Serves 18
300 min
Steamed Pork Tamales
Recipe GLPR370d1aba87f70e
Tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with a rich blend of guajillo and chipotle chiles, aromatic garlic, warm spices, and herbs. These authentic tamales are steamed to perfection, creating a savory filling that celebrates traditional Mexican cuisine. Perfect for gatherings and meal prep.
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Ingredients
10 guajillo chiles
8 cups hot water
10 garlic cloves
2 cans canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp dried oregano
3 lb boneless pork shoulder
Directions
Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo chiles. Place them in a large bowl and pour 8 cups of hot water over them. Let soak for 15 minutes until softened.
Transfer the softened guajillo chiles and soaking liquid to a blender. Add the 10 garlic cloves, canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, black pepper, cinnamon, and oregano. Blend until smooth.
Strain the chile sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pot, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract all liquid and flavor.
Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks and add to the pot with the chile sauce. Season with kosher salt to taste. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Stir occasionally.
Remove the pork from the sauce with a slotted spoon and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Return the shredded pork to the pot with the chile sauce and stir to combine, ensuring the pork is well coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Use the seasoned shredded pork filling immediately for assembling and steaming tamales, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
