mexican street food

Tamales Recipe

Tamales: A Flavorful Mexican Tradition

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a savory filling wrapped in corn husks and steamed.

 

Yields:  20-25 tamales   Prep time:  1 hour  Cook time:  1-1.5 hours

 

Ingredients


For the Filling:

  • 1 pound (450g) pork shoulder, cut into small cubes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 dried ancho chile, stemmed, seeded, and rehydrated
  • 1 dried guajillo chile, stemmed, seeded, and rehydrated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth

For the Masa:

  • 2 cups (250g) masa harina (corn flour)
  • 1 1/2 cups (375ml) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lard or vegetable shortening (optional)

For Wrapping:

  • 20-25 dried corn husks, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes


 

Method


  1. Prepare the Filling: In a blender or food processor, blend the rehydrated chiles with a little of the chicken broth until smooth.

  2. Cook the Filling: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until softened. Add the pork, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and the blended chiles. Cook until the pork is browned.

  3. Add Broth: Pour the remaining chicken broth into the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, covered, for 1-1.5 hours, or until the pork is very tender. Shred the pork.

  4. Prepare the Masa: In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the chicken broth, mixing well until a smooth and pliable dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more broth. If too wet, add a little more masa harina.

  5. Assemble the Tamales:
    • Spread a corn husk flat on a clean surface.
    • Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the masa dough onto the husk.
    • Add a spoonful of the pork filling to the center of the masa.
    • Fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up and over the filling.
    • Steam the tamales: Place the filled tamales in a steamer basket. Steam for 1-1.5 hours, or until the masa is cooked through.

  6. Serve: Remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool slightly before unwrapping. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and crema.


Tips:
  • You can find dried corn husks at most Mexican grocery stores.
  • For a richer flavor, use lard instead of vegetable shortening in the masa dough.
  • You can vary the filling by adding other ingredients such as olives, raisins, or chopped jalapeños.

 

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