Steamed Salvadoran Tamales Wrapped in Plantain Leaves
Traditional Salvadoran tamales made with corn masa and savory pork filling, wrapped in fragrant plantain leaves and steamed to tender perfection. This latin american-inspired comfort food ready in about 105 minutes pairs dried corn masa harina, warm chicken broth, lard or vegetable shortening for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 3 cups dried corn masa harina
- 2 1/2 cups, warm chicken broth
- 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups pork shoulder, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 6 large, softened plantain leaves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 3 cups dried corn masa harina, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 1/2 tsp salt; gradually add 2 1/2 cups warm chicken broth, stirring until a soft, spreadable dough forms.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening until fluffy, then fold into the masa dough until fully incorporated and light.
- Step 3: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat; sauté 1 finely chopped medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups cooked shredded pork shoulder and 1 cup tomato sauce to the skillet; simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the pork evenly.
- Step 5: Cut softened plantain leaves into 10x10 inch squares; place 1/3 cup masa dough in the center of each leaf and spread evenly.
- Step 6: Spoon 2 tbsp pork filling over the masa in the center, then fold the leaf to enclose the tamale completely, securing ends by folding or tying with kitchen twine.
- Step 7: Arrange wrapped tamales in a large steamer basket over boiling water; cover and steam for 1 hour, checking water level occasionally to prevent drying.
- Step 8: Remove tamales from steamer and let rest for 5 minutes before unwrapping and serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Salvadoran Tamales Wrapped in Plantain Leaves take to make?
Total time is about 105 minutes (45 min prep + 60 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 Steamed Salvadoran Tamales Wrapped in Plantain 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 dried corn masa harina from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Salvadoran Tamales Wrapped in Plantain 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 Steamed Salvadoran Tamales Wrapped in Plantain Leaves for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Steamed Salvadoran Tamales Wrapped in Plantain Leaves?
Latin American comfort food 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.
