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Irresistible Mexican Gorditas Recipe

Irresistible Mexican Gorditas Recipe

This Irresistible Mexican Gorditas Recipe offers a hearty and flavorful Mexican street food experience with soft, pillowy masa dough filled with savory fillings like refried beans, cheese, and meats. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these gorditas are versatile, easy to make, gluten-free, and perfect for any meal or occasion.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 gorditas 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups pre-cooked masa harina
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • Vegetable oil or lard, for cooking (about 2-3 tbsp)

Fillings

  • Refried beans (about 1 cup)
  • Shredded cheese (1 cup, such as queso fresco, cotija, or mozzarella)
  • Cooked meat (optional, 1 cup shredded chicken or seasoned beef)
  • Fresh salsa or pico de gallo (1/2 cup)
  • Avocado or guacamole (1/2 cup)

Garnishes (optional)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Diced onions
  • Crumbled cotija cheese
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Masa Dough: Combine 2 cups masa harina, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 1/4 cups warm water in a mixing bowl. Stir until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Let rest for 10 minutes to hydrate fully, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
  2. Shape the Gorditas: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a golf-ball-sized ball. Flatten each ball gently into a thick disc about 4 inches across, keeping edges intact for stuffing.
  3. Cook the Gorditas on the Griddle: Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat with 1-2 tbsp oil. Cook each dough disc for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove and let cool slightly.
  4. Slice and Fill: Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each cooked gordita, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each with your choice of refried beans, shredded cheese, optional cooked meat, salsa, and other fillings as desired.
  5. Final Toast: Return stuffed gorditas to the griddle for 2-3 minutes, pressing gently to meld flavors and melt cheese inside. Serve immediately garnished with cilantro, diced onions, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

  • Use warm water to properly hydrate the masa for a smoother dough.
  • Don’t overfill the gorditas to prevent them from breaking.
  • Let the dough rest 10 minutes before shaping for best texture.
  • Cook over medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
  • Keep finished gorditas covered with a clean towel if making in batches to retain moisture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Griddling
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 gordita with filling
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Mexican gorditas, masa harina recipe, gluten free Mexican food, refried beans gorditas, Mexican street food, easy gorditas recipe