Tortilla bowls are a fun and convenient way to serve up tacos, taco salads, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. However, heating up tortilla bowls can be tricky since they have a tendency to get soggy or fall apart if not heated properly. Here are some tips on the best way to heat up tortilla bowls so they maintain their shape and get nice and crispy:
Should You Pre-Heat Tortilla Bowls?
Pre-heating tortilla bowls before filling them can help them hold their shape better and get crispy. However, you don’t want to pre-heat them for too long or they may get too stiff and brittle.
A good rule of thumb is to pre-heat an empty tortilla bowl for just 1-2 minutes maximum. This short pre-heat gives them a jumpstart on getting crispy but still allows them to be flexible enough to hold fillings.
Oven Baking
One of the easiest ways to heat tortilla bowls is in the oven. This allows you to bake a whole batch at once.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the tortilla bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Check them frequently as they can burn quickly.
For a crunchier texture, spray or brush the bowls lightly with oil before baking. You can also flip them over halfway through baking so both sides get crispy.
Microwaving
The microwave provides a quick way to heat up a single tortilla bowl or a small batch.
Place the tortilla bowl on a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 30 second intervals until warmed through, checking frequently to prevent burning.
You can help prevent sogginess by placing a damp paper towel over the bowl while microwaving to trap in steam and improve crispiness.
Just be careful of any metal embellishments on the tortilla as metal can damage the microwave.
Grilling
For an extra crisp tortilla bowl, you can throw it on the grill for a minute or two per side. This imparts a delicious charred flavor too.
Be sure to place the bowl over indirect heat rather than directly over the flames so it doesn’t burn. And watch it closely as it can burn quickly.
Lightly oiling or spraying the bowl first can help prevent sticking on the grates. You may also want to place a sheet of foil on the grates first for easier transferring.
Frying
For super crispy and crunchy tortilla bowls, frying is the way to go.
Heat about 1⁄2 inch of oil in a skillet or pot to 350°F. Use tongs to carefully add the tortilla bowl and fry for 15-60 seconds per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
The hot oil will cause the bowls to crisp up right away. Just don’t over fry or they may get too brown or brittle.
On the Stovetop
You can also use your stovetop to heat up tortilla bowls nicely. This direct heat from the burner mimics grilling.
Place the bowl directly on a medium-low burner for about 1 minute per side. Use tongs to flip carefully.
Make sure to keep the heat low so the bowls warm through without burning. Again, oiling or spraying first can help prevent sticking.
Tips for Heating Tortilla Bowls
Work in Small Batches
Only heat 2-3 tortilla bowls at a time, especially when baking or frying. This prevents them from steaming each other and getting soggy.
Rotate Bowls
When microwaving, grilling or baking, make sure to rotate the bowls periodically so all sides get evenly heated.
Keep it Low and Slow
Be patient and use medium-low heat when possible. High heat can make the bowls burn or get brittle very quickly.
Prevent Sogginess
Brushing bowls with a little oil before heating can help keep moisture from making the tortillas soggy.
Fill After Heating
Only fill tortilla bowls right before serving, not before heating. Loading them early can make them soggy.
Use Thicker Tortillas
Thicker, sturdier tortillas hold their shape better when cooking. Corn tortillas also tend to be more rigid than flour.
Double Up
You can place two smaller tortillas together when forming the bowl for extra stability.
Common Fillings and Toppings for Tortilla Bowls
Once your tortilla bowls are perfectly crisped, it’s time to fill them up! Here are some tasty fillings and toppers:
Taco Fillings
- Seasoned ground beef or turkey
- Shredded chicken
- Steak
- Carnitas
- Chorizo
- Sauteed shrimp
- Refried beans
- Vegetarian taco meat
Taco Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Queso
- Jalapeños
- Avocado
- Lime wedges
- Cilantro
Taco Salad Fillings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Black beans
- Corn
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
Other Fillings
- Chili
- Soup
- Rice and beans
- Cheese dip
- Guacamole
The possibilities are endless for flavorful dishes using crispy tortilla bowls! Get creative with your favorite Mexican-inspired ingredients or southwest flavors. Enjoy your freshly heated tortilla bowls topped and filled with whatever sounds good.
FAQs
What is the best way to shape tortillas into bowls?
The easiest way is to lightly spray or brush the tortilla with oil. Then, drape it over an inverted bowl and gently press it into the rounded shape. Finally, place a smaller bowl in the center to help form the bowl shape.
Can you make tortilla bowls ahead of time?
It’s best to shape the tortilla bowls right before heating and serving to prevent sogginess. However, you can shape them up to 4 hours in advance and store between damp paper towels in a sealed container in the fridge.
What if my tortilla bowl cracks when shaping or heating?
Cracking is common, especially if using thinner tortillas. You can reinforce the seams with a paste of flour and water before heating. Small cracks can also be patched by smearing a little oil over them.
What size tortillas work best for bowls?
6-inch and 8-inch flour or corn tortillas are ideal sizes for shaping into sturdy bowls. Very small or very large tortillas are harder to work with.
Can I reheat leftover tortilla bowls?
Yes, you can reheat tortilla bowls in the oven or microwave to crisp them back up. Just use care not to overheat as they become more prone to cracking and brittleness.
Conclusion
Heating tortilla bowls takes some technique, but pays off with crispy, crunchy vessels for all your favorite Tex-Mex fillings. Oven baking, microwaving, frying, and grilling are all great options. Just be sure to use medium-low heat and work in small batches for the best results. Fill tortilla bowls right before serving for maximum crispness and enjoy this fun and convenient way to eat Mexican food!