Have you ever tasted a dish so delicious that it immediately transports you to another place? That's exactly what happens when you bite into a perfectly prepared tlayuda. First and foremost, these large, partially fried tortillas loaded with savory toppings represent one of Mexico's most cherished culinary treasures.
Originating from Oaxaca, tlayudas combine simplicity with bold flavors, creating a meal that's both satisfying and addictive. Not only do they make perfect weeknight dinners, but also fantastic weekend treats when you have a bit more time to prepare each component with care.
As a result of creating this authentic tlayudas recipe, you'll master a dish that brings the vibrant streets of Oaxaca right to your dining table. In addition, you'll discover techniques that apply to many other Mexican dishes in your cooking repertoire.
Tlayudas stand apart from other Mexican dishes for several reasons. To begin with, they use large, thin corn tortillas that measure about 12 inches across—much bigger than typical tortillas. Furthermore, these special tortillas are partially dried, giving them a unique texture that's simultaneously crispy and slightly chewy.
Rather than using any random beans, authentic tlayudas specifically feature refried black beans spread in a thin layer across the tortilla. Meanwhile, the asiento (pork lard) provides a rich foundation of flavor that commercial substitutes simply can't match.
In contrast to quick-service restaurant versions, homemade tlayudas allow you to control every ingredient's quality and quantity. Consequently, your final result will taste fresher and more authentic.
To create truly authentic tlayudas, gather these key ingredients:
Obviously, the tortilla forms the foundation of this dish. Therefore, finding or making large corn tortillas will significantly impact your result. If you can't find traditional tlayuda tortillas, you can substitute large flour tortillas, though the texture will differ slightly.
While the beans cook, prepare your chosen proteins:
Traditionally, tlayudas are folded in half like a large taco or served flat like a pizza. Above all, they're meant to be shared, making them perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
In addition to the traditional toppings, you might enjoy these variations:
If you enjoy this tlayudas recipe, you'll likely also appreciate our Sopa de Lima recipe which features another beloved Mexican dish with equally vibrant flavors.
Even though making tlayudas is straightforward, newcomers often make these mistakes:
By avoiding these pitfalls, your tlayudas will turn out wonderfully authentic and delicious every time.
Not only is this tlayudas recipe incredibly delicious, but also it's versatile enough to accommodate different dietary preferences and available ingredients. As a result, your family won't tire of eating it regularly.
Moreover, once you've prepared the components once, subsequent preparations become much faster. For instance, you can make larger batches of beans and freeze portions for future tlayudas.
Despite requiring several components, the actual assembly takes just minutes. Therefore, even on busy weeknights, you can enjoy this authentic Mexican dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Surprisingly, traditional tlayudas offer several nutritional benefits:
Of course, portion control remains important since tlayudas can be quite large. However, sharing one or two among family members creates a reasonable meal.
To sum up, creating authentic tlayudas at home brings a taste of Oaxacan street food culture directly to your table. Although the process involves several steps, the reward of biting into that perfect combination of crispy tortilla, savory beans, melty cheese, and fresh toppings makes every effort worthwhile.
After trying this tlayudas recipe a few times, you'll likely develop your own signature version with preferred toppings and techniques. Indeed, that's part of the beauty of cooking traditional dishes—they evolve with each kitchen they enter.
Remember, the key to truly exceptional tlayudas lies in quality ingredients and the love you put into preparing them. Therefore, take your time, enjoy the process, and soon you'll be craving these delicious Oaxacan treats weekly!
Tlayudas are Oaxaca’s beloved street food—giant, partially crisped corn tortillas layered with refried black beans, asiento, cheese, and savory toppings. With their irresistible balance of crunch and chew, these authentic creations capture the bold, vibrant flavors of southern Mexico. Preparing them at home not only transports you to Oaxaca’s lively streets but also lets you master essential techniques used across Mexican cuisine, making each bite a true celebration of tradition.
Cook beans with bay leaf, garlic and half an onion until tender, about 2 hours.
Drain beans, reserving liquid, then mash with some cooking liquid.
Prepare protein of choice by grilling or cooking in a skillet.
Heat comal or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Brush tortillas lightly with asiento or oil.
Place tortilla oil-side down on hot surface.
Spread with thin layer of refried beans.
Sprinkle with cheese and add cooked protein.
Cook until bottom is crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Top with cabbage, avocado, tomatoes, salsa, and cilantro.
Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Servings 4
Serving Size 1
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
For best results, allow all ingredients to reach room temperature before assembling. Tlayudas can be served flat like a pizza or folded in half like a large taco.
