17 Mexican Pork Tamales Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
Mexican pork tamales are a traditional dish that is beloved by many. These flavorful bundles of corn masa dough stuffed with tender pork and spices are a staple in Mexican cuisine. Making tamales from scratch may seem intimidating, but with a little practice and patience, anyone can create this delicious dish. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make authentic Mexican pork tamales that will impress your friends and family.
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Pork Lard, Flour, Hot Water, Fine Salt
Tamales are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason. These delicious pockets of savory goodness are packed full of flavor and are perfect for a satisfying meal. The best basic tamales are made with a simple corn masa dough and filled with a flavorful meat, such as chicken or pork.
One of the most popular types of tamales is the Mexican pork tamale. These tamales are filled with juicy, slow-cooked pork that has been marinated in a delicious mix of spices and chilies. The result is a tender and flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the corn masa dough.
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Easy Mexican Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Garlic Cloves, Salt, Water, Meat, Enchilada
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to make Mexican pork tamales, try using your slow cooker. Simply season the pork with your favorite Mexican spices, add some broth, and let it cook on low for several hours. Once the meat is tender, shred it and use it as filling for your tamales.
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Homemade Mexican Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Large Onion, Garlic, California Chile, Salt
While it may seem daunting to make tamales from scratch, the end result is worth the effort. Making your own homemade Mexican pork tamales allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, there's something satisfying about making tamales by hand.
Tamales are a beloved dish in Mexico, and there are countless variations depending on the region and family traditions. Some popular variations include using different types of meat, such as beef or chicken, and adding ingredients like beans or cheese to the filling.
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Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
Beef tamales are a hearty and delicious option for those who prefer red meat over pork. The key to making authentic beef tamales is to use a flavorful cut of beef, such as brisket or short ribs, and to cook it low and slow until it is tender and falls apart.
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Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Water, Chilies
Pork tamales are a classic choice and are loved for their tender and juicy filling. There are many different ways to prepare the pork for tamales, such as slow-cooking it in a traditional adobo sauce or using a pressure cooker for a quicker option.
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Mexican Street Tacos- Carnitas!
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Sea Salt, Cumin, Ancho Chili Powder
Carnitas, or slow-cooked pork, is a popular filling for tacos and is also a delicious option for tamales. The slow-cooked pork is packed with flavor and becomes incredibly tender, making it the perfect filling for Mexican street tacos or tamales.
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Mexican Lasagna with Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Pork, Beans, Diced Tomatoes, Tortillas, Mozzarella
If you love the flavors of Mexican cuisine but want to switch things up, try making a Mexican lasagna with tortillas. This dish uses layers of corn tortillas, cheese, and your choice of filling, such as chicken or beef, for a tasty twist on traditional tamales.
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Delicious Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Chicken Broth, Jalapeno
Whether you choose to make them with pork, beef, or chicken, there's no denying that tamales are delicious. The combination of the tender meat, flavorful filling, and corn masa dough make for a satisfying and tasty meal that will leave you wanting more.
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Homemade Tamales – Carnita
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Onions, Garlic Cloves
There's something special about making tamales from scratch, and it's a great way to spend time with family and friends. Making homemade tamales with carnitas is a fun and delicious way to bring everyone together and enjoy a traditional Mexican meal.
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Smoked Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Brown Sugar, Paprika, Garlic Powder
If you have a smoker, why not try making smoked pork tamales? The slow smoking process infuses the pork with a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the corn masa dough. It's a unique twist on the traditional method of cooking tamales.
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Instant Pot Red Chile Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Masa Harina, Warm Water, Lard, Baking
For a quicker and easier way to make tamales, try using your Instant Pot. This recipe for red chile pork tamales combines the traditional flavors of the filling with the convenience of using a pressure cooker. It's a great option for those short on time but still craving homemade tamales.
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Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Loin, Pasilla, Cooking Oil, Water, Salt
There's no need to overcomplicate things when it comes to tamales. Sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest ones. Stick to the basics and use your favorite filling, whether it's pork, beef, or chicken, and enjoy the classic flavors of tamales.
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Homemade Pork Tamales: Tamales de Cerdo
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt Roast, Bacon, Salt, Pepper, Large Onion
In Spanish, tamales are known as "tamales de cerdo," which translates to "pork tamales." This is because pork is the most commonly used meat in traditional tamales. So, if you're ever in Mexico and want to order tamales, simply ask for "tamales de cerdo."
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Salt, Pepper, Ground Cumin, Onion, Bay
Pork carnitas are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are used in a variety of dishes, including tamales. The key to making authentic pork carnitas is to cook the meat low and slow until it becomes tender and falls apart. It's then shredded and used as filling for tamales or other dishes.
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Pozole Rojo (Authentic Mexican Pozole)
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt Roast, Guajillo Chilies, Ancho Chilies
Pozole is a traditional Mexican stew made with hominy and meat, typically pork. It's often served during celebrations and is a popular dish during the holiday season. While pozole is delicious on its own, it can also be used as a filling for tamales for a tasty twist.
Mexican pork carnitas are a versatile and flavorful option for tamales. The slow-cooked pork is packed with traditional Mexican spices and becomes incredibly tender, making it the perfect filling for tamales. Plus, the leftovers can be used for other dishes like tacos or burritos.
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Make Your Own Red Chile and Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: New Mexico Red Chile, Water, Flour, Garlic, Salt, Pork
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making your own red chile and pork tamales? This recipe combines the rich and smoky flavors of red chile sauce with tender pork for a delicious and authentic filling. It's a great way to impress your friends and family with your tamale-making skills.
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New Mexican Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, White Onion, Water, Canola Oil, Garlic
New Mexican pork tamales are a popular variation of traditional tamales. These tamales are typically made with Hatch green chilies, a staple in New Mexican cuisine, and are known for their spicy and flavorful filling. They're a must-try for anyone who loves a little heat in their food.
The Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let's go over the main ingredients you will need to make Mexican pork tamales. Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is the most commonly used cut of meat for tamales. It is a flavorful and tender cut that is perfect for slow cooking. For the masa dough, you will need masa harina, a type of corn flour, which can be found in most grocery stores. Other important ingredients include corn husks, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin. These spices give the tamales their signature flavor and aroma.
The Preparation
To make the perfect Mexican pork tamales, preparation is key. Start by soaking the corn husks in warm water for an hour or two until they are pliable. Meanwhile, season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and the spices mentioned above. Garlic and onion can also be added for extra flavor. Slow cook the pork in a slow cooker or oven until it is fork-tender and then shred it into small pieces.
The Masa Dough
While the pork is cooking, prepare the masa dough. Mix the masa harina with chicken broth and lard until it forms a smooth and spreadable consistency. If you cannot find lard, you can substitute it with vegetable shortening. To test if the dough is ready, drop a small amount into a glass of water. If it floats, then it is ready to use.
The Assembly
Now it's time to put everything together. Take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of masa dough on it, leaving about an inch of space on the sides. Add a spoonful of shredded pork in the center and fold the sides of the husk over the filling. Then, fold the bottom of the husk up and secure it with a strip of corn husk or kitchen twine. Repeat this process until you have used up all the dough and pork.
The Cooking Process
To cook the tamales, you will need a large pot with a steamer basket or a tamale steamer. Place the tamales standing up in the steamer and steam them for about an hour. You can tell if they are done when the masa dough is firm and easily pulls away from the husk.
The Finishing Touches
Once the tamales are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before unwrapping them. Top them with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, cheese, or guacamole. Serve them hot and enjoy the delicious flavors and aromas of Mexican pork tamales.
In conclusion, making authentic Mexican pork tamales may take some time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. With this recipe, you can impress your loved ones with a traditional dish that is full of flavor and history. So why not gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try? We guarantee you won't be disappointed.