19 Mexican Tamale Recipe America's Test Kitchen Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: May 7, 2024
Mexican tamales are a staple in many households, and for good reason. These delicious corn dough pockets filled with savory or sweet fillings have been enjoyed for centuries in Mexico and have become a popular dish in the United States as well. If you've ever tried to make tamales at home, you know that it can be a labor-intensive process. But fear not, because America's Test Kitchen has perfected a mexican tamale recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. So get your apron on, grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Oil, Shallot, Carrot, Celery, Fresh Thyme, Lamb, Red
If you're looking for a unique and delicious twist on traditional shepherd's pie, try making it into savory buns using your favorite beer can chicken recipe. The combination of rich, flavorful meat and fluffy bread is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Main Ingredients: Milk, Butter, Egg, Salt, Granulated Sugar, Bread Flour
Who says you can't have dessert with your beer can chicken? These sourdough cinnamon rolls are the perfect sweet treat to complement the savory flavors of your main dish. Plus, using sourdough gives these rolls a tangy and complex flavor that will have you coming back for more.
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Dad’s Secret BBQ Rib Sauce
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Tomato Puree, Tomato Paste, Apple Juice
Every dad has a secret recipe they're proud of, and this BBQ rib sauce is no exception. Made with a mix of beer, spices, and a little bit of love, this sauce is the perfect addition to your beer can chicken. Serve it on the side for dipping or use it to baste your chicken for an extra punch of flavor.
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Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Main Ingredients: Popped Popcorn, Butter, Mini Marshmallows, Vanilla
Looking for a fun and easy side dish for your beer can chicken? These marshmallow popcorn balls are a crowd-pleasing option that will add a touch of sweetness to your meal. Plus, they're so simple to make that the kids can help out in the kitchen.
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Patriotic Surprise Firework Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: White Cake Mix, Vanilla Frosting, America, Candy Melts
If you're planning a Fourth of July or Memorial Day cookout, these patriotic surprise firework cupcakes are a must-try. The red, white, and blue layers of cake and frosting are sure to impress your guests, and the surprise filling of Pop Rocks will add a festive touch to your meal.
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Cake, America, Gluten, Flour, Baking Powder, Baking
Who says peanut butter and jelly is just for sandwiches? These peanut butter and jelly cupcakes take the classic combination to a whole new level. The moist cake is filled with a sweet and tangy jelly and topped with peanut butter frosting for a deliciously nostalgic treat.
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White Chocolate Lemon Skittles Fudge
Main Ingredients: Chips, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Lemon Extract, America
If you're a fan of sweet and sour candy, you'll love this white chocolate lemon Skittles fudge. The creamy white chocolate and tangy lemon flavors pair perfectly with the chewy Skittles pieces. This colorful and flavorful fudge is a great addition to any meal, including beer can chicken.
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The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Main Ingredients: America, Bean, Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Unsalted
Just because you're gluten-free doesn't mean you have to miss out on delicious desserts. These gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are just as tasty as their wheat-flour counterparts. Made with a mix of almond flour, coconut flour, and chocolate chips, these cookies are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.
This mouthwatering dish combines the flavors of sweet grilled pineapple, crispy pork belly, and creamy burrata cheese. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken and will add a touch of tropical flavor to your meal. Plus, the combination of textures will keep your taste buds dancing.
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Main Ingredients: America, Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Unsalted
Another gluten-free option, these chocolate chip cookies are made with a combination of oat flour and almond flour. The result is a soft and chewy cookie with crispy edges and plenty of chocolate chips. These cookies are so good, you won't even miss the gluten.
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Chocolate Chip Scones
Main Ingredients: America, Gluten, Large Eggs, Plain Yogurt, Vegetable
Scones are a classic tea-time treat, but they also make a great side dish for your beer can chicken. These chocolate chip scones have a tender and flaky texture and are studded with plenty of chocolate chips. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon snack.
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Red White and Blue Cake Bars
Main Ingredients: White Cake Mix, Extra Large Eggs, Oil, Food Color
These red, white, and blue cake bars are another perfect dessert for patriotic holidays. The layers of vanilla and strawberry cake are topped with a creamy whipped topping and fresh berries for a delicious and festive treat. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a complete meal.
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Boozy Pumpkin Eggnog Pie
Main Ingredients: Pie Shell, America, Ice Water, Sour Cream, All Purpose
Why wait for the holidays to enjoy pumpkin and eggnog flavors? This boozy pumpkin eggnog pie is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for any time of year. Made with pumpkin puree, eggnog, and a splash of rum, this pie is creamy, rich, and oh-so-satisfying.
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Iced Raspberry Muffins
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda
These iced raspberry muffins are a great option for breakfast or brunch alongside your beer can chicken. The tart raspberries are complemented by a sweet and tangy glaze and the muffins themselves are light and fluffy. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee for the perfect start to your day.
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Chocolate Pots de Crème
Main Ingredients: Bittersweet Chocolate, Large Egg Yolks, Sugar, Table
Pots de crème is a French dessert that translates to "pots of cream." This rich and creamy chocolate version is the perfect indulgence after a meal of beer can chicken. Made with heavy cream, chocolate, and a hint of espresso, this dessert is sure to satisfy any chocolate cravings.
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Amaretto-Matcha Christmas Surprise Cake
Main Ingredients: Pound Cake Mix, America, Amaretto, Unsalted Butter
This show-stopping Christmas surprise cake is sure to impress your guests with its layers of amaretto, matcha, and almond-flavored sponge cake. The surprise comes when you slice into the cake and reveal a hidden layer of raspberry jam and chocolate. It's a festive and delicious dessert that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
Main Ingredients: America, Crushed Pineapple, Philadelphia, Cream Cheese
If you're looking for a unique and tasty appetizer to serve with your beer can chicken, try making this pineapple pecan cheese ball. The combination of creamy cheese, sweet pineapple, and crunchy pecans is irresistible. Serve it with crackers or veggies for a crowd-pleasing snack.
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American Summer No-bake Cheesecake Cups
Main Ingredients: Vanilla Wafer Cookies, Cream Cheese, Heavy Whipping
These no-bake cheesecake cups are a great option for those hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the oven. The graham cracker crust and creamy cheesecake filling are topped with fresh berries for a simple and refreshing dessert. They're also the perfect size for a post-beer can chicken treat.
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How to make 5 Star Pizzeria style Pizza at Home
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Lukewarm Water, Active Yeast, Kosher Salt
Who says you can't have pizza with your beer can chicken? This recipe will show you how to make delicious pizzeria-style pizza at home, so you can enjoy your favorite toppings alongside your main dish. Plus, it's a fun and interactive meal that the whole family can participate in.
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Gluten-Free Honey Oat Bread
Main Ingredients: Water, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Honey, America
Another gluten-free option, this honey oat bread is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. The combination of oats, honey, and brown sugar gives this bread a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with the savory chicken. Plus, it's easy to make and can be enjoyed as toast or used for sandwiches the next day.
Tips for Making the Perfect Tamale
Preparing the Corn Husks
Before you start assembling your tamales, it's important to properly prepare the corn husks. The husks act as the wrapping for the tamale and must be pliable enough to fold and hold the filling. To ensure your husks are ready, soak them in hot water for at least 30 minutes before use. This will soften them and make them more flexible.
Homemade Tamale Dough
While some recipes call for using pre-made masa dough, America's Test Kitchen recommends making your own for the best flavor and texture. They also found that using a combination of lard and butter creates the perfect balance of richness and tenderness in the dough. Don't be intimidated by making your own dough, it's a simple process that will elevate your tamales to the next level.
Fillings and Seasonings
One of the best things about tamales is that there are endless possibilities for fillings. From traditional pork to chicken, beef, or even vegetarian options, you can get creative with what you stuff inside your tamales. And don't forget about the seasoning! A mexican tamale recipe wouldn't be complete without the perfect blend of spices. America's Test Kitchen recommends a mix of chili powder, cumin, and oregano for a flavorful and authentic taste.
The Art of Assembly
Assembling tamales may seem daunting, but with a little practice, you'll become a pro in no time. Lay out your soaked corn husks and spread a thin layer of dough on each one, leaving room at the top and bottom for folding. Add your filling of choice in the center and roll the husk to enclose the filling. Don't worry if they aren't perfect, the most important part is making sure they are sealed tightly.
Steaming to Perfection
The final and most crucial step in making tamales is steaming them to perfection. You'll want to set up a steamer basket with water on the bottom and a layer of corn husks on top to prevent the tamales from sticking. Place your assembled tamales in the basket, cover, and steam for about an hour. The result will be perfectly cooked tamales with a moist and tender texture.
So there you have it, a professional and well-organized introduction to making mexican tamales from America's Test Kitchen. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to impress your loved ones with delicious homemade tamales in no time. So go ahead and give it a try, and don't forget to savor every bite of your tasty creation.
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