Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade tortilla strips are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients. They add a delightful crunch to your meals and can be seasoned to suit your taste preferences. Plus, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and healthier option compared to store-bought alternatives.
Ingredients
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
- Salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Baked Tortilla Strips
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Stack the tortillas and cut them into halves, then slice each half into ½-inch strips.
- Lightly spray or brush the strips with oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Spread the strips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 6 minutes, rotate the pan, then bake for an additional 6 minutes until golden and crisp.
Fried Tortilla Strips
- Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil reaches 340°F (170°C), add the tortilla strips in batches, frying until golden and crispy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per batch.
- Remove the strips with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with salt immediately after frying.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 4–6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Variations
- Seasoned Strips: Enhance the flavor by adding chili powder, cumin, or garlic powder to the oil before brushing onto the strips.
- Sweet Strips: For a sweet twist, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the strips before baking or frying.
- Flavored Oils: Use infused oils, such as garlic or chili oil, to impart additional flavors to the strips.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled tortilla strips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To re-crisp, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, flour tortillas can be used; however, they may produce a slightly different texture.
2. How can I make these strips spicier?
Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the oil before applying it to the strips.
3. Can I bake the strips at a lower temperature?
Yes, baking at 350°F (175°C) is also effective; just monitor closely to prevent burning.
4. Are these strips gluten-free?
If using corn tortillas, the strips are gluten-free. Ensure the tortillas are labeled as such.
5. Can I make these strips in advance?
Yes, prepare and store them as directed, and they will remain crisp for several days.
6. How do I prevent the strips from becoming soggy?
Ensure the strips are completely cooled before storing and keep them in an airtight container.
7. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, olive oil or avocado oil can be used for a different flavor profile.
8. How can I make these strips healthier?
Bake the strips instead of frying and use a minimal amount of oil.
9. Can I add cheese to the strips?
Sprinkle grated cheese over the strips during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
10. Can I use these strips for dipping?
Absolutely! They pair wonderfully with salsas, guacamole, or creamy dips.
Conclusion
Tortilla strips are a versatile and easy-to-make addition to many dishes. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, they offer a satisfying crunch and can be customized with various seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy them as a topping or a snack, and savor the homemade goodness.
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Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These homemade Tortilla Strips are a simple and customizable addition to your meals, offering a satisfying crunch. Whether baked or fried, these crispy strips are perfect for soups, salads, or as a snack. Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients, these tortilla strips can be seasoned to your liking, giving you a healthier and fresher alternative to store-bought options.
Ingredients
Corn or flour tortillas
Oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
Salt
Instructions
Baked Tortilla Strips:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Stack tortillas, cut into halves, and slice each half into ½-inch strips.
-
Lightly brush or spray strips with oil and sprinkle with salt.
-
Spread strips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
-
Bake for 6 minutes, rotate the pan, and bake for another 6 minutes until golden and crisp.
Fried Tortilla Strips:
-
Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Once the oil reaches 340°F (170°C), add tortilla strips in batches, frying until golden and crispy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per batch.
-
Remove strips with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
-
Sprinkle with salt immediately after frying.
Notes
For seasoned strips, add chili powder, cumin, or garlic powder to the oil.
For a sweet version, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on the strips before baking or frying.
Store cooled strips in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
