Tortilla Sizes

Tortillas are a versatile staple in Mexican kitchens, used in a wide variety of dishes from burritos and tacos to enchiladas and quesadillas. Understanding the different sizes of tortillas available is essential for ensuring your dishes turn out just right. From small street taco tortillas to large burrito wraps, the size of the tortilla you choose can greatly impact the final presentation and flavor of your dish. In this guide, we will explore the various tortilla sizes available, how the different sizes are used in Mexican cuisine, and the different types of tortillas you can purchase or make.

Common tortilla sizes range from 4 inches to 14 inches in diameter, with smaller sizes ideal for street tacos and appetizers, while larger sizes are perfect for burritos and wraps.

Flour Tortilla:

Flour tortillas are made from wheat flour, water, and fat, such as lard or vegetable shortening. They have a softer texture and a neutral flavor, making them versatile for a wide range of dishes. They are more pliable than corn tortillas, making them ideal for wrapping burritos and other dishes. Flour tortillas are a popular choice for Tex-Mex cuisine, as they are ideal for wrapping around ingredients like grilled meats, beans, and Mexican cheeses in dishes such as burritos and fajitas. Their pliability makes it easy to fold and roll, equipping flour tortillas to hold ingredients without tearing.

Types of Corn Tortillas:

Corn tortillas are made from masa harina, a type of corn flour. They have a distinct flavor and texture that is slightly chewy and earthy. Corn tortillas are a traditional choice for Mexican and Central American cuisine, particularly for dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tostadas. They are also gluten-free, making them a great option for customers with dietary restrictions.

• Blue Corn Tortillas: Blue corn tortillas are a variation of corn tortillas made from blue corn, which gives them a distinctive color and slightly sweeter taste compared to traditional corn tortillas. They're most popular in New Mexico and the Southwestern United States, Central and Southern Mexico, where they are staples in Mexico City and Oaxaca.
• Yellow Corn Tortillas: Yellow corn tortillas are made from yellow corn masa and are a popular choice in Tex-Mex cuisine. They have a slightly sweeter flavor than white corn tortillas.
• White Corn Tortillas: White corn tortillas are made from white corn masa and have a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of fillings and toppings. They're staples in Central and Southern Mexico as well as amongst street food vendors across Mexico.

Tortilla Sizes and Use:

• Enchilada Tortilla Size: Use 6-inch corn tortillas for enchiladas.
• Fajita Tortilla Size: Use 6-inch tortillas for fajitas; offer corn or flour based on customer preference.
• Quesadilla Tortilla Size: Use 8- to 10-inch flour tortillas for quesadillas.
• Soft Taco Tortilla Size: Use 6- to 8-inch flour tortillas for soft tacos. 8-inch tortillas are the most popular. [Hmm, I thought a soft taco was just made with a corn tortilla that was not fried crisp.
• Street Taco Tortilla Size: Use 4- to 5-inch tortillas for street tacos. Corn is traditional.
• Burrito Tortilla Size: Use 10- to 14-inch flour tortillas for burritos. 10-inch is common for homestyle burritos, 12-inch for “loaded” burritos, and 14-inch for hearty burrito entrees in sit-down Mexican restaurants.
• Wrap Tortilla Size: Use 10- to 12-inch flour tortillas for foldable sandwich wraps, such as Mexican breakfast wraps. 10-inch tortillas are the standard size for wraps.
• Gordita Tortilla Size: Use 4- to 6 1/2-inch corn masa tortillas for gorditas.