Gorditas Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Authentic Mexican Gorditas
Learn how to make authentic Mexican gorditas at home with ease! These fluffy corn cakes, made from masa harina, are perfect for stuffing with your favorite fillings, whether you're looking for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Gorditas are versatile, satisfying, and steeped in tradition—a perfect addition to any meal.
Print Share on Twitter Share on FacebookServings: 16 servings
Calories: 55kcal
Equipment
- Tortilla press (or flat-bottomed skillet)
- Large skillet, griddle, or comal
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Butter or paring knife
- Kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina nixtamalized corn flour, essential for authentic flavor
- 1 ¾ to 2 cups warm water adjust as needed for dough consistency
- 1 teaspoon salt to enhance flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, salt, and 1 ¾ cups of warm water. Mix until the dough is smooth and pliable, adding more water if necessary. The dough should feel moist but not sticky. Divide into 16 equal balls.
- Flatten the Dough
- Place a masa ball between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently flatten it using a tortilla press or flat-bottomed skillet. The gordita should be about twice as thick as a regular tortilla. If it's too thin, reshape it into a ball and try again.
- Cook the Gorditas
- Heat your skillet, griddle, or comal over medium-high heat. Place the flattened dough onto the hot surface and cook for 10-15 seconds on one side, flip, and cook the other side for another 10-15 seconds. Flip again and cook each side for 1 minute, until golden spots appear.
- Create the Pocket
- As the gordita puffs up, lightly press the edges with a spatula to encourage inflation. Once cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover with a light kitchen towel to keep it warm. While still warm, use a butter knife to cut a small slit along one edge, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Fill and Enjoy
- Stuff your gorditas with your favorite fillings like refried beans, shredded chicken, cheese, or vegetables. Enjoy them fresh and warm for the best taste!
Video
Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect Gorditas
- Consistency Matters: Ensure your dough is moist but not sticky. Add water gradually to achieve the right texture.
- Even Thickness: Flatten the dough evenly to avoid undercooking or overcooking the edges.
- Encourage Puffing: Lightly press the edges with a spatula during cooking to help create the pocket.
- Keep Them Warm: Cover cooked gorditas with a kitchen towel to keep them soft and pliable.
- Filling Ideas: Try fillings like guacamole, salsa, barbacoa, or sautéed vegetables for a traditional Mexican flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 146mg | Fiber: 2g
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chef Marcy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.