Pork Tamales Rojos

Pork Tamales Rojos are a delightful traditional Mexican dish that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. These tamales feature a tender filling of flavorful pork with a rich red sauce, all wrapped in fluffy masa. Perfect for family celebrations, holiday feasts, or casual get-togethers, these tamales are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served with various salsas or sauces, making them a standout dish at any table.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Corn Husks:
• For the Pork Rojo Filling:
• For the Masa:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Pork Tamales Rojos
• Step 1: Prepare the Pork Rojo Filling
• Step 2: Prepare the Masa
• Step 3: Assemble the Tamales
• Step 4: Steam the Tamales
• Step 5: Serve
• How to Serve Pork Tamales Rojos
• With Salsa Verde
• Topped with Queso Fresco
• Side of Mexican Crema
• Accompanied by Refried Beans
• With Pickled Red Onions
• Served with Avocado Slices
• How to Perfect Pork Tamales Rojos
• Best Side Dishes for Pork Tamales Rojos
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pork Tamales Rojos
• Reheating Pork Tamales Rojos
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Pork Tamales Rojos?
• How do I make Pork Tamales Rojos from scratch?
• Can I customize my Pork Tamales Rojos?
• How long do Pork Tamales Rojos last?
• What is the best way to serve Pork Tamales Rojos?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: Experience the rich taste of traditional Mexican cooking right at home.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level by modifying the chiles used in the filling.
• Perfect for Gatherings: A great dish to share with family and friends during celebrations or potlucks.
• Make Ahead: Prepare a large batch and freeze them for quick meals later.
• Fun to Assemble: Get everyone involved in making these tamales for a fun cooking experience.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Pork Tamales Rojos, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or stock pot
• Blender
• Steamer pot
• Mixing bowl or mixer
• Corn husks

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth chile purée that forms the base of your pork rojo filling.
• Steamer Pot: Ensures even cooking of tamales, resulting in perfectly steamed masa.
• Large Dutch Oven: Ideal for browning meat and simmering the pork in flavorful broth.

Ingredients

For the Corn Husks:

• 50 corn husks

For the Pork Rojo Filling:

• 5 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 12 dried guajillo chiles (~12 tablespoons ground)
• 4 dried ancho chiles (~4 tablespoons ground)
• 4 dried pasilla negro chiles (~4 tablespoons ground)
• 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

For the Masa:

• 2 cups lard, room temperature
• 4½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 8 cups Maseca – Instant corn masa mix (2 pounds)
• 1 cup reserved pork rojo sauce
• 7 cups water, reserved cooking liquid, broth, or a combination

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Pork Tamales Rojos

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Rojo Filling

1. Cut the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes and season with kosher salt. Set aside.
2. Remove stems from guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles. Place them in boiling water for about 30 minutes until tender.
3. Blend softened chiles with 1 cup soaking liquid, chicken stock, garlic, onion, jalapeño, Chimayo chili powder (if using), cumin, and Mexican oregano until smooth. Strain if desired.
4. Brown pork in batches in a large Dutch oven with vegetable oil over medium heat.
5. Add 4-5 cups chicken stock along with chile purée; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour until pork is tender and sauce is thick. Adjust seasoning with vinegar and salt as needed.
6. Allow cooling before shredding pork back into sauce. Reserve 1 cup of sauce for masa.

Step 2: Prepare the Masa

1. In a large bowl or mixer, whip lard until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in baking powder and kosher salt.
3. Gradually add masa and reserved pork rojo sauce alternately until fully incorporated; beat for 5 minutes until smooth consistency is achieved.
4. Conduct a float test by dropping masa into cold water; it should float when ready.

Step 3: Assemble the Tamales

1. Soak corn husks in hot water for 1 hour; drain and pat dry before use.
2. Place a corn husk on your work surface with smooth side up; spread masa into a rectangle shape while leaving narrow end uncovered.
3. Add filling center; fold sides over filling then roll up from bottom end.

Step 4: Steam the Tamales

1. Fill steamer pot with water and add a penny at the bottom; line basket with corn husks before adding tamales upright.
2. Bring water to boil then cover; steam tamales for about 1 to 1¼ hours until masa separates easily from husk.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your Pork Tamales Rojos immediately alongside your favorite salsa or sauce for dipping!

How to Serve Pork Tamales Rojos

Pork Tamales Rojos are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these tamales can be complemented with several accompaniments that elevate their flavors.

With Salsa Verde

• Freshness: A drizzle of tangy salsa verde adds a bright kick that pairs wonderfully with the rich pork filling.

Topped with Queso Fresco

• Creamy Texture: Crumbled queso fresco over your tamales provides a creamy contrast that enhances their flavor profile.

Side of Mexican Crema

• Rich and Tangy: A dollop of Mexican crema adds a smooth, tangy note that balances the spices in the tamales.

Accompanied by Refried Beans

• Heartiness: Serve alongside refried beans for a comforting, filling meal that complements the tamales perfectly.

With Pickled Red Onions

• Crunch and Flavor: The brightness and crunch of pickled red onions add depth to the dish and cut through the richness.

Served with Avocado Slices

• Creamy Addition: Fresh avocado slices offer a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with spicy tamales.

How to Perfect Pork Tamales Rojos

Perfecting Pork Tamales Rojos takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tamales turn out delicious every time.

• bold Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of your tamales.
• bold Soak Corn Husks Well: Ensure corn husks are soaked thoroughly in hot water to make them pliable for wrapping.
• bold Don’t Rush the Cooking Process: Allowing the pork to simmer slowly ensures tender meat and rich sauce, crucial for flavorful tamales.
• bold Test Masa Consistency: The masa should be light and fluffy; perform the float test to confirm it’s ready before assembling.
• bold Use a Steamer Basket: Steaming tamales in a proper basket allows even cooking; avoid overcrowding for best results.
• bold Refrigerate Overnight: Letting the shredded pork mixture sit overnight allows flavors to meld, improving taste when served.

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Best Side Dishes for Pork Tamales Rojos

Pork Tamales Rojos are not just delicious on their own but can also be paired with various side dishes for an unforgettable meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. bold Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with tomatoes and spices provides a perfect base for your tamale feast.
2. bold Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, and chili powder makes for a tasty side.
3. bold Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers freshness and richness that complements the flavors of pork tamales well.
4. bold Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad of black beans, corn, and veggies adds color and nutrition to your meal.
5. bold Cilantro Lime Rice: Zesty rice infused with lime and cilantro brings brightness to balance out savory flavors.
6. bold Chiles Rellenos: Stuffed peppers filled with cheese create an indulgent side that pairs nicely with spicy pork tamales.
7. bold Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crunchy chips served with fresh salsa provide great texture and flavor contrast.
8. bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a healthy touch and bring additional flavors to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pork Tamales Rojos can be straightforward, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Bold Preparation: Not preparing the corn husks properly can lead to tearing. Always soak them in hot water for at least an hour before use.
• Bold Incorrect Seasoning: Under-seasoning the pork rojo filling can result in bland tamales. Ensure you taste the filling before assembling and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Bold Masa Consistency: If the masa is too dry or too wet, it won’t steam correctly. Aim for a smooth, spreadable consistency by following the liquid-to-masa ratio closely.
• Bold Overfilling Tamales: Adding too much filling can cause the tamales to burst while steaming. Stick to the recommended amount of masa and filling for best results.
• Bold Inadequate Steaming Time: Rushing the steaming process can leave your tamales mushy or raw. Steam for at least 1 hour, checking for doneness carefully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Cool tamales completely before refrigerating.
• item Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing Pork Tamales Rojos

• item Place cooled tamales in labeled freezer bags.
• item Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pork Tamales Rojos

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap tamales in foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Place tamales on a plate with a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Stovetop: Steam tamales in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 10-15 minutes until warmed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pork Tamales Rojos?

Pork Tamales Rojos are traditional Mexican tamales filled with tender pork simmered in a rich red chili sauce. They are wrapped in masa and corn husks before being steamed.

How do I make Pork Tamales Rojos from scratch?

To make Pork Tamales Rojos from scratch, prepare a flavorful pork rojo filling, create masa dough, assemble with corn husks, and steam until cooked through.

Can I customize my Pork Tamales Rojos?

Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level or even substitute different meats or vegetables based on your preferences.

How long do Pork Tamales Rojos last?

When stored properly, Pork Tamales Rojos can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

What is the best way to serve Pork Tamales Rojos?

Serve your tamales hot with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side. They make a great addition to any festive meal or gathering!

Final Thoughts

Pork Tamales Rojos are not just a delicious dish; they are a versatile classic that can be enjoyed at any gathering or family dinner. With options for customization, you can tailor them to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try, and savor every bite of these authentic Mexican delights!

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