Out of Lard, one case
Lard substitutes for tortillas
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Vegetable shortening
Same amount as the lard
The best lard substitutes for tortillas are vegetable shortening, coconut oil, and butter. Use 1:1 ratio and mix well with masa for soft, pliable tortillas. Vegetable shortening provides the most authentic texture and neutral flavor.
- Best for —
- authentic tortilla texture
One casethe full lard card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of lard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vegetable shorteningauthentic tortilla texture | Same amount |
| 2 | Coconut oilvegan tortillas | Same amount |
| 3 | Butterrich, flavorful tortillas | Same amount |
| 4 | Beef tallowwhen you want animal fat | Same amount |
| 5 | Duck fatpremium tortillas | Same amount |
Vegetable shortening
neutral taste · soft and pliable
Vegetable shortening is the closest substitute to lard for tortillas. It creates soft, pliable tortillas with a neutral flavor that won't interfere with your fillings. It's easy to work with and widely available.
- Best for
- authentic tortilla texture, when you want neutral flavor, soft, pliable tortillas, vegetarian tortillas, easy-to-find substitute
Mix the shortening well with masa until fully incorporated. This creates the soft, pliable texture that's essential for good tortillas.
Coconut oil
neutral (refined) or coconut (unrefined)
Coconut oil works well as a lard substitute in tortillas, especially for vegan versions. It creates soft, tender tortillas with a subtle coconut flavor that complements many fillings.
- Best for
- vegan tortillas, when you want plant-based option, tropical-flavored tortillas, healthier alternative, dairy-free tortillas
- Texture
- soft and tender
Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor. Mix it well with masa while it's still warm for easier incorporation. The subtle coconut flavor can enhance certain fillings.
Butter
rich and buttery
Butter creates rich, flavorful tortillas with a slightly different texture than lard. It adds a creamy richness that works well with many fillings, though it may make the tortillas slightly more fragile.
- Best for
- rich, flavorful tortillas, when you want dairy flavor, sweet fillings, when lard isn't available, creamy texture preference
- Texture
- soft but slightly fragile
Mix butter well with masa while it's soft. The water content may make tortillas slightly more fragile, but the flavor is excellent.
Beef tallow
slightly beefy
Beef tallow is another animal fat that works similarly to lard in tortillas. It has a slightly different flavor but creates the traditional soft, pliable texture.
- Best for
- when you want animal fat, traditional cooking, when lard isn't available, beef-flavored tortillas, authentic texture
- Texture
- soft and pliable
Beef tallow has a slightly different flavor than lard but similar texture properties. It's less common in stores but works well for traditional tortillas.
Duck fat
rich and luxurious
Duck fat creates incredibly rich and flavorful tortillas. It makes them very soft and pliable while adding a luxurious depth of flavor that works especially well with savory fillings.
- Best for
- premium tortillas, when you want rich flavor, special occasions, savory fillings, luxury tortillas
- Texture
- very soft and pliable
Duck fat is more expensive but creates exceptional tortillas. It makes them very soft and pliable while adding incredible flavor depth.
How it behaves in this recipe
Lard is essential in tortillas because it creates soft, pliable tortillas that are easy to roll and fold. The best substitutes work because they provide similar fat content and texture properties, ensuring the tortillas stay soft and flexible when warm.
Tips for substituting lard
6 tips- Mix your chosen fat well with masa until fully incorporated - this is crucial for soft tortillas
- Use warm fat for easier mixing with masa
- Let the dough rest for 15-30 minutes before rolling for better texture
- Roll tortillas thin but not too thin - they should be pliable but not transparent
- Cook tortillas on a hot, dry skillet for 30-60 seconds per side
- Keep cooked tortillas warm in a clean kitchen towel to maintain softness
Notes on lard
- Use a combination of different fats for optimal texture and flavor
- Try using rendered bacon fat for smoky-flavored tortillas
- Consider using leaf lard (the highest quality lard) if you can find it
- Add a small amount of oil to the masa if using a drier fat substitute
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best lard substitute for tortillas?
Vegetable shortening is the best lard substitute for tortillas because it creates soft, pliable tortillas with a neutral flavor. It's easy to work with and widely available in most stores.
Can I use butter instead of lard in tortillas?
Yes, butter works as a lard substitute in tortillas. Use a 1:1 ratio and mix it well with masa. The water content may make tortillas slightly more fragile, but the flavor is excellent.
Why is lard important in tortillas?
Lard is important in tortillas because it creates soft, pliable tortillas that are easy to roll and fold. It also adds richness and helps the tortillas stay soft and flexible when warm.
Can I make vegan tortillas without lard?
Yes, you can make vegan tortillas using coconut oil or vegetable shortening as lard substitutes. Mix the fat well with masa for the best texture. The tortillas will be delicious and authentic-tasting.
How do I make soft tortillas?
To make soft tortillas, mix your chosen fat well with masa, let the dough rest, roll them thin but not too thin, and cook them on a hot, dry skillet. Keep them warm in a clean kitchen towel to maintain softness.