How To Keep Taco Shells From Breaking: Secret to Perfectly Intact Taco

hard taco shells many colours

Tired of dealing with broken taco shells? Do you want to know how to keep your tacos intact and make them look as delicious as possible? 

Say goodbye to crumbly tacos and hello to perfectly intact shells with these expert tips and tricks.

In this blog post, we reveal the secret to keeping taco shells from breaking and how to make sure your next taco night is a success. From proper filing techniques to the right type of shell, we’ve got you covered. 

Get ready to impress your friends and family with your taco-making skills!

Why Do My Taco Sheels Break Easily?

Tacos are a delicious and popular food, but sometimes the shells can break easily, making it difficult to enjoy the meal. There are a few possible reasons why your tacos might be breaking easily.

1. The Shells Are Too Dry. 

Hard taco shells are made from corn, and if they are not stored properly or have been sitting on the shelf for too long, they can become dry and brittle, making them more prone to breaking

2. Using Stale Corn Tortillas.

One of the main reasons why taco shells, specifically corn tortillas, tend to break is if they are stale.

As soon as a tortilla is more than a few days old, it is no longer flexible enough to accommodate rolling or fillings. This is because the moisture content in the tortilla has evaporated, making it dry and brittle. This can happen, especially if you buy the tortillas from a grocery store, as they have been sitting on the shelves for a while.

3. Over-filling the Tacos.

Another reason could be that you are over-filling the tacos. When you put too much filling in the shells, they can become heavy and difficult to handle, making them more likely to break

4. Over Heated Shells

The way you heat the shells can also play a role in whether they break or not. If the shells are heated in a way that makes them too crispy or brittle, they will be more likely to break. 

5. Improper Handling the Shells

Lastly, the way you are handling the shells can also contribute to their breaking. Be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure when filling or eating the tacos. Use your fingers to shape and fill the shells, rather than using utensils or tools that could cause them to crack.

How To Keep Taco Shells From Breaking

broken cracked taco shell

Proper Filling Technique

One of the main causes of broken taco shells is overfilling. When the taco is overstuffed, the shell can crack or break under the pressure. To avoid this, it’s important to use the right amount of filling and to distribute it evenly. Try to avoid piling too much filling in one area, and instead spread it out over the entire shell.

Correct Storage Methods

Improper storage can also contribute to broken taco shells. Taco shells should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from any heat sources or moisture. If stored in humid or damp conditions, the shells can become soft and fragile, making them more prone to breaking.

It’s also important to keep the shells in an airtight container or resealable bag to keep them fresh. Improper storage can make taco shells go bad.

Heating the Shells Correctly

Incorrect heating methods can also lead to broken taco shells. If the shells are heated for too long or at too high a temperature, they can become overly crispy and brittle, making them more prone to breaking. To avoid this, it’s important to heat the shells according to the package instructions or to use a lower temperature and shorter heating time.

Using the Right Type of Shell

The type of shell you use can also affect the likelihood of breaking. Some shells are thicker and more durable than others, so it’s important to choose a shell that is appropriate for your filling and your preferences. For example, if your filling is very wet or saucy, you might want to use a thicker shell so it doesn’t break.

Using Fresh Tortillas

Traditional tortillerias, which are bakeries that only produce fresh tortillas, are the best place to find fresh tortillas.  

Why Are My Tortillas Cracking While Cooking?

When cooking tortillas, you might find that they start to break while they are cooking, which can be annoying. There are a few reasons why this may happen, and understanding these reasons can help you prevent it from happening in the future.

One of the most common reasons why tortillas crack while cooking is that the dough is too dry. When the dough is too dry, it becomes difficult to roll out, and the edges tend to crack while griddling. 

To prevent this, it’s important to ensure that the dough has the right consistency. One way to achieve this consistency is by weighing the flour and fat. This helps make sure that the dough has the right amount of each ingredient and keeps its shape.

Another reason why tortillas may crack while cooking is that the dough is too wet. When the dough is too wet, it can be difficult to roll out, and it tends to stick to the work surface. If this happens, the tortilla will be difficult to transfer to the griddle or comal, and it may crack or tear.

To stop this from happening, you must adjust the dough by adding a little more flour until it is the right consistency.

Why Are My Corn Tortillas Cracking When I Roll Them?

When you try to roll corn tortillas, sometimes you may run into a problem where the tortillas start to break, which can be annoying. There are a few reasons why this may happen, and understanding these reasons can help you prevent it from happening in the future.

One of the most common reasons why corn tortillas crack when rolling is that the tortillas are too cold or stale. When tortillas are too cold, they become brittle and are more prone to cracking when rolled. 

Stale tortillas also have a tendency to crack when rolled. To prevent this, it’s important to start with warm, fresh tortillas that have been recently cooked. This will make them more pliable and less likely to crack.

Another reason why corn tortillas may crack when rolling is the type of flour used. Flour tortillas don’t work well for rolling as they tend to crack. Corn tortillas are the best choice for rolling, as they are more pliable and less likely to crack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, keeping taco shells from breaking can be a tricky task, but with the right techniques and tips, it’s easy to achieve perfectly intact shells every time. Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade authentic Mexican hard taco shells, it’s important to pay attention to the consistency of the dough, the correct storage methods, and the right heating methods. 

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, perfectly intact tacos without any fuss. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that different types of flour, altitude, and humidity can affect the dough consistency and may require adjusting the recipe accordingly. With these techniques, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your taco-making skills and enjoy perfectly intact tacos every time.

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