Wrapping a tortilla can be tricky, but with a few simple hacks, you can wrap burritos, tacos, and other dishes like a pro. Keep reading to learn tips on how to wrap a tortilla perfectly every time.
Use the Right Size Tortilla
The first key to wrapping a tortilla successfully is choosing the right size. If your tortilla is too small, it won’t be able to fully wrap around all the fillings. On the other hand, a tortilla that’s too large can be unwieldy and fall apart. Here are some tortilla size guidelines:
| Dish | Tortilla Size |
|---|---|
| Tacos | 6 inches |
| Burritos | 8-10 inches |
| Enchiladas | 6-8 inches |
| Quesadillas | 8-10 inches |
| Tostadas | 6 inches |
As you can see, burritos and quesadillas call for larger tortillas, while tacos and tostadas use smaller ones. Enchiladas are somewhere in the middle. Pick a tortilla diameter that matches the amount of filling you’ll be using.
Warm the Tortilla
A room temperature or cold tortilla is prone to cracking and breaking when you try to roll it up. For the best pliability, gently warm your tortillas before assembling and wrapping. There are a few easy ways to do this:
- Place tortillas directly on a hot skillet or griddle for about 30 seconds per side.
- Stack tortillas and wrap in damp paper towels, then microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Wrap tortillas in foil and place in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
The steam from the heat will soften up the tortillas. Just don’t overdo it or they may get dried out. Warming them just enough to make them flexible is the goal.
Choose Fillings Wisely
What you put inside your tortilla will impact how easy it is to wrap. Too many wet or slippery ingredients can cause things to spill out. Here are some filling guidelines for easy wrapping:
- Drain off any excess liquid from fillings.
- Place wet ingredients like salsa and guacamole in the center.
- Keep the other fillings compact and tidy.
- Don’t overstuff the tortilla.
Also pay attention to ingredient sizes. Large chunks may poke holes in the tortilla as you wrap. Cut fillings into smaller, wrap-friendly pieces as needed.
Use Your Hands
Sure, you can use utensils if you want. But for the easiest wrapping, your hands are the best tools for the job. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wrap a tortilla using just your hands:
- Lay the tortilla on a flat surface and place your filling ingredients in a line down the center.
- Pick up the bottom edge of the tortilla and fold it up and over the fillings.
- Use your fingers to tightly tuck the flap under the fillings.
- Hold the tucked flap in place with one hand. With the other, fold one side of the tortilla over the filling.
- Repeat on the other side, continuing to roll the tortilla upward.
- When fully rolled, gently press along the tortilla to seal the wrap.
Using your hands gives you a better feel for how snug the wrapping is. You can adjust as needed to keep the filling from spilling out.
Finish Seam Side Down
However you choose to wrap your tortilla, always complete the wrap with the seam side down. Whether rolled up or folded into a pocket, finishing seam side down ensures the ingredients stay neatly contained.
Gravity will naturally pull the filling toward the seam side. Keeping that part on the bottom prevents it from opening up. The top stays smooth and sealed.
Secure With Toothpicks
For extra wrap security, use toothpicks to hold everything together. Simply insert toothpicks along the seam, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. Trimming the toothpicks to half size works best. This prevents long sharp ends from poking out.
Other ways to reinforce your tortilla wrap include:
- Double wrapping with two tortillas.
- Securing with racks or foil.
- Baking wrapped burritos or enchiladas to meld ingredients together.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any new skill, wrapping tortillas takes some practice! Don’t worry if your first few attempts are messy failures. As you try different techniques, you’ll discover what works best for you. Here are some final tips for successful tortilla wrapping:
- Wrap burritos tightly but don’t overstuff them.
- For tacos, leave one side open and don’t overfill.
- With enchiladas and taquitos, wrap the tortilla fully around the filling.
- Quesadillas should be gently pressed flat as they cook.
- Keep your tortilla supply warm while assembling dishes.
With time, you’ll be wrapping tortillas seamlessly. Your tacos won’t fall apart, your burritos will hold together, and your enchiladas will come out perfectly snug. Just stay patient through the process and remember – practice makes perfect!
Troubleshooting Common Tortilla Wrapping Problems
Even experienced wrappers run into issues now and then. Here are some common tortilla wrapping problems and how to fix them:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Rips or cracks in tortilla | Warm tortillas thoroughly before wrapping. Avoid over-stuffing. Use a larger tortilla if needed. |
| Fillings falling out | Don’t overfill. Use extra securing methods like toothpicks or double wrapping. |
| Tortilla won’t seal | Ensure tortilla is warm and pliable. Press gently but firmly when sealing. |
| Wrap falls apart when picked up | Wrap very tightly and tuck in edges securely. Reinforce seam with toothpicks. |
| Tortilla gets soggy | Limit wet ingredients or place them in the center. Let assembled wraps sit no more than 5 minutes before eating. |
Don’t get frustrated if you run into trouble. Adjust your technique and try again for a better wrapped outcome.
Wrap Recipes to Try
Now that you’ve mastered how to wrap a tortilla, it’s time to put your skills to use! Here are some delicious recipes perfect for wrapping:
Burritos
- Bean and rice burrito – Pinto beans, Mexican rice, cheese, lettuce, salsa
- Breakfast burrito – Eggs, potato, bacon, cheese, avocado
- Burrito bowls – Rice, meat, beans, veggies, sauce, wrapped in a bowl
Tacos
- Carnitas tacos – Braised pork, onion, cilantro, lime
- Fish tacos – Grilled fish, cabbage slaw, avocado crema
- Chicken tacos – Shredded chicken, pico de gallo, queso fresco
Enchiladas
- Cheese enchiladas – Melted cheese inside, enchilada sauce on top
- Chicken enchiladas – Shredded chicken, salsa verde, sour cream
- Veggie enchiladas – Corn, zucchini, spinach, black beans
Quesadillas
- Cheese quesadilla – Melted cheese, folded and pan fried
- Shrimp quesadilla – Cheese, shrimp, peppers, onions
- Chicken quesadilla – Grilled chicken, caramelized onions, cilantro
Fill your tortilla wraps with your favorite ingredients and flavors. From healthy veggie options to hearty proteins, the possibilities are endless.
Conclusion
Wrapping a perfect tortilla just takes a few simple tricks. Choosing the right size, warming the tortilla, using your hands, and finishing seam side down will help your wraps hold together splendidly. Reinforce with toothpicks when needed and don’t be afraid to practice. In no time, you’ll be wrapping tortillas like a pro for fantastic burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and more!