Authentic Mexican Tamales de Elote
Traditional corn-based tamales filled with sweet corn, pork, and epazote, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. This mexican ready in about 130 minutes pairs masa harina, boiled corn kernels, pork shoulder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 500 g masa harina
- 400 g boiled corn kernels
- 300 g pork shoulder
- 1 tsp epazote
- 12 large banana leaves
- 100 g lard
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil pork shoulder in water with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp chili powder for 2 hours until tender. Shred meat, set aside.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix masa harina with 1.5 L warm water, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp epazote until smooth. Let rest 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Spread 100 g masa on a banana leaf, add 50 g boiled corn kernels and 50 g pork. Fold leaf into a bundle, securing with kitchen twine.
- Step 4: In a steamer, melt lard over low heat. Place tamale bundles in a steaming basket, cover, and steam for 1 hour. Let rest 10 minutes before unwrapping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Mexican Tamales de Elote take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (60 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Mexican Tamales de Elote?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep masa harina from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Mexican Tamales de Elote?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Mexican Tamales de Elote for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Mexican Tamales de Elote?
Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
