Making authentic Mexican tamales may seem daunting, but with this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to create these delicious treats step-by-step. Whether you prefer a savory pork filling, a zesty chicken option, or classic beans and cheese, we’ll cover everything from preparing the masa dough to steaming your tamales to perfection.
Ingredients for tamales including masa harina, corn husks, lard, broth, baking powder, and spices.
What are Tamales?
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a corn-based dough (masa) filled with various ingredients, typically meats, cheeses, or beans. This mixture is then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed until the dough is cooked through. The husks are discarded before eating, and the tamales are often served with toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, or salsa.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Tamales
For the Masa:
- Masa Harina: This specially treated corn flour is essential for achieving the right texture. Maseca is a readily available brand.
- Broth: Use beef, chicken, or vegetable broth for flavor and moisture. Match the broth to your filling for a more cohesive flavor profile.
- Baking Powder: Provides a light and fluffy texture to the dough.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the masa and the filling.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dough.
- Lard: Traditional recipes use lard for its unique flavor and texture. Shortening can be substituted, but lard offers a more authentic taste.
- Dried Corn Husks: These are soaked and used to wrap the tamales for steaming.
Filling Options:
- Red Chili Pork: A flavorful and rich filling made with slow-cooked pork in a red chili sauce.
- Salsa Verde Chicken: Shredded chicken combined with tangy salsa verde offers a lighter, brighter option.
- Bean and Cheese: A classic vegetarian filling with refried beans and cheese like Oaxaca or mozzarella.
Step-by-Step Tamale Making Process
-
Soak the Corn Husks: Submerge the dried corn husks in hot water for at least 30 minutes to soften them, making them pliable for wrapping.
-
Prepare Your Chosen Filling: You’ll need approximately 3 ½ to 4 cups of filling for a standard batch of tamales. Choose from the options above or create your own!
Tamale masa in a bowl, a ball of masa on a corn husk, spread out and then pork filling placed on top.
-
Make the Masa Dough:
- Beat lard and 2 tablespoons of broth until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, salt, and cumin.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the lard mixture, beating well.
- Slowly incorporate the remaining broth until a soft, spreadable dough forms. The consistency should resemble creamy peanut butter.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
-
Assemble the Tamales:
- Place a softened corn husk, glossy side up, on a flat surface with the wider end at the top.
- Spread a thin layer of masa dough (about ¼ cup) onto the top half of the husk, leaving space at the bottom for folding.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of filling down the center of the masa.
- Fold one side of the husk over the filling, then the other side, overlapping the first. Fold up the bottom of the husk to enclose the filling.
- You can tie the tamale with a corn husk strip for extra security, but it’s not essential if you position them upright during cooking.
Three process photos for folding a tamale inside a corn husk.
- Steam the Tamales:
- In a steamer pot or Instant Pot, add water to the bottom (below the steaming rack). Place a few extra husks on the rack to prevent the tamales from sticking.
- Stand the tamales upright, open end up, in the steamer.
- Stovetop: Steam for 1-2 hours, or until the masa pulls away cleanly from the husk. Replenish water as needed.
- Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release, then a quick release.
Pork tamales stacked in a pot.
Freezing and Reheating Tamales
Freezing: Cool cooked tamales completely and store them in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Wrap frozen or leftover tamales in damp paper towels and microwave until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious homemade tamales with your favorite toppings. Popular choices include:
- Pico de Gallo
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
- Shredded Cheese
