19 Recipe For Homemade Mexican Tamales Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: May 13, 2024
If you've ever been to a Mexican restaurant or visited Mexico itself, chances are you've tried tamales. These delicious corn husk-wrapped bites of heaven are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and once you try them, you'll understand why. While they may seem intimidating to make at home, with this recipe for homemade Mexican tamales, you'll be able to recreate the authentic flavors and textures of this beloved dish right in your own kitchen. So, put on your apron and get ready to learn the secrets to making perfect tamales every time.
Main Ingredients: Corn Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Chicken Broth, Jalapeno
One of the most beloved Mexican dishes, tamales are a staple in any authentic Mexican feast. These delicious corn dough pockets filled with savory meats and wrapped in corn husks are a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. Here are 20 different recipes for Mexican tamales that will make your mouth water and your taste buds dance.
Mexican tamales are different from other types of tamales because they are typically made with corn masa instead of flour. This gives them a distinct flavor and texture that is perfect for wrapping up all sorts of delicious fillings. And since tamales are a labor-intensive dish, it's always a good idea to make a big batch and freeze the extras for later.
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Amazing Beef Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Sliced Olives, Beef Chuck Roast, Garlic
One of the most popular fillings for Mexican tamales is beef. Whether it's shredded beef, ground beef, or chunks of steak, beef adds a hearty and flavorful element to these delicious corn pockets. Try out different cuts of beef and different seasoning combinations to find your perfect beef tamale recipe.
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Mom's Traditional Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork, Garlic, Salt, Canola Oil, All Purpose Flour
Everyone has that one recipe that reminds them of home and brings back memories of their childhood. For many, that recipe is their mom's traditional Mexican tamales. Whether it's a secret family recipe or a well-loved tradition, these tamales are always a crowd pleaser and are sure to bring back some nostalgic feelings.
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Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
If you're looking for an authentic Mexican tamale recipe, look no further. These beef tamales are made with traditional ingredients and cooking methods, resulting in a truly authentic and delicious dish. These tamales are perfect for any special occasion or just for a cozy night in with the family.
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Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Water, Chilies
Pork is another popular filling for Mexican tamales. From pulled pork to pork carnitas, there are endless possibilities when it comes to filling your tamales with this tasty meat. And don't forget to top your pork tamales with a drizzle of tangy salsa verde for an extra burst of flavor.
For a truly authentic Mexican pork tamale, try using Mexican-style pork chile sauce as your filling. This sauce is made with a blend of dried chiles, spices, and herbs, giving your tamales a rich and complex flavor. And don't forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for the perfect finishing touch.
For a twist on traditional tamales, why not try making Mexican cornbread tamales? These tamales are made with a cornbread batter instead of corn husks, giving them a unique and delicious texture. You can fill them with your favorite meats and toppings, just like a regular tamale, for a fun and tasty twist on a classic dish.
Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a perfect side dish for tamales. Made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices, this rice is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with the savory tamales. And the best part? It's super easy to make and can be done while your tamales are steaming.
Who says you have to stick to traditional fillings for your tamales? Why not try making Mexican street tacos and using them as your tamale filling? With tasty fillings like carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas, these tamales will be bursting with flavor and will be a hit at your next taco night.
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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 alternative to traditional tamales, try making a skinny Mexican casserole. This dish combines all the flavors of tamales, but in a lighter and easier to make package. Plus, it's perfect for feeding a crowd and can even be made ahead of time for a stress-free dinner option.
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a popular street food in Mexico and is often served at festivals and fairs. This delicious dish features grilled corn on the cob smothered in a creamy, spicy sauce and topped with cotija cheese and cilantro. Turn it into a salad and use it as a filling for your tamales for a unique and delicious twist.
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and Mexican flan is the perfect way to end your tamale feast. This creamy, caramel-topped custard is a classic Mexican dessert and is a must-try for any fan of Mexican cuisine. Serve it alongside your tamales for a truly authentic and delicious experience.
For an authentic side dish to go with your tamales, you can't go wrong with Mexican rice. This flavorful side dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover rice you may have from making your tamales.
Beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are often served as a side dish with tamales. Mexican pinto beans are slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and spices for a flavorful and hearty dish. Serve them alongside your tamales for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you can't get enough of the delicious flavors of Mexican street corn, why not use it as a filling for your tamales? Simply chop up the grilled corn and mix it with the creamy sauce, cotija cheese, and cilantro, then use it as a delicious and unique filling for your tamales.
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Sweet Pink Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Dried Corn Husks, Pineapple Tidbits, Instant Corn Masa
For a fun and festive twist on traditional tamales, try making sweet pink Mexican tamales. These tamales get their vibrant pink color from beets and are filled with a sweet and creamy strawberry cream cheese filling. They make a perfect dessert or a fun addition to any brunch spread.
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Mexican Tamales,Tamales Mexicanos de Puerco
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Water, Onions, Garlic Cloves, Bay Leafs
If you're feeling adventurous, try making tamales Mexicanos de puerco, or Mexican pork tamales, for a truly authentic and delicious experience. These tamales are made with a spicy red chile sauce and are filled with tender chunks of pork for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Real Homemade Tamales
Main Ingredients: Tamale Filling, Pork Loin, Large Onion, Garlic, Chili
There's nothing quite like the taste of homemade tamales, and with these recipes, you can make your own authentic tamales right at home. From the corn dough to the fillings and sauces, these tamales are made from scratch and will impress your family and friends with their delicious flavors.
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Beef and Red Chile Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Beef Chuck, Small White Onions, Garlic Cloves
If you love a good spicy kick, these beef and red chile tamales are a must-try. The filling is made with a blend of beef, red chiles, and spices for a flavorful and fiery combination. And don't forget to top them with a dollop of sour cream to help cool down the heat.
So there you have it, 20 delicious and creative Mexican tamale recipes to try out. Whether you stick to traditional fillings or get adventurous with new flavors and combinations, these tamales are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So gather your friends and family, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in these mouth-watering tamales. Buen provecho!
Ingredients
To make about 12 tamales, you will need:
Tamale Filling:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of your favorite salsa
Tamale Dough:
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 1/2 cups warm chicken broth
- 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of oil until soft. Add in the chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until heated through and well combined. Stir in the salsa and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, salt, baking powder, and chili powder. In a separate small bowl, mix together the lard or vegetable shortening and warm chicken broth. Slowly pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Step 3: Assemble the Tamales
Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the dough onto the center of a corn husk. Using your fingers, spread the dough into a thin, even layer, leaving about 1 inch of space at the bottom and top of the husk. Add about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of the dough. Roll the husk tightly, folding in the sides to completely enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Steam the Tamales
In a large pot, add about 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Place a steamer basket on top and arrange the tamales upright in the basket. Cover the pot and steam for about 1 hour, or until the dough is cooked through and pulls away from the husk easily.
Enjoy Your Homemade Mexican Tamales!
Now that you've mastered the art of making homemade tamales, all that's left to do is dig in and enjoy! These tamales are great on their own, but you can also top them with some extra salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor. Serve them as a main dish with some rice and beans, or as a delicious appetizer for your next Mexican-themed dinner party. Either way, be prepared to receive compliments on your amazing homemade tamales!
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