There are a few tricks to making hard taco shells not break while making tacos. These include using a taco rack to keep them upright and rolling parchment paper or aluminum foil balls to prop them up on a plate. The taco shells should also be kept cool and not too crispy. If they get too crisp, they will break and lose shape when filled. Fortunately, you can still enjoy your favorite tacos by filling them with various toppings, proteins, and your favorite sauce.
Problems with store-bought taco shells
Several supermarket chains have voluntarily recalled taco shells and tortilla chips because of a contaminant found in the taco shells. The voluntary recall resulted from the controversy surrounding the Starlink corn used to produce the tortillas. Although the manufacturer of the taco shells stressed that the products were safe to eat, the political fallout was widespread, and the product was pulled from shelves.
The controversy over store-bought taco shells has gone political over the past few weeks, resonating with activists and consumers alike. In particular, opponents of genetically modified foods (GMOs) have seized on the revelation that Kraft taco shells contain StarLink corn, a genetically modified corn. They have pushed for more stringent testing and to ban GMO products from supermarket shelves. However, representing supermarket chains, the Grocery Manufacturers Association defended its products. They said the corn is tested extensively but that a GMO accidental like StarLink corn would not have been caught in the testing process.
Another problem with store-bought taco shells is that they close up during heating, making them impossible to fill later. Even if you stand them on their tips before placing them in the oven, they will likely close again. This may lead to a painful experience when trying to eat your nachos.
Reheating tacos in the microwave
When reheating taco shells, you need to keep them from breaking. Store-bought taco shells tend to close up as they heat through, making them hard to fill later. An excellent way to keep taco shells from breaking is to stand them up on their tips. If this is impossible, you can use rolled parchment paper or aluminum foil balls to keep them upright.
To reheat taco shells without breaking, you can either preheat them in the oven or microwave. Microwave heating is faster and more energy-efficient. It also makes taco shells pliable, making them less likely to break when you first eat them. Alternatively, you can dampen a paper towel with a spray bottle or running water and place it in the microwave. The damp paper towel makes the shells more flexible, and you can also use it when filling tacos with other fillings.
Once reheated, taco shells can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days or kept in the freezer for up to two months. Then, all you need to do is to heat them again in the oven.
Another way to reheat taco shells is to put them in a small flame or over a campfire. These methods will not burn taco shells, but they require you to be careful and follow local fire codes. Keep the fire away from houses and buildings, and have a fire extinguisher handy. This method is the easiest way to reheat taco shells and ensures they don’t break.
Another way to reheat taco shells in the microwave is by stacking them. A microwave-safe plate is best for this. Make sure to put a piece of paper towel or dish towel between the tortillas before popping them into the microwave. Once stacked, you can heat the tortillas for about 30 seconds on high power.
Taco shells are made of various grains, including wheat and corn. They vary in size, texture, and flavor. Typically, wheat and corn tortillas are the most common options. Corn tortillas can be used for soft tacos, and whole wheat tortillas can be used for hard shells.
Corn tortillas are prone to breaking when they become too dry or too stale. You should also avoid using corn tortillas that are too old. They will tend to crack and crumble when trying to bend them. This can cause a mess and make it hard to eat.
Reheating taco shells in a microwavable way is a great way to keep them fresh and hot for days. You can also use corn tortilla warmers to keep them warm for as long as 20 minutes. This is much easier than frying them yourself. But if you want crunchy taco shells without the mess, buying them from a store is a much better option.
Preventing a crunchy taco
If you’re a fan of tacos but don’t like to eat them with a crunchy shell, you can do a few things to prevent this from happening. Firstly, you should heat your tacos. This will prevent them from crumbling apart while you’re eating them. Another trick is to use more cheese.
Another good way to keep the taco shell from being too crunchy is to cover it with a soft tortilla. This will catch any extra toppings that are left on the hard surface. Then, wrap the soft tortilla in a second taco. The second taco can then remove the hard shell from the toppings.
Another method to prevent a crunchy taco shell is to bake your shells ahead of time. You can either bake them a day before taco night or freeze them if you’re going to miss eating them in time. After that, store them in an airtight container. Do not store them in the microwave, as this will make them soggy.
Aside from baking taco shells, it would help if you also stored them properly. When holding taco shells, ensure they are stored in airtight containers in the pantry. This will help them keep their shape longer. Otherwise, they can become chewy and tough. Also, keep them away from direct sunlight.
When buying taco shells, make sure to check the best-buy date. The body may be too old if the package is opened more than once. If it’s too old, it’s best to throw it out. This is because the taco shells spent decades on the store’s shelves.
One way to prevent a crunchy taco shell is to place the taco shell in a bag or box with a divider insert. It will help relieve the pressure on the bodies when tightly nestled. This divider insert will prevent the shells from breaking along the hinge.
You can use seasonings to make your taco shell more flavorful. Salt and pepper are a great addition. You can also use a giant tortilla, making it easier to handle. The larger size will also allow you to use more taco fillings. Another fun variation is to create a taco bowl. You can make this with a cupcake pan flipped upside-down and bake it until golden brown.
Another solution to prevent a crunchy taco shell is to place a divider insert between the fifth and sixth shells. This divider will prevent the bodies from breaking during side-to-side impact. Its multi-score lines will also help reduce breakage. In addition, the U-shaped insert will help prevent a crispy taco shell by preventing the body from moving within the protective packaging.
