Authentic Beef Tamales (2024)

FAQs

What is a common mistake when making tamales? ›

Arrange your tamales properly

Another common mistake when making tamales is arranging them in the wrong way since they must be placed horizontally so that more of them can fit into the pot and cook evenly. However, they must not be too tight, or else they will flatten.

How Much Masa Do I Need for 100 Tamales? To make 100 tamales, you'll need 16 1/2 cups of masa harina (or a 4.4 pound bag of Maseca).

Unsurprisingly, cheese or meat-filled tamales have more protein and less carbs than unfilled corn tamales. This may help those with diabetes to offset blood sugar spikes, and the higher protein can help with satiety.

Some important tips to successfully make tamales at home

Whip the shortening thoroughly. Whipping aerates the lard and ensures tamales are light and fluffy. You'll know the masa is ready when a small amount dropped in a glass of water floats and doesn't dissolve. Don't spread the masa all the way to the edges.

One of the biggest mistakes is not mixing the masa dough long enough; this causes the tamales to fall apart. Mix the masa dough, with an ELECTRIC MIXER, until a small amount (1 tsp) floats in a cup of water.

Authentic savory tamales, whether they are meat or meatless, contain a good source of fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, iron, vitamin A, calcium and iron. Then, the toppings will allow for more calcium, fiber, plus potassium and vitamin C.

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made with a corn based dough mixture that is filled with various meats or beans and cheese. Tamales are wrapped and cooked in corn husks or banana leaves, but they are removed from the husks before eating. Try them served with pico de gallo on top and a side of guacamole and rice.

The prices for the most popular protein fillings of chicken and pork and even spices for tamale-making are up. “The majority of the spices we use to give the flavor to [tamales] come from Mexico,” said Cruz. “Exporting them here has a higher price. I think the spices went up 40% from previous years.”

Place your order for prepared masa at least 24 hours in advance. Corn husks are also available for $4 a package. You will need two bags of husks for 10 pounds of masa, which should yield about 60 tamales.

Can you overwork masa harina? You don't have to worry about overworking masa for tamales the same way you would with wheat flour, but you still don't want to overdo it.

How much masa for 10 lbs of meat? ›

Estimating how much masa and meat to purchase, a good estimate is that for 5 lb. of MASA you will need 5 -10 pounds of meat. Measuring the same as masa will yield equal amounts of filling as to masa. If you like twice the meat as masa then go with 10 pounds of meat for every 5 pounds of masa.

“If you know you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you probably shouldn't eat traditional tamales,” Pascoe says. “Instead, I would recommend preparing a dozen or so healthy tamales, which use all of our healthy substitutions.”

Yes, corn will raise your blood sugar because it contains carbohydrates. However, it has a low glycemic index and is a good source of fiber. Pairing it with foods rich in fiber, protein, and fat can help reduce the rate at which your blood sugars rise and promote blood sugar management.

Yes, they're high in carbohydrates, but with a new year usually comes the need for carbohydrate fuel to keep a person on the treadmill or the hike. Tamales are a good source of fiber to keep those bowels moving regularly. Tamales give a good supply of protein to repair and renew cells.

The more you mix it, the easier it will be to spread. When you start, the masa is going to be really sticky, like a wet bread dough. That's where lard (or oil) comes in. Lard adds amazing flavor and prevents the cooked tamale from sticking to the husk.

Tamales are usually steamed, and timing is everything. If you cook them for too long, the masa inside will be tough, and the filling will be dry. Keep the steamer over medium heat to give you more control over the cooking process, and make sure not to overcrowd the tray so that there's plenty of circulation.