Savory Roasted Pork Tamales with Zesty Salsa Verde
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Savory Roasted Pork Tamales, featuring tender, shredded pork infused with a vibrant salsa verde filling. This versatile dish not only makes for delightful tamales but can also elevate your familiar favorites like empanadas, tacos, sopes, and quesadillas. With a perfect balance of textures and flavors, these tamales are ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or simply sharing with loved ones at home. Enjoy a hearty meal that celebrates traditional Mexican cuisine while allowing for creative variations in fillings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
masa harina
2 cups (for tamales)
warm water or stock
2 cups (as needed)
baking powder
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
vegetable shortening
5 1/3 tablespoons
butter
5 1/3 tablespoons (softened)
dry corn husks
12 (soaked in warm water)
boneless pork shoulder
2 lbs (cut into 2-inch cubes)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for searing)
chicken broth
2 cups
tomatillos
10 (husked)
onion
1 medium (peeled and quartered)
garlic cloves
6 (stem removed)
jalapeños or serrano peppers
2
chopped cilantro
1/2 cup
lime juice
2 tablespoons
salt
to taste
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Roasted Pork Tamales with Zesty Salsa Verde?
These are traditional Mexican tamales featuring tender, shredded pork shoulder infused with a vibrant, homemade salsa verde and wrapped in a light masa dough.
What are the main ingredients for the tamale dough?
The dough consists of masa harina, warm water or stock, baking powder, salt, butter, and vegetable shortening.
How long should I mix the tamale dough?
You should mix the dough on medium speed for about 3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
What cut of meat is best for this tamale recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes.
At what temperature should the pork be roasted?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C) for roasting the pork.
How do I prepare the pork before roasting?
Season the cubed pork with salt and pepper, then sear it in vegetable oil until golden brown on all sides.
What liquids are used for roasting the pork?
The pork is roasted in a mixture of salsa verde and chicken broth.
How long does the pork take to cook in the oven?
The pork should roast for approximately 1.5 hours or until it is tender.
What should I do with the pork after it is roasted?
Remove it from the liquid, let it cool slightly, shred it into small pieces, and then lightly brown it in a sauté pan.
What ingredients are in the Zesty Salsa Verde?
The salsa includes tomatillos, onion, garlic, jalapeños or serrano peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
How do I prepare the vegetables for the salsa?
Simmer the tomatillos, quartered onion, jalapeños, and garlic in boiling water for 5 minutes before draining.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the salsa?
Transfer the boiled ingredients to a blender with cilantro, lime juice, and salt, then puree until smooth.
How long should the salsa verde simmer after blending?
The puree should simmer gently in a sauce pot for about 15 minutes.
How do I prepare the corn husks for assembly?
Soak the dry corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes until they are pliable.
How much dough should I use for each tamale?
Spread approximately 2 ounces of tamale dough onto each corn husk.
How much pork filling goes into each tamale?
Place about 1.5 ounces of the shredded pork filling in the center of the dough.
How do you fold a tamale?
Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, then fold up the bottom of the husk.
How should tamales be placed in the steamer?
The tamales should be placed upright in the steamer for cooking.
How long do the tamales need to steam?
The tamales require approximately 1 hour of steaming.
Should tamales be served immediately after steaming?
It is recommended to let them rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Can the roasted pork filling be used for other dishes?
Yes, the filling is versatile and can be used for empanadas, tacos, sopes, and quesadillas.
What type of fat is used in the dough?
The recipe uses a combination of softened butter and vegetable shortening.
Which peppers provide the heat in the salsa?
You can use either jalapeños or serrano peppers depending on your heat preference.
What is the purpose of baking powder in the dough?
Baking powder helps the tamale dough become light and airy during the cooking process.
How many tamales does this recipe roughly make?
Based on the ingredient list of 12 corn husks, the recipe yields approximately 12 tamales.
Is the pork seared before roasting?
Yes, the pork is seared in a roasting pan over medium heat until golden brown before the liquids are added.
What kind of broth is recommended for roasting?
Chicken broth is used to provide extra flavor during the 1.5-hour roast.
Can I use stock instead of water for the dough?
Yes, the recipe allows for either warm water or stock to be used for the masa mixture.
How much cilantro is needed for the salsa verde?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro.
Why is the shredded pork sautéed after roasting?
Lightly browning the shredded pork adds texture and allows you to incorporate more cooking liquid for flavor.