Description
Pork Tamales Rojos are a beloved traditional Mexican dish that showcases the rich flavors of slow-cooked pork enveloped in a vibrant red sauce, all wrapped in fluffy masa. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations, these tamales deliver a comforting and satisfying experience. The combination of spices and the savory pork filling makes each bite an explosion of flavor. Whether served with salsa, crema, or your favorite toppings, Pork Tamales Rojos are sure to impress your guests and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 lbs pork shoulder
- 50 corn husks
- 12 dried guajillo chiles
- 4 dried ancho chiles
- 4 dried pasilla negro chiles
- 2 cups lard
- 8 cups Maseca (instant corn masa mix)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cups water or chicken stock
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 white onions, peeled and quartered
- 2 jalapeños, stems removed
- 1 tablespoon Chimayo chili powder (optional)
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 4 teaspoons Mexican oregano (or regular oregano)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup reserved pork rojo sauce
- 7 cups water, reserved cooking liquid, broth, or a combination
Instructions
- Prepare the pork filling by browning seasoned cubed pork in a Dutch oven. Create a chile purée with softened chiles, garlic, onion, jalapeños, and spices; simmer with the pork until tender.
- For the masa, whip lard until fluffy, then blend in baking powder and salt before alternating with Maseca and reserved sauce.
- Assemble tamales by spreading masa on soaked corn husks, adding filling, folding them up securely.
- Steam the assembled tamales for about 1 to 1¼ hours until cooked through.
- Serve hot with your choice of salsa or toppings.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tamale (100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg