Tamales De Puerco Shredded Pork Tamales

Discover the authentic flavors of Mexico with Tamales de Puerco, or Shredded Pork Tamales—a delicious combination of tender, slow-cooked pork and a rich, smoky chili sauce wrapped in fluffy masa dough for a perfect handheld treat. This traditional dish showcases the vibrant complexity of dried guajillo and ancho chilies, balanced with aromatic spices like cumin and paprika, creating a savory filling that bursts with bold flavor. Hand-wrapped in softened corn husks, these tamales are steamed to perfection, ensuring the masa is light and tender. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, this recipe makes 24 flavorful tamales that pair beautifully with fresh salsa or a drizzle of crema. Make your kitchen come alive with the aromas and techniques of Mexican cuisine, and enjoy the satisfying process of crafting these iconic delicacies. Perfect for sharing, but irresistible enough to keep all to yourself!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 30 pieces Dried corn husks
• 2 pounds Pork shoulder
• 1 medium White onion
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 6 pieces Dried guajillo chilies
• 4 pieces Dried ancho chilies
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• 4 cups Masa harina (corn flour for tamales)
• 1 cup Lard
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Additional salt (for masa)
• 2.5 cups Warm water or reserved pork broth

Directions

Step 1

Soak the corn husks in a large bowl of warm water for 1 hour to soften. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Place the pork shoulder, the onion (halved), 3 garlic cloves, and 2 teaspoons of salt into a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1.5-2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easy to shred. Remove the pork and shred, reserving 2.5 cups of the cooking liquid.

Step 3

Toast the guajillo and ancho chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Remove stems and seeds, then soak the chilies in warm water for 20 minutes to soften.

Step 4

In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, 1 garlic clove, paprika, cumin, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove any solids.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of lard over medium heat. Pour in the chili sauce and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Add the shredded pork and mix well. Set aside.

Step 6

In a large bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and 1.5 teaspoons of salt. In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of lard until fluffy, then gradually mix it into the masa harina mixture.

Step 7

Gradually add the reserved pork broth (or warm water), kneading until the dough has the consistency of thick peanut butter. Test by floating a small piece of dough in water; if it floats, it is ready.

Step 8

Spread 2 tablespoons of masa dough onto the center of a corn husk. Add 1 tablespoon of the pork filling on top. Fold the sides of the husk to enclose the filling, then fold up the bottom to seal. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step 9

Arrange the tamales upright in a steamer basket, open side facing up. Add enough water to the pot without touching the tamales. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and the lid.

Step 10

Steam tamales for 1.5-2 hours, checking the water level periodically and adding more as needed. Tamales are done when the masa easily peels away from the husk.

Step 11

Let the tamales rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with salsa or your favorite toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3210.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5825.9

Total Fat 327.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 116.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 21.5g
Cholesterol 982.9mg	0%
Sodium 10383.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 453.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 65.6g	0%
Total Sugars 13.5g
Protein 277.1g	0%

Vitamin D 192IU	0%
Calcium 1098.5mg	0%
Iron 32.1mg	0%
Potassium 7428.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.2%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 30.9%