18 Recipe For Authentic Mexican Tamales Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Apr 1, 2024
Tamales are a beloved and traditional dish in Mexican cuisine, known for their flavorful fillings, tender masa dough, and corn husk or banana leaf wrapping. These delicious treats have been enjoyed for centuries and are a staple in Mexican celebrations and gatherings. Making authentic Mexican tamales can seem like a daunting task, but with the right recipe and techniques, you can recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen. In this article, we will share our tried and true recipe for authentic Mexican tamales and guide you through each step to ensure a delicious and successful outcome. So, let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Corn Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Chicken Broth, Jalapeno
If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you definitely need to try making tamales at home. These delicious little bundles of corn dough filled with a variety of savory fillings are a staple in Mexican households, and for good reason. They're easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and oh so satisfying to eat. In this list of top 20 Beer Can Chicken recipes, we bring you some of the most mouthwatering Mexican tamale recipes that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico.
No list of Mexican recipes is complete without the classic tamale. These traditional tamales are made with a corn masa dough and filled with a savory filling, such as shredded chicken or pork, and then steamed to perfection. The result is a tender, flavorful tamale that is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve them with some fresh salsa and guacamole for a true Mexican feast.
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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 amazing beef Mexican tamales are a must-try. The rich and flavorful beef filling is slow-cooked with a variety of spices and then wrapped in a corn masa dough. The tamales are then steamed until tender and served with a spicy red salsa for a truly delicious meal. You won't be able to resist going back for seconds!
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Mom's Traditional Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork, Garlic, Salt, Canola Oil, All Purpose Flour
There's nothing quite like a mother's cooking, and these traditional Mexican tamales are no exception. Passed down from generation to generation, this recipe is a labor of love that will bring back fond memories of family gatherings and special occasions. The secret to these tamales is the homemade red chili sauce that adds a depth of flavor to the filling.
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Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
For a truly authentic Mexican tamale experience, try this recipe for beef tamales. The beef filling is cooked with a blend of spices and chilies, giving it a rich and smoky flavor. The tamales are then wrapped in corn husks and steamed until tender. Serve with some fresh cilantro and lime for a burst of freshness.
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Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Water, Chilies
Pork tamales are a classic in Mexican cuisine and for good reason. The combination of juicy pork, fragrant spices, and tender corn masa dough is simply irresistible. This recipe calls for pork shoulder that is slow-cooked until it falls apart, making for a filling that is bursting with flavor. Serve with some tangy salsa verde for a delicious contrast to the rich pork.
Another take on the classic pork tamale, this recipe uses a different type of chili paste for the filling. The result is a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to become a favorite in your household. The tamales are then steamed until tender and served with a creamy avocado sauce for a refreshing twist.
Looking for a delicious side dish to accompany your tamales? Look no further than this recipe for Mexican cornbread. This version is made with a blend of cornmeal and flour, giving it a slightly sweet and tender texture. The addition of diced green chilies adds a hint of spice that pairs perfectly with the tamales.
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 with tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, giving it a vibrant color and a mouthwatering flavor. Serve it alongside your tamales for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tacos are a beloved street food in Mexico, and these Mexican street tacos are a perfect addition to your tamale menu. The tender, marinated beef is packed with flavor and served in warm corn tortillas. Top them with your favorite taco toppings, such as diced onion and cilantro, for a delicious and customizable meal.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
For a lighter option that still packs a punch of Mexican flavor, try this recipe for a skinny Mexican casserole. This casserole is made with layers of corn tortillas, shredded chicken, black beans, and a variety of spices. It's then topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and delicious. Serve it up with some fresh salsa and guacamole for a complete meal.
This Mexican street corn salad is a perfect side dish to accompany your tamales. It's made with fresh corn, red bell pepper, and a zesty dressing that adds a burst of flavor to every bite. This salad is also a great option for vegetarians, making it a versatile addition to your tamale menu.
No meal is complete without dessert, and this Mexican flan is the perfect sweet ending to your tamale feast. This creamy custard is made with a hint of vanilla and topped with a decadent caramel sauce. It's a classic Mexican dessert that is sure to please everyone at the table.
If you want to take your Mexican rice game to the next level, try this recipe for authentic Mexican rice. The rice is cooked with tomato sauce, cumin, and garlic, giving it a deep and rich flavor that is hard to resist. Serve it alongside your tamales for a delicious and traditional side dish.
Pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and this recipe for Mexican pinto beans is a great option for a side dish or even a filling for your tamales. The beans are cooked with bacon, onion, and a variety of spices, giving them a smoky and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the other dishes on your menu.
This Mexican street corn recipe is a delicious and easy side dish to serve with your tamales. The corn is grilled and then coated in a creamy and tangy sauce made with mayo, sour cream, and a variety of spices. It's a great way to add some freshness and crunch to your tamale meal.
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Sweet Pink Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Dried Corn Husks, Pineapple Tidbits, Instant Corn Masa
If you're looking for a unique and colorful addition to your tamale menu, try these sweet pink Mexican tamales. The dough is made with masa harina and achiote paste, giving it a vibrant pink color. The filling is made with pineapple and coconut, making for a sweet and tropical twist on the traditional tamale.
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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 is a great option for those who love a good kick of spice. The filling is made with pork, chili paste, and a blend of spices that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve these tamales with a side of cooling avocado sauce for a delicious and balanced meal.
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Real Homemade Tamales
Main Ingredients: Tamale Filling, Pork Loin, Large Onion, Garlic, Chili
For a truly authentic experience, try making these real homemade tamales from scratch. From making the corn masa dough to preparing the filling and steaming the tamales, this recipe will take you through every step of the process. The end result is a delicious and satisfying meal that will make you proud of your homemade tamales.
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Beef and Red Chile Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck, Small White Onions, Garlic Cloves
Last but certainly not least, this recipe for beef and red chili tamales is a must-try for any tamale lover. The beef is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and red chilies, giving it a rich and smoky flavor. The tamales are then wrapped in corn husks and steamed until tender. Serve them with some fresh salsa and guacamole for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
To make authentic Mexican tamales, you will need the following ingredients:
Masa Dough
- 4 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
- 4 cups of warm water
- 1 cup of lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth (optional)
Filling
- 2 pounds of meat (pork, beef, or chicken)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups of corn kernels (optional)
- ½ cup of chopped cilantro (optional)
Corn Husks or Banana Leaves
- 30-40 corn husks, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
OR
- 30-40 banana leaves, cut into 8-10 inch squares and blanched in hot water for 5 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Masa Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, warm water, lard or vegetable shortening, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels dry, gradually add in the chicken or vegetable broth until it reaches a soft and pliable consistency.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until translucent. Add in the meat and cook until browned. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the filling simmer for about 30 minutes, until the meat is tender. If using corn kernels and cilantro, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 3: Assemble the Tamales
Take a soaked corn husk or blanched banana leaf and spread a thin layer of masa dough on one end, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto the center of the dough. Fold the sides of the corn husk or banana leaf over the filling and then fold up the bottom. Tie with a strip of corn husk or banana leaf to secure. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Steam the Tamales
Fill a large pot with a steamer basket or colander with about 2 inches of water. Arrange the tamales in the basket or colander, standing them up with the open ends facing up. Cover and steam for about 1 hour, or until the masa dough is firm and easily pulls away from the husks or leaves.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes. Unwrap and serve them warm with your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Enjoy your homemade authentic Mexican tamales!
Now that you have our recipe for authentic Mexican tamales, you can impress your friends and family with this traditional dish. With a little bit of time and effort, you can recreate the delicious flavors and textures that make tamales a beloved part of Mexican cuisine. So, gather your ingredients, follow our instructions, and get ready to indulge in these tasty treats. ¡Buen provecho!
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