding sticking or tearing. Here are some tips:
Warm them up
Warm tortillas are naturally softer and more pliable, making them easier to roll or fold without cracking. You can warm them in several ways:
- On the stovetop over medium heat for 20-30 seconds per side
- In the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 10-20 seconds
- In the oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes
- On a hot grill for about 1 minute per side
Prevent sticking
Oiling the pan lightly before warming tortillas prevents them from sticking. Any neutral oil will work. Use cooking spray or brush a thin layer of olive oil over the pan first.
Keep them soft
Cover heated tortillas with a clean dish towel to trap in moisture and keep them pliable as you assemble each wrap.
Don’t overfill
Add a sensible amount of filling you can easily roll up without tearing the tortilla or making it bulge. About 1/3 to 1/2 cup of filling is good for a 10-inch tortilla.
Roll it tightly
Fold in the sides and roll up the tortilla gently but tightly around the fillings. The tighter the wrap, the less chance of spillage.
How to fill and roll tortilla wraps
Wrapping a tortilla is easy once you get the hang of it. Just follow these steps:
- Choose your desired tortilla size and lightly warm it.
- Lay the tortilla flat and spread a layer of any sauce or condiments evenly over it.
- Add your choice of fillings in a line down the center of the tortilla.
- Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the fillings.
- Fold in the sides and continue rolling up tightly.
- For a tidy wrap, tuck the end flap under the roll.
To prevent messy drips, wrap fillings that are wet, saucy, or loose in lettuce leaves first. Hot fillings will turn tortillas gummy, so let components cool slightly before assembling.
Wrapping methods
Besides rolling, you can also wrap tortillas using other techniques:
- Folding – Simply fold the tortilla in half over the fillings like a taco.
- Enveloping – Bring two sides together loosely over the fillings.
- Bundle wrapping – Spread ingredients evenly, then roll up the tortilla into a tight cylinder.
Use the method that best secures the particular ingredients inside.
Tortilla wrap recipes
Tortillas are endlessly versatile when making wraps. Try out these tasty wrap combinations:
Chicken Caesar wrap
- Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan
- Caesar dressing
Steak fajita wrap
- Sauteed steak, peppers and onions
- Shredded cheese, salsa
Buffalo chicken wrap
- Fried chicken, buffalo sauce, blue cheese sauce
- Lettuce, tomato
Chipotle shrimp wrap
- Sauteed shrimp, chipotle sauce, lettuce, pico de gallo
- Black beans, rice
Hummus veggie wrap
- Hummus, cucumbers, roasted red peppers, spinach
- Feta cheese, avocado
Mix and match your favorite ingredients to craft your ideal wrap using tortillas.
Can you microwave tortilla wraps?
It’s absolutely possible to microwave pre-made tortilla wraps to reheat them. However, the microwave can make the tortillas rubbery and soggy. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Use a lower power setting around 50% to avoid toughening the tortilla.
- Wrap the tortilla loosely in a paper towel or napkin to add some insulation.
- Heat in short 30-second bursts, checking frequently.
- Let microwaved wraps stand 1-2 minutes to finish cooking more gently.
- Only microwave refrigerated wraps up to 3-5 days old, not fresh ones.
- Avoid microwaving wraps with melty cheese or wet veggies which overheat easily.
For fresher results, wraps are better warmed in the oven or on the stovetop over medium low heat instead. But the microwave can work in a pinch.
Can you freeze tortilla wraps?
Freezing is a handy way to prepare tortilla wraps in batches for quick, easy meals later on. Here are some freezing tips:
- Assemble uncooked wraps up to the stage just before warming the tortilla.
- Allow any hot fillings to cool completely before wrapping.
- Wrap each tortilla wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped tortillas in a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label with contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.
Avoid freezing wraps with mayonnaise, creamy fillings, or uncooked veggies and meats. Fillings can also seep into the tortilla making it mushy.
Conclusion
Tortillas offer a quick, convenient, and customizable alternative to regular flatbreads or lettuce when making wraps. Their versatility, portability, and neutral taste make them perfectly suited to both savory and sweet fillings. While delicate corn tortillas are trickier to use, flour tortillas can handle anything from meats to veggies easily. Just warm 10-12 inch tortillas before gently rolling up your favorite ingredients into a tidy wrap packed with flavor. So don’t limit yourself to just tacos and burritos – take advantage of tortillas to make appetizing wraps for any meal or occasion.