20 Homemade Mexican Tamales Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 7, 2024
Tamales are a staple dish in Mexican cuisine, consisting of a savory filling wrapped in a corn-based dough and steamed in corn husks or banana leaves. Not only are they delicious, but they also hold a special significance in Mexican culture, often being served during holidays and celebrations. While they may seem intimidating to make at home, with the right ingredients and recipe, you can create these mouth-watering tamales in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Corn Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Chicken Broth, Jalapeno
Mexican tamales are a delicious and traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations. These tasty treats are made with a corn-based dough, filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices, and then wrapped in corn husks before being steamed. The end result is a flavorful and filling meal that is sure to satisfy any craving.
While tamales can be found in many different cultures, Mexican tamales are known for their unique flavor profiles and techniques. They often incorporate ingredients such as chiles, cumin, and oregano, giving them a spicy and savory taste that is distinctly Mexican. No matter where you are in the world, a bite of a Mexican tamale will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico.
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Amazing Beef Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Sliced Olives, Beef Chuck Roast, Garlic
One of the most popular fillings for Mexican tamales is beef. Whether it's shredded beef, ground beef, or a combination of both, the rich and savory flavor of beef is the perfect complement to the sweet and spicy flavors in the tamale. Some popular variations include beef and cheese tamales or beef and red chile tamales.
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Mom's Traditional Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork, Garlic, Salt, Canola Oil, All Purpose Flour
Many families have their own traditional tamale recipe that has been passed down through generations. These recipes often use a combination of ingredients and techniques that have been perfected over time. From the type of corn masa used to the filling ingredients, every family has their own unique twist on the classic Mexican tamale.
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Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
If you want to experience a truly authentic Mexican tamale, look for ones that are made by hand using traditional methods. These tamales are often made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and are steamed in large pots over open flames. The result is a tamale that is bursting with flavor and has a texture unlike any other.
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Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Water, Chilies
Pork is another popular filling for Mexican tamales. Whether it's shredded pork, ground pork, or a combination of both, the meat is often marinated in a variety of spices and seasonings before being cooked and added to the tamale. The end result is a tender and flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the corn-based dough.
For an even more authentic and traditional Mexican tamale, try using pork that has been marinated in a red chile sauce. This not only adds a rich and spicy flavor to the tamale, but it also gives it a beautiful red color. This type of tamale is often served during holidays and other special occasions.
In addition to tamales, another popular Mexican dish is cornbread. This savory and slightly sweet bread is often served alongside tamales or used as a base for other dishes, such as cornbread stuffing. Some variations of Mexican cornbread include the addition of corn kernels or cheese, giving it even more flavor and texture.
Another staple in Mexican cuisine is rice. Mexican rice is often cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices and seasonings, giving it a vibrant color and a delicious flavor. It's the perfect side dish for tamales and can also be used as a filling for vegetarian tamales.
Tacos are a popular street food in Mexico, and for good reason. These small, handheld tacos are often filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and toppings, making them a delicious and portable meal. Some popular taco fillings include carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
For those looking for a healthier twist on traditional Mexican dishes, try a skinny Mexican casserole. This dish combines the flavors of tamales with ingredients such as lean ground turkey, black beans, and vegetables, making it a nutritious and filling meal option.
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. This dish features grilled corn on the cob that is topped with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. For a lighter and easier-to-eat option, try a Mexican street corn salad that incorporates all the same flavors in a refreshing and colorful dish.
For those with a sweet tooth, Mexican flan is the perfect dessert to enjoy after a tamale-filled meal. This creamy and decadent dessert features a layer of caramelized sugar on the bottom and a rich custard on top. It's the perfect way to end a Mexican feast.
While Mexican rice is often served as a side dish, it can also be used as a filling for vegetarian tamales. The rice is cooked with a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, corn, and tomatoes, giving it a burst of color and flavor. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your tamale dishes.
Another popular side dish in Mexican cuisine is pinto beans. These beans are often cooked with spices, onions, and cilantro, making them the perfect complement to tamales. They can also be used as a filling for vegetarian tamales, adding a protein-rich and flavorful element to the dish.
If you can't make it to Mexico to try elote, you can easily recreate it at home with Mexican street corn. This dish features grilled corn that is slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, and spices, making it a delicious and unique side dish for any meal.
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Sweet Pink Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Dried Corn Husks, Pineapple Tidbits, Instant Corn Masa
For a fun and unique twist on traditional tamales, try making sweet pink Mexican tamales. These tamales use a pink corn masa and are filled with a sweet and creamy filling, such as strawberry or cherry. They make for a beautiful and tasty dessert option.
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Mexican Tamales,Tamales Mexicanos de Puerco
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Water, Onions, Garlic Cloves, Bay Leafs
For a truly authentic and traditional Mexican tamale, try making tamales de puerco. These tamales are filled with pork that has been marinated in a red chile sauce, giving them a spicy and savory flavor. They are often served during holidays and special occasions, making them a true taste of Mexico.
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Real Homemade Tamales
Main Ingredients: Tamale Filling, Pork Loin, Large Onion, Garlic, Chili
Nothing beats a homemade tamale, made with love and care in your own kitchen. While it may seem like a daunting task, making tamales from scratch is a rewarding and delicious experience. From making the corn masa to filling and wrapping the tamales, every step is worth it when you take that first bite.
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Beef and Red Chile Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck, Small White Onions, Garlic Cloves
If you're a fan of spicy food, try making beef and red chile tamales. These tamales use a combination of beef and red chile sauce, giving them a rich and spicy flavor. They are perfect for those who love a little heat in their food.
Making the Masa
Gather the Ingredients
To start off, you'll need masa harina, which is a type of flour made from dried and ground corn. You can find this at most grocery stores or online. You'll also need lard or vegetable shortening, chicken broth, and salt. These ingredients make up the base of the tamale dough, also known as the masa.
Mixing and Preparing the Masa
In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, lard or shortening, chicken broth, and salt. Use your hands to mix everything together until you have a smooth and pliable dough. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a little more chicken broth. For extra flavor, you can also mix in some chili powder, cumin, or other spices of your choice. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour.
Preparing the Filling
Choose Your Filling
Traditionally, tamales are filled with savory meats like pork, chicken, or beef. You can also make vegetarian tamales by using fillings like black beans, cheese, or vegetables. Regardless of your filling choice, make sure it's fully cooked and shredded or chopped into small pieces.
Assembling the Tamales
Once your dough and filling are ready, it's time to assemble the tamales. Soak corn husks in warm water for about an hour to make them pliable. Take one husk and spread a thin layer of masa dough on one side, leaving a border around the edges. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of the dough and fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom of the husk up and tie it with a strip of husk. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used up.
Steaming the Tamales
Prepare the Steamer
Place a steamer basket or colander in a large pot and fill it with a few inches of water. Make sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer.Bring the water to a boil.
Cooking the Tamales
Place the tamales in the steamer, open side up, and cover the pot with a lid. Steam the tamales for about an hour, or until the dough is cooked through and easily pulls away from the husks.Let them cool for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving.
With this homemade Mexican tamales recipe, you can impress your friends and family with a delicious and authentic dish. Once you get the hang of making tamales, you can experiment with different fillings and flavors to make it your own. So why not gather your ingredients and get cooking? Your taste buds will thank you.
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