tamales recipe.

 

🌽 Authentic Mexican Tamales Recipe (Traditional & Easy)

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 16 tamales

Authentic Mexican Tamales Recipe | Easy Homemade Tamales

Learn how to make authentic Mexican Tamales with soft masa dough, savory filling, and corn husks steamed to perfection. Perfect for holidays or family dinners!

---

🇲🇽 Introduction

Bring the taste of Mexico to your kitchen with these Authentic Mexican Tamales — soft, flavorful masa dough filled with spiced meat or cheese, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed to perfection! 🌽✨

Tamales are a Mexican classic, often made for holidays, family gatherings, and celebrations. This recipe simplifies the process while keeping the authentic homemade taste that’s loved worldwide.

Whether you’re filling them with chicken, beef, cheese, or beans, these tamales are hearty, delicious, and absolutely worth the effort.

---

🌾 Ingredients

For the Masa (Dough)

• 4 cups masa harina (corn flour for tamales)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

For the Filling

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or beef
• 1 cup red chile sauce or salsa roja
• Salt to taste

For Wrapping

• 16–20 dried corn husks (soaked in warm water for 30 minutes)

---

🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Corn Husks

1. Soak corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes until soft and pliable.
2. Drain and pat dry before using.

Step 2: Make the Masa Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add lard and beat until fluffy using an electric mixer or by hand.
3. Gradually pour in warm broth while mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. The dough should be light and spreadable — not too dry or sticky.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix shredded chicken or beef with red chile sauce.
2. Adjust salt and seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Tamales

1. Spread about 2 tablespoons of masa dough onto the center of a corn husk.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of filling in the middle.
3. Fold the sides of the husk inward, then fold the bottom up to seal.

Step 5: Steam the Tamales

1. Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket.
2. Add enough water but make sure tamales don’t touch the water.
3. Cover with extra corn husks and a lid.
4. Steam for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1½ hours, adding water if needed.
5. Tamales are done when the masa pulls away cleanly from the husk.

---

🌮 Serving Suggestions

Serve warm tamales with:

• Mexican Salsa Roja or Green Tomatillo Salsa
• Guacamole or Sour Cream
• Mexican Lime Rice or Refried Beans

Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or Cinco de Mayo celebrations! 🎉

---

💡 Tips for Perfect Tamales

• Use fresh masa harina for the best texture.
• Don’t overfill — too much filling can make tamales break apart.
• Keep extra water boiling during steaming; refill as needed.
• Leftover tamales can be frozen up to 3 months — steam to reheat.

---

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make vegetarian tamales?
Yes! Fill with beans, cheese, or roasted vegetables instead of meat.

Q: How do I store tamales?
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I reheat tamales?
Steam for 10–15 minutes or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Q: Can I use cornmeal instead of masa harina?
No — masa harina is specially treated corn flour and gives authentic texture.

---

🔗 Similar Recipes You’ll Love

• 🌶️ Mexican Salsa Roja Recipe
• 🍗 Chicken Fajitas Recipe
• 🌮 Beef Burrito Recipe
• 🥑 Guacamole Recipe
• 🍋 Mexican Lime Rice Recipe