Mexican Tamales

Learn how to make Mexican tamales at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. These flavorful tamales are filled with tender red chile beef, all wrapped in a fluffy masa dough. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply as a delicious meal, these tamales are sure to impress anyone who tries them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of guajillo and ancho chiles gives these tamales a rich and vibrant taste.
• Customizable Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as chicken or vegetables, making them perfect for any occasion.
• Fun to Make: Gather family and friends for a tamale-making party—it’s a great way to bond while preparing delicious food!
• Freezer Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze some for later. You’ll have a quick meal option on hand whenever you need it.
• Cultural Experience: Making tamales is a cherished tradition in many cultures, allowing you to connect with authentic culinary practices.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and prepare your workspace to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Pot for soaking corn husks
• Blender
• Dutch oven or large pot
• Steamer pot with insert
• Spoon for spreading masa

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth chile sauce that enhances the flavor of your tamales.
• Steamer pot: This tool is crucial for cooking the tamales evenly, ensuring they come out perfectly fluffy and tender.
• Large mixing bowl: Allows ample space to mix your masa dough without spilling ingredients.

Ingredients

To create these mouthwatering Mexican tamales, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chile Sauce

• 3 ounces guajillo chiles, (rinsed, stemmed, and seeded)
• 3 ounces ancho chiles, (rinsed, stemmed, and seeded)
• Water, (as needed)
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt, (divided)
• ¾ teaspoon ground cumin

For the Beef Filling

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ½ pounds boneless beef shoulder, (cut into large 4-inch chunks)
• 1 bay leaf

For the Masa Dough

• 8 ¼ cups masa harina (about half of a 4.4 lb bag of Maseca)
• 1 ¾ tablespoons fine salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 ¾ cups canola or avocado oil
• 7 cups broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable, plus more as needed)

Additional Ingredients

• 50 corn husks, (about ½-¾ pound bag)
• Hot water, (as needed)

How to Make Mexican Tamales

Step 1: Prep the Corn Husks

Add the corn husks to a large bowl or pot. Pour enough hot water over them to cover completely. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and let soak for about an hour.

Step 2: Make the Chile Sauce

Add rinsed guajillo and ancho chiles along with enough water to cover them in a medium pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat and let soak covered for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Using a slotted spoon, transfer softened chiles to a blender. Add:
1 cup of chile-soaked water,
1 ½ cups of fresh water,
garlic powder,
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt,
ground cumin.

Blend until smooth. If necessary, strain through a fine mesh strainer into another bowl.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef chunks with remaining kosher salt. Sear meat in two batches until browned on all sides.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce

Return seared beef to the pot. Pour in blended red chile sauce and stir in bay leaf. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2 ½ hours until meat is tender.

Step 6: Make the Masa Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, fine salt, and baking powder. Stir well.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Add oil to masa mixture using your hands; work until crumbly yet holds shape when pressed together.

Step 8: Add Broth

Mix in broth gradually until dough is soft and spreadable like thick hummus. Adjust consistency by adding more broth or masa harina as needed.

Step 9: Finalize Prep for Corn Husks

Drain corn husks and pat dry; lay flat on a baking sheet for easy access during assembly.

Step 10: Spread Masa on Corn Husks

Place each corn husk smooth side up on your palm or plate. Add heaping spoonfuls of masa in the middle; spread into square shape while leaving top third empty.

Step 11: Fill Tamales

Add about 1-2 tablespoons of filling along the center line of masa; avoid overstuffing.

Step 12: Fold Tamales

Fold long edges together like closing a book; fold tip end up so only one side remains open.

Step 13: Prepare Steamer Pot

Fill bottom of steamer pot with water; place coin at bottom before covering with steamer insert. Arrange tamales upright with open ends facing up against sides.

Step 14: Steam Tamales

Cover tightly and bring water to boil over high heat—listen for coin rattle! Reduce heat to medium-low; cook for about 2 ½ hours until masa is set.

Step 15: Check Doneness

Test one tamal by letting it cool for about ten minutes; check if husk peels away easily from masa—if not done yet steam again briefly until cooked through.

Step 16: Serve

Remove tamales from pot; allow cooling time of around ten minutes before serving so they firm up slightly.

Enjoy sharing your homemade Mexican tamales at gatherings or savor them during special occasions!

How to Serve Mexican Tamales

Serving Mexican tamales is a delightful experience, allowing you to showcase their rich flavors and textures. You can present them in various ways to enhance your meal.

With Salsa Verde

• Fresh and tangy, salsa verde adds a burst of flavor that complements the savory filling of the tamales.

Topped with Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream provides a creamy contrast, balancing the spices in the tamale while adding richness.

Accompanied by Pickled Vegetables

• The crunch and acidity of pickled vegetables refresh each bite, making them an excellent side for tamales.

Served with Rice and Beans

• A classic combination, rice and beans offer heartiness and additional protein, perfect for a complete meal.

Garnished with Fresh Cilantro

• Chopped cilantro adds a fresh herbal note that lifts the dish, enhancing both presentation and taste.

With Avocado Slices

• Creamy avocado slices provide healthy fats and a smooth texture, making them a delicious accompaniment to tamales.

How to Perfect Mexican Tamales

Creating perfect Mexican tamales requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking game.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in flavor. Choose high-quality masa harina and fresh chiles for the best results.
• Don’t Rush Soaking Corn Husks: Properly soaking corn husks ensures they become pliable, making them easier to work with when wrapping your tamales.
• Achieve the Right Masa Consistency: Your masa should feel soft and spreadable. Adjust with broth as needed; it should not be too dry or too wet.
• Steam Correctly: Make sure the water is boiling before adding the tamales. This helps cook them evenly throughout.
• Check for Doneness: Always test one tamal after steaming. If it easily separates from the husk, they’re ready; if not, steam longer.
• Let Them Rest Before Serving: Allowing tamales to rest for about 10 minutes after steaming helps firm up their texture for easier serving.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Tamales

Pairing side dishes with your Mexican tamales enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options.

1. Mexican Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this dish is a staple that complements the flavors of tamales beautifully.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and protein, rounding out your meal perfectly.
3. Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip offers coolness and freshness, contrasting nicely with warm, savory tamales.
4. Corn Salad: A zesty corn salad brings sweetness and crunch, providing a refreshing counterpoint to spicy tamales.
5. Cabbage Slaw: Lightly dressed cabbage slaw adds crunch and acidity, enhancing each bite of tamale.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Charred vegetables like peppers and onions add smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of beef-filled tamales.
7. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa provide an appetizer option while you prepare your main meal.
8. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide sweetness and balance out the savory elements on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican tamales can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final result.

• Bold preparation of corn husks: Soaking the corn husks is crucial. If you skip this step or don’t soak them long enough, they will be too stiff to wrap around the masa and filling properly.
• Bold ignoring dough consistency: The masa dough should feel like thick hummus. If it’s too dry, add more broth; if too wet, mix in more masa harina. Finding the right texture is key for perfect tamales.
• Bold overstuffing the tamales: Adding too much filling can cause the tamales to burst during cooking. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of filling per tamal to ensure they cook evenly.
• Bold rushing the steaming process: Ensure you steam the tamales for the full recommended time. Cutting corners here can lead to undercooked masa that sticks to the husk.
• Bold skipping testing for doneness: Always check one tamal after cooking. If it doesn’t peel away easily from the husk, it needs more time in the steamer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tamales in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Mexican Tamales

• Wrap each tamal individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mexican Tamales

• Bold oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap tamales in foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold microwave method: Place a tamal on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes.
• Bold stovetop method: Steam tamales in a pot with water for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mexican tamales.

What are Mexican Tamales?

Mexican tamales are a traditional dish made from masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients and wrapped in corn husks before being steamed.

Can I use different fillings for Mexican Tamales?

Absolutely! You can customize your Mexican tamales with fillings like chicken, vegetables, cheese, or even sweet fillings like fruits and nuts.

How long does it take to make Mexican Tamales?

The total time for making Mexican tamales is around 330 minutes, which includes both preparation and cooking time.

Can I make Mexican Tamales ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to steam and serve them.

Final Thoughts

Mexican tamales are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various fillings and flavors based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a main dish or snack, these homemade treats will surely impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and experiment with your favorite ingredients!