The Short Answer
Yes, corn tortillas can make excellent fajita wrappers. Corn tortillas have some advantages over flour tortillas when used for fajitas:
- Corn tortillas have a delicious corn flavor that pairs well with fajita fillings.
- Corn tortillas hold up better on the grill or skillet without falling apart.
- Corn tortillas are gluten-free, making fajitas accessible to more people.
However, flour tortillas are more commonly used and also work well. The choice comes down to personal preference.
Comparing Corn vs. Flour Tortillas for Fajitas
Here’s a quick overview of how corn and flour tortillas compare when making fajitas:
| Factor | Corn Tortillas | Flour Tortillas |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Nutty, robust corn flavor | More neutral flavor |
| Texture | Crumbly when warm | Soft and pliable when warm |
| Grilling | Holds shape better | Can tear more easily |
| Nutrition | Fewer calories, higher fiber | Higher calories, lower fiber |
| Allergies | Gluten-free | Contains gluten |
As you can see, both corn and flour tortillas have their merits for fajitas. Corn tortillas are gluten-free and have a delicious corn flavor. But flour tortillas are softer and more pliable when warm.
Pros of Using Corn Tortillas for Fajitas
Here are some of the biggest advantages of choosing corn tortillas to make fajita wraps:
Corn Flavor
Corn tortillas have a wonderfully nutty, sweet corn flavor that pairs deliciously with fajita ingredients. The corn flavor balances out the spicy meat and veggies in the filling. Flour tortillas have a more neutral taste.
Holds Shape on the Grill
Corn tortillas are sturdy and hold their shape well when grilled or pan-fried. Flour tortillas can sometimes tear or fall apart, especially if they are too large. The corn tortillas keep the fajita ingredients neatly wrapped.
Gluten-Free Option
Corn tortillas make fajitas accessible for people who need to avoid gluten. This includes those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Flour tortillas contain gluten, so they are off limits for these diners.
Fewer Calories
Corn tortillas are lower in calories than flour tortillas. A 6-inch corn tortilla has around 50 calories, while a flour tortilla of the same size has about 80 calories. This makes corn tortillas a lighter option if you are watching your calorie intake.
Higher Fiber
Fiber is another area where corn wins over flour. Corn tortillas contain about 2 grams of fiber per serving, compared to 1 gram in white flour tortillas. Fiber aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Potential Drawbacks of Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas also come with a few disadvantages and challenges:
Crumblier Texture
Corn tortillas are more prone to crumbling, especially when they cool down. Flour tortillas remain soft and pliable as they cool. With fajitas, you’ll get the best results assembling them while the tortillas are still warm.
Need to be Warmed
You need to warm corn tortillas before using them to make fajitas. Otherwise, they can be too stiff and brittle. Flour tortillas are more flexible at room temperature. Be sure to steam, grill, or microwave corn tortillas first.
Strong Corn Taste
While many people love the corn flavor, others may find it overpowering in a fajita. If you don’t want the corn taste to dominate, flour tortillas may be a better choice. Their neutral flavor lets the fajita ingredients shine.
Smaller Size
Corn tortillas also tend to be smaller with less surface area. Flour tortillas are available in larger sizes for wrapping bigger fajita portions. With corn, you may need to use multiple tortillas to wrap up all the filling.
Can Split on the Grill
Although corn tortillas are sturdy on the grill, they can occasionally split if they are over-grilled. Flour tortillas are less prone to splitting. Just be careful not to over-char corn tortillas when grilling.
Tips for Using Corn Tortillas for Fajitas
Here are some tips to get the best results when making corn tortilla fajitas:
– Warm the tortillas first by grilling, steaming, microwaving, or heating in a dry skillet. This prevents crumbling.
– Don’t overload the tortillas with too much filling. Use less filling and fold it tightly so they don’t tear.
– If grilling the tortillas, watch carefully to avoid over-charring or splitting. Grill for just 1-2 minutes total, flipping once.
– For very soft and pliable tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
– Serve the fajitas right away while the tortillas are still warm. Letting them cool makes them stiff and brittle.
– If the tortillas do start to cool and crack, quickly reheat them on the grill or in the microwave to soften.
– Consider mixing corn and flour tortillas at the table to satisfy different preferences.
Fajita Fillings that Pair Well with Corn
Here are some delicious fajita fillings that complement the nutty corn tortillas beautifully:
Grilled Steak
Spicy strips of grilled skirt or flank steak are a classic fajita meat. The rich, savory beef pairs perfectly with the sweet corn flavor. Just be sure to slice the meat thinly across the grain.
Chicken
Like steak, well-seasoned strips of grilled chicken complement corn tortillas. Go for thigh meat for the most flavor and moisture. A squeeze of lime brightens up the taste.
Shrimp
Plump grilled shrimp make amazing seafood fajitas wrapped in corn tortillas. The corn flavor balances the sweet brininess of the shrimp.
Vegetables
Don’t forget to load up your fajitas with grilled veggies. Good options include peppers, onions, zucchini, sweet potato, and portobello mushrooms.
Black Beans
Hearty black beans make a delicious vegetarian fajita filling. The earthy beans pair perfectly with the corn tortillas. Add cumin, garlic, and lime juice for flavor.
Cheese
To finish your fajitas, add crumbled Mexican cheese like queso fresco or cotija. The salty creaminess rounds out the flavors. Just don’t overdo the melty cheeses or they’ll make the tortilla soggy.
Putting it All Together for Amazing Corn Tortilla Fajitas
Making great fajitas with corn tortillas is easy if you follow a few steps:
1. Prep all your fillings – slice the meat and veggies, cook the shrimp, etc. Season everything boldly.
2. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in the microwave until soft and pliable.
3. Cook the meat and veggies over high heat. For steak, sear it hard for a crust.
4. Assembly time! Lay out the warm tortillas and pile on the fillings. Don’t overstuff.
5. Squeeze over fresh lime juice. Add crumbled cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, etc.
6. Fold up the fajitas burrito-style and enjoy right away while hot and fresh. The first bite will tell you that corn tortillas really do make the perfect fajita wrapper!
The Verdict on Corn Tortillas for Fajitas
While both corn and flour tortillas can make excellent fajitas, corn tortillas have some advantages worth considering. Their naturally delicious corn taste, sturdy grilling ability, lower calories, and lack of gluten make them a great choice. Just be sure to warm the tortillas first and assemble the fajitas while still hot. With flavorful fillings inside, corn tortilla fajitas make for an amazing Mexican meal.