Mexican Tamales

If you’re looking for a dish that brings family and friends together, Mexican Tamales are the way to go! These little bundles of joy are not just food; they’re a tradition filled with love and flavor. Each bite is a reminder of home, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Not to mention, making tamales is a fun activity you can share with loved ones, creating lasting memories while you cook together.

What I adore about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can fill your tamales with a variety of ingredients, but the red chile beef filling I’m sharing today is my absolute favorite. The rich flavors and fluffy masa dough create a perfect balance that will leave everyone wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to make these delicious tamales at home.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Making tamales can be a delightful family activity. Gather the kids or your friends for a fun-filled cooking session!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare them in advance and steam them when you’re ready to serve—ideal for busy days.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory beef and spicy red chile sauce wrapped in fluffy masa gives these tamales an unforgettable taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner, these tamales are sure to impress everyone around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Mexican Tamales requires some simple and wholesome ingredients that are packed with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

For the Filling

• 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
• 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 (see Notes for making masa with lard)
• 7 cups broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable, plus more as needed)

For Wrapping

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

Variations

One of the best things about tamales is their flexibility! You can easily customize them based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try chicken, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option!
• Add veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers or corn into your filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder to give your tamales a unique twist.
• Sweet version: For dessert tamales, substitute sweet fillings like chocolate or fruit preserves wrapped in sweetened masa.

How to Make Mexican Tamales

Step 1: Prepare the Corn Husks

First up, we need to soften those corn husks so they’re pliable enough to wrap our delicious filling. Soak them in hot water for about an hour—this helps them become flexible without tearing when we roll our tamales.

Step 2: Make the Chile Sauce

Next, let’s bring on the flavor! Combine the guajillo and ancho chiles in a pot with water and boil until soft. Blending this into a smooth sauce will elevate our beef filling tremendously. This step is crucial because it infuses every bite with authentic Mexican flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

In a Dutch oven, sear your seasoned beef chunks until they’re beautifully browned. This step locks in those savory juices. Once browned, add the blended chile sauce and bay leaf before simmering it all together until tender—trust me; this will be worth the wait!

Step 4: Make the Masa Dough

Now onto our fluffy masa dough! Mix together masa harina, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Then introduce oil by mixing it with your hands—this ensures everything comes together nicely. Finally, gradually add broth until you achieve that perfect spreadable consistency!

Step 5: Assemble the Tamales

Let’s get assembling! Spread masa over each corn husk and place your meat filling down the center. Fold it all up neatly like a little present—you want these babies packed but not overflowing!

Step 6: Steam Them Up

Prepare your steamer pot by adding water and placing your assembled tamales inside vertically. Cover tightly and steam until cooked through—this method keeps them moist while allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

After cooking time has passed, test one tamal by letting it cool slightly before peeling away the husk. If it comes off effortlessly—congratulations! Your tamales are ready to be devoured.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Once cooled slightly, serve your beautiful Mexican Tamales warm. Enjoy them as they are or pair with salsa or guacamole for an extra treat!

And there you have it—a beloved recipe that’s bound to make any occasion special! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Tamales

Making tamales can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your tamale game to new heights!

• Prep Ahead of Time: Soaking the corn husks and making the filling the day before can save you time on the actual cooking day. This allows flavors to meld and ensures everything is ready when you’re ready to assemble.
• Don’t Overstuff: Always remember that less is more when it comes to filling your tamales. Overfilling can lead to messy leaks during steaming, which makes them harder to handle and eat.
• Test Cooking Time: Every steamer is different! After about 2 hours of steaming, test one tamal for doneness. If it’s not quite ready, you can continue cooking while checking every 15 minutes until perfect.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of your tamales. Opt for fresh chiles or homemade broth when possible for a robust taste.
• Make It a Family Affair: Involve family or friends in the assembly process! It’s a fun way to bond over cooking, and everyone can contribute their own flair to the tamales.

How to Serve Mexican Tamales

Serving Mexican tamales is all about presentation and pairing them with delightful accompaniments. Here are some ideas to make your meal memorable!

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the tamales.
• Cotija cheese: Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese on top for a salty, creamy contrast that enriches each bite.
• Sour cream or yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or dairy-free yogurt provides a cool, creamy texture that balances the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes, garlic, and spices makes for a hearty side that complements the flavors of tamales perfectly.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a protein-packed side that pairs wonderfully with the tender masa and savory filling.
• Guacamole: A smooth avocado guacamole brings creaminess and richness, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Grilled Corn: Sweet grilled corn on the cob drizzled with lime juice adds a sweet crunch that rounds out your meal beautifully.

With these serving suggestions, your homemade Mexican tamales will not only shine as a main dish but also create an inviting feast that everyone will enjoy! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mexican Tamales are perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or even freeze them for later. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious tamales.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow tamales to cool completely at room temperature.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To keep them fresh, separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.

Freezing

• Wrap each tamal tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped tamales in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Frozen tamales can be stored for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• For frozen tamales, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Steam tamales for about 20-30 minutes until heated through, or microwave individually wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 2-3 minutes.
• Ensure they’re hot all the way through before serving!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Mexican Tamales!

Can I make Mexican Tamales without meat?

Absolutely! You can fill tamales with various plant-based ingredients like beans, cheese, vegetables, or even sweet fillings like fruits and nuts.

How long do Mexican Tamales take to cook?

Cooking Mexican Tamales takes approximately 2 ½ hours when steamed. Be sure to check for doneness by peeling back a husk—if it comes off easily, they’re ready!

What is the best way to serve Mexican Tamales?

Serve your Mexican Tamales warm with toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. They are also great alongside rice and beans for a complete meal!

Can I use other types of chiles for my filling?

Yes! While this recipe uses guajillo and ancho chiles for a rich flavor, feel free to experiment with other varieties like poblano or jalapeño based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Mexican Tamales as much as I do! They bring such warmth and comfort to any meal and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings and toppings. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and laughter as you whip up this cherished dish!