22 Delicious Ways to Make a Mexican Tamale

Mexican tamales are a cherished culinary tradition, offering a delectable experience wrapped in masa (corn dough) and filled with diverse flavors. From savory meat fillings to sweet treats, tamales are a versatile dish that reflects the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine. Whether enjoyed during festive celebrations or simply as a comforting meal, each tamale tells a story. Let’s dive into 25 delicious ways to make a Mexican tamale, sure to entice your taste buds and inspire your kitchen adventures!

1. Tamales de Pollo

Tamales de Pollo, or chicken tamales, are a popular choice filled with shredded chicken and a spicy red salsa. This savory combination makes them irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups broth (chicken)

• 1 cup shredded chicken

• 1 cup red salsa

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.

2. Add broth gradually until it reaches a smooth dough.

3. Spread masa dough on a corn husk, add a spoonful of chicken and salsa, and fold.

4. Steam for about 1-1.5 hours.

   
   

Delicious tamales de pollo steaming

2. Tamales de Cerdo

These pork tamales are filled with tender pork cooked in a flavorful red chile sauce. They are perfect for those who love rich, bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups pork broth

• 1 pound cooked pork (shredded)

• 1 cup red chile sauce

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

2. Mix in the broth until a smooth consistency forms.

3. Place the dough on corn husks, top with pork and chile sauce, and wrap.

4. Steam for about 1-2 hours.

   
   

Steaming tamales de cerdo filled with savory pork

3. Tamales de Res

Beef tamales with spicy green salsa bring a kick to traditional flavors. The combination of shredded beef and fresh salsa creates a satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

• 1 pound shredded beef

• 1 cup green salsa

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Prepare the masa by mixing it with baking powder, salt, and broth.

2. Spread the dough on husks and fill with beef and salsa.

3. Fold and steam for about 1-1.5 hours.

   
   

Delicious tamales de res ready to be served

4. Tamales de Elote

Sweet corn tamales are a delightful treat made with fresh corn, capturing the essence of summer in every bite. They are great for dessert or a sweet snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 cup fresh corn (kernels)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup milk

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Blend corn with milk to make a purée.

2. Prepare masa with baking powder, sugar, and corn purée.

3. Spread on husks and steam for 45 minutes to an hour.

   
   

Sweet tamales de elote served with fresh corn

5. Tamales de Queso y Chile

Cheese tamales with roasted green chilies bring a creamy and spicy flavor that cheese lovers will adore. Each bite is a melted delight.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup cheese (quick-melting)

• 1/2 cup roasted green chilies

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Combine masa, baking powder, and salt, and slowly add the broth.

2. Spread mixture on husks, add cheese and chilies, and wrap.

3. Steam until firm, about 1-1.5 hours.

   
   

Cheesy tamales de queso y chile ready to enjoy

6. Tamales de Rajas con Queso

These tamales are a wonderful mix of roasted poblano peppers and cheese, creating a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)

• 1 cup roasted poblanos (strips)

• 1 cup cheese (shredded)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Prepare the masa, mixing with baking powder, salt, and broth.

2. Spread on husks, layer with poblanos and cheese, and fold.

3. Steam for about 1 hour.

   
   

Tamales de rajas con queso, packed with flavor, ready to eat

7. Tamales de Pavo

Turkey tamales are a delightful option during the holiday season, particularly when served with a rich mole sauce. They are both savory and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups turkey broth

• 1 pound shredded turkey

• 1 cup mole sauce

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Mix masa with baking powder, salt, and broth.

2. Spread dough on the husks, add turkey, and mole, and wrap.

3. Steam for 1-1.5 hours.

   
   

Flavorful tamales de pavo covered in mole sauce

8. Tamales de Pollo con Mole

For those who crave a deeper flavor, these chicken tamales drenched in mole sauce combine the best of both worlds. They are rich and fulfilling.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 1 pound shredded chicken

• 1 cup mole sauce

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Combine masa with baking powder, salt, and broth until smooth.

2. Spread on husks, add chicken and mole, and roll.

3. Steam for about 1-1.5 hours.

   
   

Tamales de pollo con mole, rich and tasty

9. Tamales de Verduras

Vegetarian tamales filled with a medley of squash, carrots, and other vegetables are perfect for those looking for a healthy yet satisfying option.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup assorted vegetables (finely chopped)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Prepare the masa with baking powder, salt, and broth until smooth.

2. Spread on husks, add vegetables, and wrap tightly.

3. Steam for 1 hour.

   
   

Colorful and nutritious tamales de verduras

10. Tamales de Dulce

Sweet tamales made with cinnamon and sugar are a popular dessert or breakfast option, delighting those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Mix masa with sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and milk until well combined.

2. Spread the mixture on husks and wrap.

3. Steam for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

   
   

Sweet tamales de dulce, perfect for satisfying cravings

11. Tamales de Camarones

Shrimp tamales bring the taste of the ocean to your table. Typically prepared with a light tomato and chile sauce, they are a unique addition.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups shrimp broth

• 1 pound cooked shrimp (chopped)

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Mix masa with baking powder, salt, and broth.

2. Spread on husks, top with shrimp and tomato sauce, and wrap.

3. Steam for 1-1.5 hours.

   
   

Shrimp tamales ready to be enjoyed

12. Tamales de Frijol

Bean tamales typically use black beans and cheese, providing a hearty and delicious vegetarian dish that satisfies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups bean broth

• 1 cup black beans (mashed)

• 1 cup cheese (shredded)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Combine masa with baking powder, salt, and bean broth until smooth.

2. Spread on husks, add a layer of mashed beans and cheese, and fold.

3. Steam for about 1 hour.

   
   

Bean tamales de frijol topped with melted cheese

13. Tamales de Elote con Chile

Corn tamales with jalapeño or serrano for an added kick are perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their food.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 cup corn kernels

• 1-2 jalapeños (chopped)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Blend corn kernels and mix with masa, sugar, chopped jalapeños, and baking powder.

2. Spread on husks and wrap.

3. Steam for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

   
   

Spicy corn tamales de elote con chile

14. Tamales de Calabaza

Pumpkin tamales often include brown sugar and cinnamon, perfect for fall with a warm, sweet filling.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Mix the masa with pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder until smooth.

2. Spread on husks and fold.

3. Steam for 1 hour.

   
   

Sweet pumpkin tamales de calabaza, beautifully shaped

15. Tamales de Mole

These tamales filled with chicken or pork and smothered in mole poblano sauce are a true treat for the senses, combining deep, complex flavors with traditional textures.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 1 pound diced chicken or pork

• 1 cup mole poblano

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Prepare masa by mixing with baking powder, salt, and chicken broth until smooth.

2. Fill husks with masa, then add meat and mole sauce.

3. Roll and steam for 1-1.5 hours.

   
   

Tamales de mole offering rich, savory flavors

16. Tamales de Pibil

Tamales de Pibil feature slow-cooked pork marinated in achiote and citrus, wrapped in masa, and offer a unique take on tamales.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups pork broth

• 1 pound pork shoulder (cooked and shredded)

• 1/4 cup achiote paste

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Mix masa with broth and salt until smooth.

2. Spread on husks, layer with pork and achiote paste, and wrap.

3. Steam for 1-1.5 hours.

   
   

Tamales de pibil wrapped and steaming

17. Tamales de Huitlacoche

These gourmet tamales filled with huitlacoche, a corn fungus considered a delicacy, are a unique offering for adventurous eaters.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup huitlacoche (fresh or canned)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Prepare the masa with baking powder, salt, and broth.

2. Spread on husks, add huitlacoche, and wrap tightly.

3. Steam for about 1 hour.

   
   

Unique huitlacoche tamales served

18. Tamales de Nuez

Nutty tamales made with pecans or walnuts and often served with a sweet filling, they provide a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft masa.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Combine masa with milk, sugar, vanilla, and nuts until smooth.

2. Spread on husks and fold.

3. Steam for 1 hour.

   
   

Nutty tamales de nuez, packed with flavor

19. Tamales de Sabor de Cebolla y Ajo

Onion and garlic-flavored tamales are a great side dish, perfectly complementing any main meal with their rich seasoning.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)

• 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pan, set aside.

2. Mix masa with baking powder, salt, and broth.

3. Spread on husks, add onion-garlic mixture, and wrap.

4. Steam for 1 hour.

   
   

Tamales de cebolla y ajo, adding flavor to every dish

20. Tamales de Chicharrón Prensado

Chicharrón Prensado tamales are filled with pressed pork cracklings, giving them a delightful texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 1/2 cups broth (pork)

• 1 pound chicharrón prensado (finely chopped)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Mix masa with baking powder, salt, and broth until smooth.

2. Spread on husks, layer with chicharrón, and wrap.

3. Steam for about 1 hour.

   
   

Tamales de chicharrón prensado, crispy and flavorful

21. Tamales de Frambuesa

Sweet raspberry tamales are a delightful dessert option, with the bright fruit flavor shining through the soft masa.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 cup raspberry puree

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Combine masa with raspberry puree, sugar, and baking powder until smooth.

2. Spread on husks and roll.

3. Steam for 45-60 minutes.

   
   

Delectable raspberry tamales for dessert

22. Tamales de Anís

Tamales de Anís are flavored with anise, providing a unique twist on the traditional sweet tamale, perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon anise seed

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• Corn husks (soaked)

  
  

Steps:

1. Mix masa with milk, sugar, anise, and baking powder until well combined.

2. Spread on husks, wrap, and steam for about 1 hour.

   
   

Unique flavored tamales de anís for festive occasions

Conclusion

Exploring the world of Mexican tamales opens up a range of vibrant flavors and cultural traditions. From savory meat fillings to delightful desserts, these 25 tamale recipes offer endless possibilities for both everyday meals and festive gatherings. Each recipe is a way to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Mexico and share it with loved ones. So grab your corn husks, gather your ingredients, and embark on a delicious journey by making tamales at home. Enjoy!

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