Oaxacan Cheese-Stuffed Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Steamed masa tamales filled with creamy Oaxacan cheese, wrapped in fragrant banana leaves for a subtle earthy aroma. This mexican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 120 minutes pairs masa harina, vegetable shortening, baking powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves 8 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup vegetable shortening with 3 cups masa harina, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt until fluffy, gradually adding 2 1/2 cups warm chicken broth to form a soft dough that holds shape but is moist.
  2. Step 2: Lightly brush 8 banana leaf squares with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and soften by steaming or passing briefly over a flame until pliable.
  3. Step 3: Spread about 1/2 cup masa dough evenly onto the center of each banana leaf square, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
  4. Step 4: Place 1/4 cup shredded Oaxacan cheese in the middle of the masa on each leaf.
  5. Step 5: Fold the banana leaf over the filling, folding edges to enclose tamale tightly and secure with kitchen twine if needed.
  6. Step 6: Arrange tamales standing upright in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 90 minutes, checking water level occasionally to keep it from drying out.
  7. Step 7: Remove tamales carefully and let rest for 10 minutes before unwrapping and serving warm with salsa or crema.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oaxacan Cheese-Stuffed Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (30 min prep + 90 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 Oaxacan Cheese-Stuffed Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves?

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 Oaxacan Cheese-Stuffed Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves?

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 Oaxacan Cheese-Stuffed Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Oaxacan Cheese-Stuffed Tamales Wrapped in Banana Leaves?

Mexican vegetarian 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.

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