6 Easy Swaps for Masa Harina: Tasty Recipes Anytime

You know those times when you crave tortillas, but there’s no masa harina in the pantry? We’ve been there too. It’s so annoying!

Good news, we’ve got some super simple swaps that’ll save the day. Not everyone keeps masa harina on hand, and that’s okay.

We’re here to show you how to whip up tasty tortillas with ingredients you probably already have. Curious about what those are? Keep reading and we’ll make sure you’re never without a tortilla option again.

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6 Easy Substitutes for Masa Harina

For those who may not be familiar, masa harina is a special type of corn flour used to make tortillas and other delicious Mexican dishes. But if you don’t have it or can’t find it at the store, don’t worry! Here are six easy swaps you can use instead:

1 – All-Purpose Flour

First, let’s talk about all-purpose flour. It’s in every pantry and works like a charm as a substitute for masa harina.

Here’s the kicker: the taste and texture will be slightly different. It’s still delicious, just not quite the same!

We’ve tried it, and it makes a pretty tasty tortilla. The substitution ratio is 1:1. Simple, right?

To use it, just mix flour, water, a pinch of salt, and a bit of oil. Boom, you’re good to go!

Want more flour alternatives? Check out our best all-purpose flour substitutes article.

2 – Corn Tortillas

First, let’s talk corn tortillas. They’re everywhere and super versatile. They’re actually made from masa harina, so you know they’re legit.

The taste is spot on. No compromises here! The texture has that perfect chew we love.

To make your own, grab some corn tortillas. Cut them into pieces and rehydrate them with water. Mix until pliable dough forms.

The substitution ratio is easy. Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing masa harina in recipes.

Want more flour alternatives? Check out this best all-purpose flour substitutes guide.

3 – Cornmeal

Cornmeal! We all have a bag lurking in the pantry. It’s a handy masa harina substitute and a staple in many kitchens.

Its texture is a bit coarser, but the taste is great and brings that corn flavor we love. For a more authentic feel, use a 1:1 ratio when swapping masa harina. Mix cornmeal with warm water until dough forms.

We like making cornmeal tortillas for their simple prep. Just try it out, you’ll be surprised.

For a deeper dive on other subs, check out our article on cornmeal substitutes.

4 – Polenta

For our coarser alternative, we have polenta. Polenta works well if you need a masa harina substitute that brings a hearty texture.

We love its flavor. It’s not an exact match for masa harina. Mix it with warm water until a dough forms. Use it in a 1:1 ratio to replace masa harina.

This surprised us the first time we tried it. Our tortillas turned out slightly thicker but still had that great taste.

Curious about more polenta options? Check out our polenta substitutes for more ideas.

5 – Potato Starch

Potato starch! Need a sub for masa harina? Potato starch works wonders. The texture is smoother. The dough binds well. It’s a quick fix.

Here’s the deal: Mix potato starch with water. Use a 1:1 ratio. It makes great tortillas. Adds a unique twist.

We’ve tried it. It’s simple. No fuss. Tastes amazing too. We love the texture. Soft, yet firm. Give it a go!

6 – Rice Flour

Last up, we have rice flour. It’s a breeze to work with and gives tortillas a nice, tender chew. The flavor is mild, letting your fillings shine. Use it in a 1:1 ratio to replace masa harina.

Mix rice flour with warm water until smooth. We found that adding a bit of oil helps with texture. This stuff is versatile, perfect for making tortillas when you’re out of masa harina.

We’ve tried it ourselves: it’s easy, tasty, and reliable. For more rice flour tips, check out our rice flour substitutes article.