What Are Tamales and How Can I Use Them?
Wondering what to do with tamales? This guide covers how to pick them, cook them, store them, and swap them, plus 4 recipes to put them to work.
Key Points
- Tamales are steamed corn dough packets filled with savory or sweet mixtures.
- They require masa harina, a flavorful filling, and corn husks or banana leaves.
- Steaming takes 1-2 hours until the masa is firm.
- Store fresh tamales in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer.
- There is no good substitute for homemade tamales.
What are tamales?
Tamales are a traditional dish made from masa (corn dough) that is filled with meats, cheeses, vegetables, or chilies, then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed. They are a staple in Mexican and Central American cuisine.
How to Make Them
Tamales start with masa harina mixed with water, broth, and fat (usually lard or shortening) to create a light, spreadable dough. A spoonful of masa is spread on a corn husk, a line of filling is added down the center, and the husk is folded around the filling. The tamales are then steamed for 1 to 2 hours until the masa is firm and pulls away cleanly from the husk.
Common Fillings
Popular fillings include shredded pork in red chile sauce, chicken in green salsa, cheese and jalapeños, and sweet versions with fruit or cinnamon. The filling should be flavorful and moist so it seasons the masa as it steams.
How to Serve
Tamales are usually served hot, often with salsa, crema, or a simple tomato sauce on the side. They make excellent breakfast, lunch, or dinner food and are commonly eaten during holidays and celebrations.
Storage
Fresh tamales can be refrigerated for up to five days. They also freeze very well. To reheat, steam them for 10-15 minutes or warm them in a skillet with a little water and a lid.
Substitutes
There is no direct substitute for tamales, though some people make similar steamed corn dough dishes using different wrappings or fillings. Pre-made tamales from a good source can save significant time.
- In Chinese:
- 玉米粉蒸肉
- British (UK) term:
- Tamales
- en français:
- tamales
- en español:
- tamales
Recipes using tamales
There are 4 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Cheddar Olive Tamale Pie
Cheddar olive tamale pie layers ground beef, canned tamales, corn, and chopped olives in a chili-spiked casserole topped with sharp aged cheddar. A freezer-friendly weeknight casserole that bakes hands-off.
Mexican Flank Steak with Mock Tamales
Mexican flank steak marinated overnight in lemon, jalapeno, and cilantro, grilled alongside cheese-stuffed flour tortilla mock tamales. A complete grilled dinner with fresh homemade salsa.
Mexicali Casserole
Mexicali casserole layers canned tamales, yellow hominy, Vienna sausages, and cream of chicken soup under melted sharp cheddar. A quick Tex-Mex comfort bake.
Mexican Flank Steak
Slow cooker Mexican flank steak rolls stuffed with tamales, braised in tomato sauce, and topped with Monterey Jack. A creative Tex-Mex crockpot dinner.
