A real tlayuda is smeared with asiento, the unrefined pork-fat drippings from the bottom of a lard rendering, not with oil. Crisp the big tortilla directly over coals or on a bare comal until it blisters and snaps, then build on it while it is still hot so the beans and quesillo melt into the surface.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep30 min
Cook15 min
Makes4 tlayudas
CuisineMexican
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4tlayudas
Large tlayuda tortillas
The 12 to 14 inch nixtamal tortilla is thin enough to crisp and wide enough to fold over the filling.
A smoky pasilla or chile de agua salsa spooned on at the table.
1 cup
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
GrillInstant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
Ready the coalsGet a charcoal fire or a comal medium-hot. Grill the salted beef fast until charred at the edges, then chop it coarse and set aside.
Spread the baseLay a tlayuda on the grate and spread a thin layer of asiento over the whole surface, then a layer of mashed black beans while the tortilla warms.
Melt the cheeseScatter pulled quesillo over the beans and let it soften as the underside crisps, about 3 min. The edges should blister and go rigid.
Top and foldAdd the chopped beef and shredded cabbage, fold the tlayuda in half like a taco, and press it on the grate 1 min a side to seal.
FinishOpen at the table, top with avocado and salsa, and eat while the shell is still snapping crisp.
Can you make Tlayudas in an air fryer? — Sometimes
Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.
Can you freeze Tlayudas? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Tlayudas ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Tlayudas gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Tlayudas vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.