15 Mexican Tamales Recipe Video Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
Tamales are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason. These delicious bundles of corn-based dough, stuffed with a variety of fillings, are a perfect representation of the country's rich and flavorful food culture. While they may seem intimidating to make at first, with the right recipe and technique, anyone can create authentic and mouth-watering tamales in their own kitchen. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions and a helpful video guide for making traditional Mexican tamales. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds with this ultimate comfort food.
Main Ingredients: Corn Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Chicken Broth, Jalapeno
Mexican tamales are a staple in many households and for good reason. These delicious little bundles of joy are filled with a variety of flavorful meats, vegetables, and spices, all wrapped in a corn husk and steamed to perfection. They are a perfect combination of savory and sweet, making them a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
There are countless variations of tamale recipes, but here are 20 of the best Mexican tamale recipes that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. From traditional beef tamales to unique spins on classic flavors, these recipes will have you craving more.
Let's start with the basics - a classic Mexican tamale recipe. This recipe uses a combination of pork and beef, along with a delicious blend of spices, to create a flavorful filling. The masa dough is made with a combination of cornmeal, broth, and oil, giving it a moist and tender texture. These tamales are then wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection.
Pro tip: For an extra kick of flavor, add some chopped jalapenos or green chilies to the filling.
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Amazing Beef Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Sliced Olives, Beef Chuck Roast, Garlic
If you're a fan of beef, then these tamales are a must-try. The beef is slow-cooked in a savory broth until it is tender and flavorful. The masa dough is then mixed with the beef broth, giving it a rich and beefy flavor. These tamales are perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Pro tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
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Mom's Traditional Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork, Garlic, Salt, Canola Oil, All Purpose Flour
Nothing beats a classic, and these tamales are just that - a traditional recipe passed down from generation to generation. This recipe uses a combination of pork and beef, along with a blend of spices, to create a filling that is bursting with flavor. The masa dough is made with lard, giving it a rich and buttery texture.
Pro tip: For a twist on tradition, try using chicken or turkey instead of pork and beef.
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Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
This recipe stays true to its name - it is an authentic Mexican beef tamale recipe. The beef is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth until it is tender and falls apart. The masa dough is made with a combination of lard and beef broth, giving it a rich and savory flavor. These tamales are a true taste of Mexico.
Pro tip: For a little extra kick, add some chopped chipotle peppers to the filling.
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Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Water, Chilies
If pork is more your style, then these tamales are a must-try. The pork is slow-cooked in a tangy and spicy red chili sauce, giving it a delicious flavor. The masa dough is made with lard and the pork broth, making it moist and flavorful. These tamales are perfect for those who love a little heat in their food.
Pro tip: For a milder version, use mild green chilies instead of red chilies in the sauce.
This recipe takes a different approach to pork tamales. The pork is marinated in a delicious blend of spices and then cooked until it is tender and juicy. The masa dough is made with a combination of lard and chicken broth, giving it a subtle and delicious flavor. These tamales are perfect for those who love a little spice in their food.
Pro tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add some chopped pineapple to the pork filling.
While not technically a tamale, this Mexican cornbread recipe is a perfect side dish to serve alongside your tamales. The cornbread is made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, cheese, and green chilies, giving it a savory and slightly spicy flavor. It is the perfect accompaniment to any tamale recipe.
Pro tip: For a little extra heat, add some diced jalapenos to the cornbread batter.
No Mexican meal is complete without a side of rice, and this Mexican rice recipe is the perfect addition to your tamale feast. The rice is cooked in a spicy and flavorful tomato sauce, giving it a delicious kick. It is a great way to add some variety to your meal.
Pro tip: For a little extra color, add some diced red and green bell peppers to the rice.
If you're looking for a unique way to enjoy tamales, try these Mexican street tacos. The tamales are sliced and cooked on a hot griddle, giving them a crispy and delicious exterior. They are then served on warm tortillas and topped with your favorite taco toppings. These tacos are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Pro tip: For a burst of freshness, top your tacos with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
If you're looking for a healthier option, try this skinny Mexican casserole. Instead of traditional masa dough, this recipe uses tortilla chips as the base, making it a lighter and healthier option. The filling is made with a combination of ground beef, beans, and spices, giving it a hearty and delicious flavor.
Pro tip: For an even healthier option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
This Mexican street corn salad is the perfect side dish to serve alongside your tamales. It is made with grilled corn, spices, and a creamy dressing, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It is a great way to add some vegetables to your meal.
Pro tip: For a little extra crunch, add some chopped red onion and cucumber to the salad.
No meal is complete without dessert, and this Mexican flan is the perfect way to end your tamale feast. This creamy and delicious custard is flavored with cinnamon and vanilla and topped with a rich caramel sauce. It is a classic Mexican dessert that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Pro tip: For a unique twist, add some chopped pecans to the caramel sauce.
If you're looking for a more traditional Mexican rice recipe, then this is the one for you. It is made with long-grain rice and a blend of spices, giving it a delicious and authentic flavor. It is the perfect side dish to serve alongside your tamales.
Pro tip: For a little extra color, add some frozen peas and carrots to the rice while it cooks.
No Mexican meal is complete without beans, and these Mexican pinto beans are a perfect addition to your tamale feast. The beans are cooked with a blend of spices, giving them a delicious and savory flavor. They are a great way to add some protein to your meal.
Pro tip: For a little extra heat, add some chopped jalapenos to the beans while they cook.
If you're a fan of Mexican street corn, then you'll love this recipe. Instead of grilling the corn on the cob, this recipe uses canned corn, making it a quick and easy side dish. The corn is mixed with spices and a creamy dressing, giving it the same great flavor as the traditional street corn.
Pro tip: For a little extra color, add some diced red bell pepper to the corn mixture.
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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 these sweet pink Mexican tamales are a must-try. The masa dough is flavored with strawberry jam, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. The tamales are then filled with a creamy and sweet pineapple filling, making them a perfect dessert.
Pro tip: For a little extra indulgence, top your tamales with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
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Mexican Tamales,Tamales Mexicanos de Puerco
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Water, Onions, Garlic Cloves, Bay Leafs
This traditional Mexican tamale recipe is a must-try for any tamale lover. The pork is marinated in a blend of spices and then cooked until it is tender and juicy. The masa dough is made with lard and pork broth, giving it a rich and savory flavor. These tamales are a true taste of Mexico.
Pro tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add some diced green chilies to the pork filling.
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Real Homemade Tamales
Main Ingredients: Tamale Filling, Pork Loin, Large Onion, Garlic, Chili
If you've always wanted to try making tamales from scratch, then this recipe is for you. The pork is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth until it is tender and juicy. The masa dough is made with lard and the pork broth, giving it a rich and savory flavor. These tamales are a labor of love, but the end result is worth it.
Pro tip: For a little extra spice, add some chopped jalapenos to the filling.
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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 red chile, then you'll love these beef and red chile tamales. The beef is slow-cooked in a spicy and flavorful red chile sauce, giving it a delicious kick. The masa dough is made with a combination of lard and beef broth, making it moist and flavorful. These tamales are perfect for those who love a little heat in their food.
Pro tip: For a milder version, use mild red chilies instead of hot ones in the sauce.
Ingredients and Equipment You'll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/3 cup of lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken or your choice of filling
- 1 cup of prepared mole sauce or salsa
- Dried corn husks, soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- Steamer or large pot with a steamer insert
- Kitchen twine
Preparing the Masa Dough
To make the perfect masa dough, you will need to combine the masa harina, warm water, lard or vegetable shortening, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until a soft and pliable dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more warm water. If it's too wet, add a bit more masa harina. The consistency should be similar to playdough.
Assembling the Tamales
Now comes the fun part - assembling the tamales! Take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of masa dough on one side, leaving a bit of space around the edges. Next, add a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of the dough. Roll the tamale up, tucking the sides in as you go. Tie the ends with kitchen twine to secure the tamale.
Steaming the Tamales
Once all your tamales are assembled, it's time to steam them. If you have a steamer, place the tamales upright in the steamer and steam for 1-2 hours. If using a large pot, fill it with water and place a steamer insert on top. Arrange the tamales in the insert and cover the pot with a lid. Steam for 1-2 hours, making sure to check the water level periodically and adding more if needed.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the tamales are cooked, remove them from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully unwrap the corn husks and serve the tamales warm with your choice of toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Trust us; one bite of these homemade tamales, and you'll never go back to store-bought ones.
In conclusion, tamales are a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with various fillings and sauces. With this easy-to-follow recipe and video guide, you can recreate the authentic flavors of Mexico in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound tamale-making skills!