Real Homemade Tamales (2024)

Craving tamales? This homemade tamale recipe is a labor of love, but it’s well worth the effort.

How to Make Tamales

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

What Is a Tamale?

A tamale is a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of filled masa dough steamed in a corn husk. Masa is a maize dough made from ground nixtamalized corn.

Learn more: What Is Masa Harina?

What Are Tamales Made Of?

These tamales consist of a seasoned pork filling in a masa harina dough wrapped in dried corn husks. The finished tamales are topped with a homemade chile sauce.

Cook’s Note

The pork can be replaced with either chicken or beef.

How to Cook Tamales

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this homemade tamale recipe: :

Cook the pork.
Make the sauce.
Mix the pork with ½ of the sauce.
Soak the husks and make the dough.
Spread the dough over the dried husks.
Dollop the filling onto the dough.
Fold the tamales.
Steam the tamales.
Remove the husks.
Top with the sauce and sour cream (or mix them together for a creamy sauce).

How Long Do Tamales Take to Cook?

All in all, these tamales take about 3 hours and 30 minutes to make: Reserve about 30 minutes for prep, two hours for cooking the pork, and one hour for steaming.

How to Eat Tamales

The corn husks serve a few purposes when it comes to making tamales: They hold them together during cooking, keep the dough from drying out, and ensure the steaming process goes perfectly. However, you shouldn’t eat them. The corn husks should be discarded after eating.

What to Serve with Tamales

Recipe creator SADDIECAT suggests serving the pork tamales with refried beans and a salad. For more delicious inspiration, explore our entire collection of Mexican Side Dish Recipes.

How Long Do Tamales Last In the Fridge?

Allow the tamales to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

How to Reheat Tamales

The best way to reheat tamales is to steam them. You can also reheat them in the oven, in an air fryer, or in the microwave.

Can You Freeze Tamales?

Yes! Tamales freeze well. Freeze them for up to six months and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Helpful hint: Put a couple pennies in the bottom of the steamer,” says Susan Baer. “When your water level is too low you’ll hear the pennies rattling. Time to add more water.”

“100% worth the time and effort,” raves Cora Van Dyk. “I made double since tamales freeze well for quick lunches.”

“This is my go-to tamale recipe,” according to JENNA B. “I do add spices (cumin, chili powder, chipotle powder, and garlic) to the masa dough and the filling for more flavor.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams