Chef Mitchell preparing Authentic Mexican Tamale Delight
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"My journey with tamales began during a family gathering in Mexico, where my grandmother taught me the art of making them from scratch. Over the years, I have perfected this recipe, blending traditional and modern techniques. Each tamale is a labor of love, bringing back memories of laughter, family, and celebration. I am excited to share this authentic recipe with you!"

I have spent over a decade mastering Mexican cuisine, specializing in traditional recipes that are both authentic and accessible. My passion for cooking began in my family kitchen, where flavors and aromas inspire creativity. I aim to bring the rich culinary heritage of Mexico to every home.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Authentic Mexican Tamale Delight served on a plate

Why This Authentic Mexican Tamale Delight Recipe Works

This tamale recipe stands out due to its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the traditional steaming method that ensures the masa is perfectly cooked and flavorful. The combination of chicken and salsa verde creates a mouthwatering filling that encapsulates the essence of Mexican cuisine. Each bite is a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

The technique of folding and steaming tamales may seem intricate, but with practice, it becomes a straightforward process. The result is a tamale that is moist on the inside and slightly firm on the outside, ensuring they hold together while maintaining a tender bite. Following this recipe guarantees delicious results that will impress family and friends.

💡 Professional Tip

To achieve the best results, ensure your masa dough is not too dry or too wet. Adjust the chicken broth accordingly for the perfect consistency, which should be soft but hold its shape. Additionally, let your tamales steam for the full duration to ensure the masa cooks through properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make tamales in advance. Once assembled, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before steaming. For longer storage, consider freezing them before steaming. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with cooked black beans or sautéed vegetables. For a different protein, pulled pork or beef can also be used, adjusting the spices to complement the meat. Ensure the filling remains flavorful regardless of your choice.

Tamales are done when the masa pulls away easily from the corn husk, and the texture is firm to the touch. The steaming process typically takes about 45 minutes, but check for doneness after 30 minutes to ensure they don’t overcook.

Absolutely! Tamales freeze well for up to 3 months. Just wrap each tamale in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, you can steam them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the steaming time.

Tamales are delicious on their own but are often served with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. You can also offer salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping to enhance the flavors.

Tamales can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure they are wrapped tightly to prevent them from drying out. Reheat them in a steamer or microwave before serving for the best taste and texture.

Yes, you can prepare the filling and masa dough a day ahead and assemble the tamales when you're ready to steam them. This saves time and makes them easier to manage when hosting a meal with family and friends.

The best way to reheat tamales is by steaming them for about 15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but wrap them in a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Ensure they are heated thoroughly before serving.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your tamales turn out dry, the masa might not have enough moisture.

Solution: Next time, add a little more chicken broth to the masa dough and ensure you steam them for the full time required. You can also try adding a bit of oil to the dough for extra moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the tamales lack crispiness, they may have been steamed too long or the masa was too wet.

Solution: For a crispier texture, try lightly pan-frying the tamales after steaming. This will add a delicious crunch to the exterior.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Tamales that are overcooked can become mushy and lose their shape.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, time your steaming accurately. Use a timer to ensure you don't exceed the recommended steaming duration.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the tamale is undercooked, it will be gooey and not set properly.

Recovery: Return the tamales to the steamer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Make sure they are arranged upright and not overcrowded, allowing steam to circulate.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can occur if the heat is too high or the tamales are too close to the heat source.

Prevention: Always maintain an even simmer while steaming and ensure the tamales are set away from direct contact with the heat. Use a steamer basket with a lid to control the steaming environment.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the tamales taste too sweet, balance the flavor with a pinch of salt or add a bit of lime juice.

Too Salty: If too salty, consider adding more masa to absorb the excess salt flavor.

Bland: If bland, enhance the flavor with extra spices or serve with a flavorful salsa or hot sauce.

Fresh ingredients for Authentic Mexican Tamale Delight

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Tamale Delight

The key ingredients for tamales include masa harina, which is the foundation of the dough, providing a unique texture and flavor. Fresh chicken adds protein and richness, while the salsa verde infuses the filling with vibrant taste. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the authentic taste of this dish.

Using high-quality ingredients is essential for the best tamales. Opt for organic chicken and fresh spices to enhance the overall flavor. The masa harina should be finely ground for a smoother dough, ensuring it cooks evenly and holds together beautifully.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Masa Harina: Choose a finely ground masa harina for the best texture. It should feel soft to the touch and have a pleasant aroma. Store it in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
  • Chicken: When selecting chicken, look for free-range or organic options for superior flavor. Cooking it until tender and shredding it by hand will allow for better incorporation into the tamale filling.
  • Salsa Verde: Make your own salsa verde using fresh tomatillos, cilantro, and lime for a vibrant flavor. Alternatively, store-bought options can work, but check for quality and avoid those with excessive preservatives.
Cooking process for Authentic Mexican Tamale Delight

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making tamales is a fun and rewarding cooking adventure. The process begins with prepping the ingredients, creating a flavorful filling, and preparing the masa dough. Once everything is ready, the assembly begins, where you'll learn to fold and wrap the tamales in corn husks.

Cooking the tamales by steaming allows them to retain moisture and flavor. Following the steps carefully will ensure that your tamales come out perfectly cooked and delicious, ready to be enjoyed at any dinner gathering.

Key Technique for Perfect Authentic Mexican Tamale Delight

The key technique for making perfect tamales is to ensure the masa dough is properly hydrated. The right balance of moisture will help the tamales hold their shape while cooking and provide a soft texture. Additionally, mastering the folding technique will keep the filling secure inside, resulting in a delightful bite every time.

Authentic Mexican Tamale Delight

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup salsa verde
    Homemade or store-bought

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups masa harina
    For the dough
  • 1 cup chicken broth
    Adjust as necessary
  • 10-12 corn husks
    Soaked in warm water
  • 1 tsp baking powder
    Leavening agent
  • 1 tsp salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
    For flavor
  • 1 clove garlic
    Minced
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
    For flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling

    In a pot, boil the chicken pieces until fully cooked. Shred the chicken and mix with salsa verde, onions, garlic, cumin, and chili powder.

  2. Make the Dough

    In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add chicken broth and softened butter, mixing until a soft dough forms.

  3. Prepare the Corn Husks

    Soak the corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them. Drain and pat dry.

  4. Assemble the Tamales

    Take a corn husk and spread about 1/4 cup of masa dough onto the husk, leaving space on the edges. Add a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center.

  5. Fold the Tamales

    Fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up to secure the tamale.

  6. Steam the Tamales

    Place the tamales upright in a steamer basket. Cover with a damp cloth and steam for about 45 minutes until the masa is set.

  7. Serve

    Allow tamales to cool slightly before serving. Serve with lime wedges and additional salsa if desired.

  8. Enjoy

    Enjoy your delicious Authentic Mexican Tamale Delight with family and friends!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftover tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them for future meals. Ensure they are wrapped properly to maintain their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Tamales can be served as a main dish accompanied by sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. Top with additional salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.

Recipe Variations

This recipe can be adapted by using different fillings such as shredded pork, beef, or even vegetarian options like cheese and vegetables. Experiment with different spices and sauces to create your unique twist on tamales.