Mexican Food

First time making tamales – how did I do?


The filling is pork belly with a cochinita marinade served with a salsa Rojo, how did I do? Also, some came out beautiful but some came out a bit broken, any ideas why that could be?

by MasaChronicles

33 Comments

  1. bagoboners

    The one you’re holding looks delicious. I’d happily take an armful home so I could freeze the ones I couldn’t eat in the moment.

  2. aGirlySloth

    Yes! I especially like when they’re not skimpy with the masa.

  3. skatchawan

    I love mexican good generally. I don’t know if I’ve never had a good tamale or I just don’t like them.

    The ones I’ve had are pasty, dry or a combination of those.

    I’d like to try one that most people consider good to see if it’s not liking them or not properly knowing them.

    Unfortunately where I live there is literally not a place that has them

  4. Kwerawaperi

    When mixing your dough and you think it’s done grab a little bit of it (like a dime size and throw it in a glass of water, if it floats your dough will be ready.

    Remember, when you’re preparing the dough you’re not only mixing ingredients, but creating a dough in which you incorporate air to it. That’s why we test it like that.

    When I first saw your photo I thought the dough needed to be mixed a bit more, as it looks a little flat and the ratio of filling to dough seems a little off. I would’ve add it a bit more dough, but they look great! You’re on the right track!

  5. rbalbontin

    Nice! Remember to include as little meat as possible if you want them as authentic as they come, lol

  6. Illustrious_Head2008

    More importantly, did it taste good? I personally think they look good 😌

  7. zeesplaceiscuhrsed

    Look good, primo. This is personal preference however I think they look so much better with chili added to the broth for the masa (or whatever else aside from chili) . Takes it from pale light color to rich and vibrant. To me, more appealing.

  8. Queen_of_Catlandia

    Idk…send me a few dozen so I can make a qualified judgment

  9. amazonhelpless

    I licked my iPad and they taste pretty bland. Try again and better luck next time!

  10. xipetotec1313

    Good job! Looks legit. I’d definitely eat them and I’m Mexican

  11. InksPenandPaper

    It looks good and the masa doesn’t appear over mixed.

    A lot of people, especially in the US, *over* mix, making a spongy, crumby, brittle, sometimes dry tamale. Over mixed masa tends to occur when using a machine to mix. It should be moist, a touch fluffy, soft but solid enough to maintain its shape. Mixing by hand is the best way to go about it.

    The “float test” is useless, don’t bother with it.

    One last thing: if you haven’t already, fry it. Makes it even more decadent. If you want to take it up a notch, fry it in lard.

    You’re welcome.

  12. logan_fish

    I make these all the time and I can just taste your masa (my favorite part). I do pork shoulder and red as well. My dear mother loved her sweet ones with just raisins in the masa. Also she did white cheese plank with a whole green chili. Yours look great for your first time. A bit small but you do you……..🕺

  13. Kevin69138

    Do you mix salsa in the Masa before making the tamales? That will start them off spicy

  14. bCollinsHazel

    I am a tamale evangelist, I came to tell you that if you are not Mexican you made me proud. If you are, that’s great too.

  15. Old-Bunch-8246

    I’m sorry but I don’t agree with the other comments. The filling looks too dry to me. But if you liked them then they were perfect for you!

  16. southhill25

    I don’t know I haven’t tasted them to give you an answer to that question

  17. Illustrious-Data3462

    Don’t know because they are all closed up! Got to see the real thing. Not just corn husk

  18. ElTioBorracho

    They look great. Did you use lard?

  19. XFragmentedSoulX

    Now this, THIS is the dough I like. White because it has less spices, right? Because usually the other dough has added spices into the dough.
    Don’t come at me please, I’m literally Hispanic and love some Mexican food

    But that looks delicious OP

  20. Namiis23

    They look yummy 🙂‍↕️👍🏽 you could try making them thicker too and just practicing consistency next. They look perfectly baked though. Also have fun with the fillings! There are so many that taste different it’s worth it finding the one u like best 🙂 one of my favorites is cheese filled (queso fresco or mozzarella) and thin sliced jalapeño slices (optional). Ooh and if u have left overs next day try frying them!

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