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Tamales rojos
Put the pork in a large pot with the water, half the onion, 2 garlic cloves, the bay leaves and 2 tsp salt. Simmer partly covered for about 1½ hours, until it shreds easily. Meanwhile soak the corn husks in a bowl of hot water for an hour, weighed down with a plate.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Tamales rojos take?
4 hr 15 min all in — 1 hr 30 min prep, 2 hr 45 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 24 tamales. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
A bit of work.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free.
What does it cost to cook?
A bit special — about $16–28 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
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What equipment do I need?
Stockpot, Comal or dry skillet, Blender, Mixing bowl, Chef's knife.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tbsp (2 tsp for the pot, the rest for the sauce).
What can I use instead?
Lard → Vegetable shortening. Same texture, less flavour. Use the pork broth for the liquid and add a little more salt. Corn husks → Banana leaves. Gives a flatter, Oaxacan-style tamal. Soften the leaves over a flame and steam 10 minutes longer.
What should I watch for?
Do not let the pot boil dry. Listen for the simmer and top up with boiling water poured down the side.
Any tips from this recipe?
Make the filling the day before. It improves overnight and splits the job into two shorter days. Steamed tamales freeze well in their husks. Steam from frozen for 35 to 45 minutes. Tamales de rajas use the same masa with strips of roasted poblano, tomato and cheese.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Make the filling the day before. It improves overnight and splits the job into two shorter days.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.