Spicy Pork Tamales – The Ultimate Guide On How To Make Them Perfectly Every Time!

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this comprehensive guide on how to make spicy pork tamales. These delectable treats are a harmonious blend of savory pork, aromatic spices, and soft, fluffy masa dough. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, this step-by-step guide will empower you to create authentic and mouthwatering tamales.

Gather Your Arsenal of Ingredients

To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pork Filling:

• 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to taste for desired spiciness)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth

For the Masa Dough:

• 2 pounds masa harina
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup lard, softened

For Assembly:

• Corn husks, soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes
• String or twine

Prepare the Spicy Pork Filling

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the pork cubes over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, jalapeno, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Saute for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the pork is tender and fall-apart.

Craft the Masa Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft and pliable dough forms.
3. Knead in the softened lard until it is evenly incorporated.

Assemble the Tamales

1. Lay a corn husk flat on a work surface.
2. Spread about 1/4 cup of masa dough in a thin layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Place a generous spoonful of the spicy pork filling in the center of the masa.
4. Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, overlapping slightly.
5. Fold the top and bottom of the corn husk inward, creating a rectangular shape.
6. Tie the tamales securely with string or twine.

Steam the Tamales

1. Fill a large steamer with water and bring to a boil.
2. Place the tamales in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other.
3. Cover and steam for 1-2 hours, or until the masa is cooked through and the husk easily peels away.

Savor the Spicy Pork Tamales

Once steamed, remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool slightly before unwrapping. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Elevate Your Tamales with Variations

Vegetarian Tamales

Replace the pork filling with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.

Sweet Tamales

Prepare a sweet filling by combining cooked fruit, such as pineapple or mango, with sugar and cinnamon.

Spicy Tamales

Increase the heat by adding more jalapenos or serrano peppers to the pork filling.

What You Need to Learn

How long can I store tamales?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, tamales can last for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze tamales?

Yes, tamales can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

How do I reheat tamales?

To reheat, steam the tamales for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes per tamale.