Achieving perfectly round tortillas elevates your cooking and is an essential ability for any professional chef. Here’s the secret to making perfectly round tortillas every time.

Start With the Right Dough

The foundation of a perfect tortilla is the dough. It’s crucial to get the dough right for tortillas that roll out evenly without cracking. Use a traditional mix of masa harina and water for corn tortillas, or flour, water, and fat for flour tortillas. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky. Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes before shaping, as this resting period helps the gluten relax and makes rolling or pressing easier.

Divide and Shape Evenly

Consistency in size begins with how you divide your dough. After resting, divide the dough into even balls—use a kitchen scale if precision is important to you. Smoothly roll out each piece into a ball without cracks. Doing so ensures that when pressed or rolled, the tortillas expand evenly without irregularities, leading to perfect circles.

Use a Tortilla Press Correctly

A tortilla press is an invaluable tool for achieving perfectly round tortillas. Place a dough ball in the center of the press between two pieces of plastic wrap or cut-open plastic bags. Press down firmly but gently. The key is to ensure you center the dough and the press applies even pressure across the dough. Rotate the dough 180 degrees and press again for an even thickness and shape.

Consider a Commercial Tortilla Press for High-Volume

Investing in a commercial tortilla press can be a game-changer for those in a commercial setting. These presses can handle larger batches and maintain consistent quality and shape with every tortilla. They save time and labor, making the process more efficient while still ensuring each tortilla is perfectly round.

Now that you know the secret to making perfectly round tortillas, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating professional-quality tortillas without fail. With these tips, you’re well on your way to mastering one of the culinary world’s round wonders.