Tortilla Strips
Crispy, flavorful tortilla strips infused with cumin and red pepper, perfect for snacking or adding crunch to salads and soups. Suitable for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut tortillas into 1/2-inch strips and set aside.
- Combine salt, cumin, and red pepper to make a seasoning mixture.
- Place the seasoning mixture in a shaker.
- Heat about 1 1/2 inches of shortening in a large saucepan or deep-fat fryer.
- Fry small batches of tortilla strips in hot oil for 1/2 to 1 1/2 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove strips and drain on paper towels.
- Immediately shake some of the seasoning mixture over hot strips and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the seasoning mixture. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can bake the tortilla strips instead of frying them. Simply brush them lightly with oil and bake at 350°F until golden. If using corn tortillas, be sure to warm them slightly before cutting to prevent cracking.
Serving Suggestions
These tortilla strips make a great snack on their own, but they also pair beautifully with Salsa Cruda or your favorite dip. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or as a crunchy topping for soups like tortilla soup. They can complement a meal featuring Easy Black Beans And Yellow Rice for a complete dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tortilla strips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as they can become soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla Strips contains roughly 186 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (355% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 497mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas for this recipe. They will yield a slightly different texture, being softer and chewier compared to corn tortillas. Adjust frying time as needed, as flour tortillas may brown faster.
What can I do with leftover tortilla strips?
Leftover tortilla strips can be used as a crunchy topping for salads or soups. You can also incorporate them into a Tex-Mex-style casserole or serve them with dips like guacamole or salsa.
Can I season the strips differently?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of grated cheese. Customizing your seasoning can enhance the flavor to suit your personal taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).