Tamales de Elote (Corn Tamales)

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft corn masa filled with sweet, steamed corn and topped with crema and chili for a creamy, smoky flavor. This mexican-inspired mexican (vegetarian) ready in about 150 minutes pairs corn masa, fresh corn kernels, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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.

★ 3.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 60 min Cook: 90 min Serves 12 Mexican cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix corn masa with onion, garlic, chili powder, oregano, salt, and 1 tbsp lard. Knead until smooth, then let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Steam corn husks for 10 minutes. Remove and soak in warm water for 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
  3. Step 3: Stuff each husk with 2 oz masa mixture, tucking in the edges. Fold the husk over the filling, securing with a toothpick if needed.
  4. Step 4: Boil tamales in a steamer basket for 45-50 minutes, or until tender. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
  5. Step 5: For the topping, mix crema with 1/4 tsp chili powder and 1 tbsp lime juice. Serve tamales with the crema and a sprinkle of chiles de arbol for heat.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamales de Elote (Corn Tamales) take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (60 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 Tamales de Elote (Corn Tamales)?

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 corn masa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamales de Elote (Corn Tamales)?

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 Tamales de Elote (Corn Tamales) 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.

Is Tamales de Elote (Corn Tamales) vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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