Traditional Tamales de Puerco

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

Slow-cooked pork tamales wrapped in corn husks, seasoned with traditional spices and steamed to perfection. This mexican ready in about 150 minutes pairs pork shoulder, masa harina, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 60 min Cook: 90 min Serves 12 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 2 cups masa harina, 1.5 cups water, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 small diced onion, 1 tbsp chili powder, and 1 tsp salt. Stir until a thick dough forms. Knead gently until smooth, adding more water if needed.
  2. Step 2: In a separate pot, cook 2 lbs pork shoulder with 1/4 cup water until tender, about 1-1.5 hours. Shred meat and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Soak corn husks in warm water for 15 minutes. Wrap 1/4 cup masa dough around 1/4 cup pork, shaping into a cylinder. Seal with husks and tie with twine.
  4. Step 4: Steam tamales for 45-60 minutes, or until masa is firm and pork is fully cooked. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with lime wedges and additional chili powder if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Tamales de Puerco 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 Traditional Tamales de Puerco?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Tamales de Puerco?

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 Traditional Tamales de Puerco 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 Traditional Tamales de Puerco?

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.

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