authentic tamale recipe meat savory sweet vegetarian vegan Authentic Tamale Recipe: Meat, Sweet, Savory & Vegan

Tamales are a cherished culinary tradition with roots that stretch deep into Mexican history. They’re a celebration of flavors, textures, and culture wrapped in corn husks.

Whether you crave a savory meat filling, a sweet treat, or a plant-based delight, tamales offer something for everyone. This authentic tamale recipe embraces all those delicious possibilities — from succulent pork and savory spices to sweet corn masa and vibrant vegetarian options.

Perfect for family gatherings, festive holidays, or a weekend cooking project, tamales bring warmth and comfort to the table.

In this post, you’ll discover how to make tamales from scratch, with detailed guidance on preparing the masa dough, selecting fillings for meat lovers and vegans alike, and steaming these bundles of joy to perfection.

Plus, we’ll share expert tips, variations, nutrition insights, and serving ideas to make your tamale experience unforgettable. Ready to dive into this timeless tradition?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This authentic tamale recipe stands out because it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor fillings to your tastes — whether you prefer hearty meats, savory vegetables, or sweet surprises. The masa dough is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and delivers that perfect soft-yet-firm texture that melts in your mouth.

Our step-by-step instructions ensure even first-time tamale makers can achieve success, and the recipe honors traditional methods while offering modern vegan and vegetarian adaptations. Plus, tamales are perfect for batch cooking and freezing, making them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients

• 4 cups masa harina (corn flour for tamales)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for meat tamales)
• 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening (for vegan option, use vegan shortening or coconut oil)
• 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder (for meat savory tamales, optional)
• 2 dried ancho chilies (for savory sauce)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 1 cup cooked black beans (for vegetarian/vegan filling)
• 1 cup roasted poblano peppers (deseeded and chopped)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup raisins (for sweet tamales)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for sweet masa)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for sweet masa)
• Fresh corn husks (about 30, soaked in warm water for 1 hour)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer or hand mixer (for whipping masa dough)
• Large pot or tamale steamer
• Blender or food processor (for sauces and pureeing chilies)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen towel or paper towels
• Slotted spoon (for removing corn husks)
• Large plate or tray (for assembling tamales)

Instructions

1. Prepare the corn husks: Soak the dried corn husks in warm water for at least 1 hour until pliable. Rinse well and pat dry before use.
2. Cook the pork (for meat savory tamales): In a large pot, add pork shoulder, cover with water, and simmer for 2-3 hours until tender. Shred the meat and set aside. If making vegetarian or vegan tamales, skip this step.
3. Make the chili sauce (for meat savory tamales): Remove stems and seeds from ancho chilies. Soak in hot water for 20 minutes until soft. Blend chilies with garlic, onion, a pinch of salt, and a bit of the soaking water until smooth. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, then mix with shredded pork. For vegetarian/vegan, create a similar sauce using roasted poblanos and spices.
4. Prepare the masa dough: In a large bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar (if making sweet tamales). Using a mixer, beat the lard or shortening until fluffy. Gradually add masa mixture alternately with vegetable broth, mixing continuously until dough is soft but holds shape. The dough is ready when a small ball floats in cold water.
5. Assemble the tamales: Spread a thin layer of masa dough (about 2 tablespoons) onto the smooth side of a soaked corn husk, leaving edges free. Add a spoonful of filling (meat, beans & veggies, or sweet corn & raisins) in the center. Fold sides of the husk inward and then fold the bottom up to seal. Repeat until all dough and fillings are used.
6. Steam the tamales: Fill a large steamer pot with water, just below the steaming rack. Arrange tamales standing upright with open ends up. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and lid. Steam for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, checking water level occasionally. Tamales are done when masa separates easily from husks.
7. Serve and enjoy: Let tamales rest for a few minutes after steaming. Carefully unwrap and serve with salsa, guacamole, or crema as desired.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To test masa consistency, drop a small piece in cold water. If it floats, your dough is perfectly whipped and ready to use!

For a vegetarian or vegan twist, try fillings like sautéed mushrooms with poblano peppers, or spiced jackfruit for a pulled “meat” texture. Sweet tamales can also be enhanced by adding fresh pineapple or chocolate chips to the masa dough.

Experiment with different spices and herbs in your fillings — cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika add depth to savory tamales, while nutmeg and vanilla elevate sweet versions.

Don’t have a tamale steamer? Use a large pot with a steaming rack or a heatproof colander inside the pot.

Cover with a tight lid or foil to trap steam.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Tamales pair wonderfully with fresh salsas such as pico de gallo or roasted tomatillo salsa. A dollop of sour cream or vegan crema adds a creamy tang that balances the flavors.

For a festive meal, serve tamales alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, and a crisp green salad. Sweet tamales are delightful when enjoyed with a cup of hot Mexican chocolate or your favorite coffee.

Looking for more delicious recipes to complement your tamale feast? Check out the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a savory bread option, or indulge in dessert with our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.

For a sweet breakfast treat, try the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

Conclusion

Making tamales from scratch is a rewarding and joyful experience that connects you with a rich culinary heritage. This authentic tamale recipe offers a wonderful balance of tradition and flexibility, allowing you to create savory, sweet, vegetarian, or vegan versions with ease.

The process may seem lengthy at first, but the flavors and textures you achieve are well worth the effort.

Whether you’re preparing tamales for a special occasion or simply exploring new dishes, this recipe invites you to embrace creativity and share delicious moments with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings and spices to make these tamales uniquely yours.

Happy cooking!

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