Tamales are a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason. These steamed pockets of masa dough filled with a variety of delicious fillings are the ultimate comfort food. While tamales may seem intimidating to make at first, with the right recipe and technique, you can easily recreate the authentic flavors of Mexican-style tamales in your own kitchen. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to make the perfect Mexican-style tamales, from preparing the masa dough to assembling and steaming the tamales. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this traditional and delicious recipe!
Main Ingredients: Corn Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Chicken Broth, Jalapeno
Mexican tamales are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason! These savory, steamed corn husks filled with delicious ingredients are a crowd favorite. But have you ever tried making them at home? With these top 20 beer can chicken recipes, you can turn up the flavor and add a Mexican twist to your favorite dish.
These traditional Mexican tamales are made with a flavorful masa dough and filled with your choice of protein, such as chicken, pork, or beef. The key to making the perfect Mexican tamales is the filling. The meat should be cooked to perfection and seasoned with a blend of spices and chiles for an authentic taste.
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Amazing Beef Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Sliced Olives, Beef Chuck Roast, Garlic
If you love beef, then you will love these amazing beef Mexican tamales. The tender meat is shredded and mixed with a homemade red chile sauce before being wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. The result is a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Mom's Traditional Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork, Garlic, Salt, Canola Oil, All Purpose Flour
Mom always knows best, and her traditional Mexican tamales are no exception. This recipe has been passed down for generations and is sure to impress with its authentic taste. Made with love and filled with your choice of meat, these tamales will transport you to Mexico with every bite.
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Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
For an authentic taste of Mexico, try these beef tamales made with a combination of beef, spices, and chiles. The beef is slow-cooked until tender and then shredded and mixed with a homemade sauce before being wrapped in corn husks and steamed. The result is a mouth-watering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Water, Chilies
Pork tamales are a classic Mexican dish that is loved by many. The tender pork is mixed with a blend of spices and chiles for a burst of flavor in every bite. These tamales are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a festive celebration.
For a twist on the traditional pork tamales, try this Mexican version that incorporates a variety of spices and herbs for an extra kick of flavor. The pork is slow-cooked until tender and then mixed with a homemade sauce before being wrapped in corn husks and steamed. The result is a delicious blend of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
No meal is complete without a side of Mexican cornbread. This recipe adds a twist to the classic cornbread by incorporating Mexican flavors such as green chiles and corn. The result is a moist and flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with any Mexican dish.
Mexican rice is a staple in Mexican cuisine and pairs perfectly with any dish. This recipe combines rice with a blend of spices, tomatoes, and onions for a flavorful side dish that will have you going back for seconds.
Take your taco game to the next level with these mouth-watering Mexican street tacos. The tender chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and cooked to perfection before being topped with your favorite toppings. These tacos are perfect for a quick and delicious dinner or a fun party snack.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
For a healthier twist on traditional Mexican dishes, try this skinny Mexican casserole. It's packed with protein from chicken and black beans and is topped with a layer of tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. This casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
If you love Mexican street corn, then you will love this salad. It's a lighter and easier take on the classic street corn, with all the same delicious flavors. The grilled corn is mixed with a creamy dressing, cheese, and spices for a refreshing and flavorful side dish.
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and Mexican flan is the perfect way to end a delicious meal. This custard-like dessert is made with a blend of eggs, milk, and caramel for a rich and creamy texture. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make!
For an authentic taste of Mexico, try this traditional Mexican rice recipe. The rice is cooked in a blend of spices and tomatoes for a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any Mexican meal. It's a simple and delicious addition to your dinner table.
Pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are a great source of protein. This recipe takes traditional pinto beans to the next level by cooking them with a blend of spices and bacon for an extra kick of flavor. These beans are perfect as a side dish or as a filling for tacos or burritos.
This grilled Mexican street corn is a must-try for any corn lover. The corn is grilled to perfection and then topped with a blend of spices, cheese, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor. It's the perfect side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal.
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Sweet Pink Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Dried Corn Husks, Pineapple Tidbits, Instant Corn Masa
If you have a sweet tooth, then you will love these sweet pink Mexican tamales. The masa dough is mixed with a blend of strawberries and sugar for a unique twist on the traditional tamales. These tamales are perfect for a special occasion or as a fun dessert option.
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Mexican Tamales,Tamales Mexicanos de Puerco
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Water, Onions, Garlic Cloves, Bay Leafs
This recipe for Mexican tamales with pork is a crowd-pleaser. The pork is slow-cooked until tender and then mixed with a blend of spices and chiles for a flavorful filling. These tamales are perfect for a family gathering or a festive celebration.
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Real Homemade Tamales
Main Ingredients: Tamale Filling, Pork Loin, Large Onion, Garlic, Chili
If you've always wanted to make tamales from scratch, then this recipe is for you. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process of making homemade tamales, from making the masa dough to steaming the tamales to perfection. The result is a delicious and authentic dish that will impress your friends and family.
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Beef and Red Chile Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck, Small White Onions, Garlic Cloves
For a burst of flavor in every bite, try these beef and red chile tamales. The beef is slow-cooked until tender and then mixed with a homemade red chile sauce for an extra kick of flavor. These tamales are perfect for a special occasion or as a delicious dinner option.
Preparing the Masa Dough
To make authentic Mexican-style tamales, the first step is to prepare the masa dough. Masa dough is made from corn flour, which can be found in most grocery stores. It is important to use high-quality masa harina for the best results. In a large bowl, mix the masa harina with some warm water and lard (or vegetable shortening for a vegetarian option) until you have a smooth and pliable dough. The consistency should be similar to that of cookie dough. If the dough is too dry, add more water; if it's too wet, add more masa harina.
Adding Flavor to the Masa Dough
While the basic masa dough is delicious on its own, you can add flavorful ingredients to elevate the taste of your tamales. Some popular options include chicken or vegetable broth instead of water, spices such as cumin and smoked paprika, and fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Assembling the Tamales
Once you have prepared the masa dough, it's time to assemble the tamales. Spread a spoonful of the dough onto a softened corn husk, leaving about an inch of space at the top and bottom. Add your desired filling, such as shredded chicken, pork carnitas, or vegetables, in the center of the dough. Roll the corn husk tightly, folding in the sides as you go. Place the tamales seam side down on a steamer basket, and repeat until all the dough and filling are used.
Steaming the Tamales
To cook the tamales, you will need a large pot with a steamer basket. Fill the pot with water, making sure it doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer basket. Place the tamales in the basket, cover the pot, and steam for about an hour. The tamales are ready when the dough easily pulls away from the corn husk.
Serving and Enjoying Your Tamales
Once your tamales are cooked and cooled slightly, carefully remove them from the steamer basket and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. The best part about tamales is that they can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. So gather your loved ones and enjoy this delicious and traditional Mexican dish together.
Now that you have the recipe for Mexican-style tamales, it's time to put on your apron and get cooking! With a little practice, you'll become a pro at making these flavorful and comforting tamales. So go ahead and impress your family and friends with this authentic and delicious dish.