Tamales are pockets of corn dough filled with flavorful meat and spices. They are a very popular main dish during the holidays in Mexico, but to really make the holidays special, families fill the table with a wide variety of side dishes and appetizers. You can find 30 ideas for what to serve with tamales here!
Tamales are delicious, pockets of savory flavor and meat that are an integral part of holiday celebrations in Mexico, especially Christmas time.
Tamales are a family tradition that requires time and effort to put together. The meat must be slow-cooked and spiced to perfection. The masa must be mixed to the perfect consistency to spread across corn husks.
Each husk with dough is then stuffed with meat (or vegetables) and then folded and steamed until cooked to perfection.
It’s a process that takes hours if not days, and it’s usually done by many family members getting together to create a dish and a meal worth celebrating.
While traditional tamales are delicious enough to eat on their own, a true Mexican feast is not complete without plenty of the best side dishes and appetizers, and other Mexican cuisine to accompany the main dish. If you are looking for inspiration for your next fiesta, you’ve come to the right place.
FAQs
Tamales are traditionally made with beef or pork and spiced with red chilies, chili powder and cayenne pepper. You may also find tamales made with chicken and green chilies or just green chilies and corn with no meat at all. If you are making tamales at home, feel free to experiment with different meats or chilies.
Tamales are cooked in corn husks, or sometimes banana leaves, and while the husks add to the sweet corn flavor of the masa, they should not be eaten.
To eat a tamale, first carefully unwrap the husk and set that aside to throw away. I say carefully because often tamales are served hot and the husks hold onto a lot of steam.
You can eat the tamale plain (the spices from the meat should seep into every bite) or you can top it with some salsa roja, hot sauce or even a dollop of sour cream.
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Tamales are no exception. Tamales are expensive because putting them together is a labor of love and the cost of quality meat, which a good tamale is dependent on, has gone up. The good news is it is possible to make tamales at home and with the right instruction you can enjoy this delicious meal without the high price tag.
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish passed down from Mesoamerica. Corn has always been a staple of the people’s diet, and the additional protein provided fuel for men heading off to battle. The corn husks made tamales easy to take on the go.
While tamales have always provided good fuel, they have also been included in religious practices. They were regarded as sacred and food for the gods, prepared on special occasions.
Today tamales are still prepared for special occasions like baptisms, weddings, and all major holidays.
Making tamales at home may take some coaching, but it’s absolutely possible. One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to rush the process. Good, flavorful meat provides flavor to the entire dish while masa at the right consistency is critical to achieving the best texture.
People also run into problems when they arrange tamales the wrong way in the pot for steaming or try to crowd in too many at once. Tamales should be placed in the pot horizontally to ensure they cook evenly.
Tamales are wrapped in masa, which is naturally gluten-free as it is made from corn. However, some brands of masa are mixed with wheat flour and gluten may also be hidden in some of the ingredients used to flavor the meat.
The best way to ensure the tamales you are getting are gluten-free is to make them on your own.
Tamales can be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer.
Let your tamales cool before storing. Keep your tamales in their corn husks when you store them. Cover cooked tamales in foil or in a ziploc bag and keep them in the fridge for up to four days.
Cooked tamales can be frozen for up to three months.
Masa is a word for dough but it is also the kind of corn-based dough used for tamales. Corn masa is made from dried and ground corn.
Masa is great for tamales but can also be used for tortillas, sopes, gorditas and more.
My Favorite Tamale Recipes
- Classic Beef Tamales are a crowd favorite and this recipe from Sweet Life Bake has plenty of tips for success
- Pork Tamales are also delicious. Try these from Isabel Eats.
- Try mixing up the meat options with these Green chile chicken tamales from Minimalist Baker
Expert Tips
- It can be tricky to achieve the best consistency for your masa. One trick is to test your masa in water. If it floats, it is ready to use.
- Start the process of making tamales at home a few days in advance. Make the sauce a few days ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. Make the meat a day before. Assemble and cook on the same day you plan to eat, but start early.
What to Serve With Tamales
Side Dishes: Refried beans, Mexican rice, over-medium eggs, black beans, tortilla chips, Mexican street corn, pinto beans, avocado salad, jicama slaw, fresh vegetables, white rice, fresh fruit, Mexican cornbread, quinoa salad
Toppings: Chile de arbol salsa, salsa roja, green chile salsa, cabbage, sour cream, red enchilada sauce, pico de gallo, Mexican crema, salsa verde, red onion, cotija cheese, tomatillo salsa, queso fresco, green sauce, sliced jalapeno peppers
Recipes to Serve with Tamales
Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans
Avocado Salad Recipe
How To Cook Long Grain White Rice in the Instant Pot
Homemade Guacamole Recipe
Picaditas
Homemade Pico de Gallo
Mango Pico de Gallo
Sincronizadas
Sopita (Sopa de Conchas)
Arroz con Leche
Chili Lime Jalapeno Rice
The ever-popular cilantro lime doesn’t quite get made the same in our house. We make this version of Jalapeno Lime Rice in this house. It takes your cilantro lime rice up a notch with a touch of heat. I prefer this over any other cilantro lime rice.
Easy Mexican Street Corn with Tajin
Blow away your taste buds with this Mexican street corn with Tajin. It’s easy to get the taste of authentic elote at home with a few simple ingredients! Grill or roast ears of corn on the cob, then slather them with mayonnaise and sour cream or Mexican crema. Top them to your heart’s desire with cotija, Tajin, and cilantro.
Poblano Avocado Sauce
This Poblano Avocado Sauce is a great flavorful dip for chips or topping for tacos! It’s made with roasted poblanos, cilantro, and lime juice.
Rice Cooker Mexican Rice
Making restaurant-worthy, authentic Mexican Rice in your rice cooker is as simple as adding the ingredients and switching it on. With this easy recipe, you’ll have a deeply flavorful version of the cherished side dish ready to serve in about an hour (with just 15 minutes of active time).
Dairy-Free Enchilada Dip
This dairy-free enchilada dip is high in protein, rich, and flavorful. A hearty, satisfying, and low-fat appetizer for any party table!
Authentic Restaurant-Style Roasted Salsa
This authentic-style roasted salsa is super tasty, quick, and easy to make! Roasted tomatoes, peppers, dried chilies, and garlic are roasted and blended for a salsa you will be proud to put on your table. Grab the chips and get ready for dipping!
Frijoles Puercos Sinaloa Refried Beans
This recipe for Frijoles Puercos is like refried beans on steroids. Bacon, chorizo, and melty cheese combine to bring you the bean dip of your dreams.
Sheet Pan Salsa Verde
Salsa on a Sheet Pan is very versatile and makes a great accompaniment to eggs, tacos, enchiladas, or almost any other Mexican dish you can think of, along with being a great topping for grilled chicken or salmon. A little time in the oven and a few pulses in the blender are all it takes to throw this together. This keeps for up to a week in the fridge, ready to top your morning eggs, put in your breakfast burrito, eat with chips as a late-night movie snack, or any old thing you want, it’s there ready and waiting.
Pineapple Coconut Agua Fresca
Mexican Style Corn Ribs
These TikTok trendy corn ribs are easy to make, fun to grab and eat, lip-smacking delicious snack. Long strips of corn are coated in spice rub then air fried/grilled or in the oven until cooked to perfection.
Horchata Recipe
This Horchata recipe makes a cool refreshing rice-based drink that is best for hot summer days. Perfect for the Cinco de Mayo party. This is my take on the traditional Mexican rice milk drink with cinnamon and almonds.
Easy Chicken Taco Soup
This hearty and satisfying Chicken Taco Soup will take family dinner to the next level! A comforting dish, this delicious soup utilizes crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes for a balanced and flavorful result.
Easy Spanish Rice with Ground Beef
Need a super easy meal to make on a busy weeknight? This Easy Spanish Rice is just what the doctor ordered! It is so flavorful and I add a zucchini to bump up the veg in this one pan dish!
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice is our stovetop version of Chipotle’s brown rice recipe. Make it for a flavorful and healthy Tex-Mex side dish!
Mexican Cornbread
This Mexican Cornbread is an easy homemade recipe made with cornmeal, flour, cheddar cheese, cream corn, green onions, and peppers!
Mexican Sour Cream Dip
Mexican sour cream dip is made with simple ingredients and is big on flavor. Perfect for Taco Tuesdays and great as a party appetizer.
Chicken Posole Stew
No matter if you spell it Pozole or Posole, this chicken stew will steal hearts for being extra delicious and incredibly easy.
Air Fryer Beef Taquitos
These crunchy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos are a healthier alternative to the classic Mexican dish. They’re made with seasoned ground beef, a generous amount of shredded cheese, and crispy corn tortillas. This is the perfect recipe for when you’re in need of some major comfort food!
Mexican Meatballs
These perfectly spiced and seasoned juicy Mexican Meatballs are cooked the healthier way using an air fryer or an oven. It comes with an Adobo-flavored tomato sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky with a touch of heat. They’re a 45-minute comfort dish that packs quite a punch!
Fajita Veggies
This copycat Chipotle fajita veggies recipe is the perfect Mexican side dish. A simple recipe that comes together in 10 to 15 minutes.
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