Savory Tamale Bites
These Savory Tamale Bites are a clever twist on traditional tamales, transforming them into bite-sized appetizers that are perfect for any gathering! By using leftover cooked meat—whether it's from a hearty beef roast, pulled pork, or flavorful grilled chicken—you not only cut down on prep time but make the most of your meal planning. The masa dough, infused with spices, cradles a delicious filling that bursts with flavor, making these tamale bites a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bake them to golden perfection for a delightful crunch and serve warm, garnished with fresh queso fresco and thyme leaves for an added touch of sophistication. Prepare to impress your guests while saving both time and effort in the kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
corn flour
2 cups (Measure and set aside.)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (Measure and mix with dry ingredients.)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Measure and mix with dry ingredients.)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (Measure and mix with dry ingredients.)
beef stock
1 1/3 cups (Measure and set aside.)
vegetable shortening
2/3 cup (Melt and let cool slightly.)
cooked shredded meat
1 lb (Use any leftover cooked meat.)
corn flour (for filling)
2 teaspoons (Measure and mix with filling ingredients.)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (Measure and set aside.)
garlic
1 clove (Mince and set aside.)
onion
1/3 cup (Chop and set aside.)
ground cumin (for filling)
1 1/2 teaspoons (Measure and set aside.)
fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon (Chop and set aside.)
canned chipotle pepper
1 - 2 (Chop and set aside.)
sour cream
1/4 cup (Optional; measure and set aside.)
lime juice
1 tablespoon (Measure and set aside.)
water
as needed (Use to adjust filling consistency.)
salt and pepper
to taste (Use for seasoning.)
crumbled queso fresco
for garnish (Prepare for serving.)
Instructions
1
1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooked shredded meat, along with the corn flour (for filling), tomato paste, minced garlic, chopped onion, ground cumin (for filling), fresh thyme leaves, and chopped chipotle pepper. Stir well and add 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until all the liquid has evaporated, approximately 10 minutes.
2
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the corn flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cumin. Gradually add the beef stock and mix until you have a crumbly consistency. Pour in the melted vegetable shortening and mix by hand until the dough is smooth and pliable.
4
4. Generously spray your mini muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. Roll the masa mixture into small balls (about 2 teaspoons each) and press them into each muffin cup, creating small shells.
5
5. Once the meat mixture has reduced, stir in the sour cream and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
6. Fill each masa shell with the delicious beef mixture, ensuring a generous portion in each bite.
7
7. Place the filled muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
8
8. Allow the tamale bites to cool for 3-5 minutes before carefully lifting them out of the muffin tins with a small sharp knife and your fingers.
9
9. Garnish the tamale bites with crumbled queso fresco and fresh thyme leaves. Serve warm and enjoy the savory flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Tamale Bites?
Savory Tamale Bites are a creative appetizer twist on traditional tamales, featuring a masa dough shell filled with seasoned meat and baked in a mini muffin tin.
What kind of meat can I use for this recipe?
You can use any leftover cooked meat, such as beef roast, pulled pork, or flavorful grilled chicken.
How do I prepare the meat filling?
Heat a skillet with the shredded meat, corn flour, tomato paste, garlic, onion, cumin, thyme, chipotle, and water. Simmer until the liquid evaporates, then stir in sour cream and lime juice.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I make the masa dough?
Combine corn flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cumin. Gradually add beef stock until crumbly, then mix in melted vegetable shortening until smooth and pliable.
What equipment is needed to shape the tamale bites?
A mini muffin tin is used to shape the masa mixture into small shells.
How much dough is used for each tamale bite?
Roll the masa mixture into small balls of about 2 teaspoons each before pressing them into the muffin cups.
How do I prevent the bites from sticking to the tin?
Generously spray the mini muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray before adding the dough.
How long do the tamale bites need to bake?
Bake them for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
What should I do after taking them out of the oven?
Allow the tamale bites to cool for 3-5 minutes before removing them from the muffin tins.
How do I remove the bites from the muffin tin?
Use a small sharp knife and your fingers to carefully lift them out of the tins.
What garnishes are recommended for Savory Tamale Bites?
Garnish with crumbled queso fresco and fresh thyme leaves for a sophisticated touch.
Can I use fresh herbs in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for fresh thyme leaves in both the filling and as a garnish.
Is there a spicy element in these bites?
Yes, chopped canned chipotle peppers are included in the filling for a smoky heat.
What type of stock should I use for the dough?
The recipe uses beef stock to hydrate the corn flour mixture.
What is the purpose of corn flour in the filling?
A small amount of corn flour is added to the filling to help thicken it as the liquid simmers.
Can I use something other than beef stock?
While the recipe calls for beef stock, you can likely substitute chicken or vegetable stock depending on the meat you are using.
Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
Yes, it is important to generously spray the tins with non-stick cooking spray.
What is the texture of the finished masa shell?
The edges should be golden brown and crisp, while the shell remains firm enough to hold the filling.
Is sour cream required for the filling?
Sour cream is optional but recommended to add creaminess to the meat mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 19 ingredients total, including the garnishes and seasonings.
Can these be served cold?
These are best served warm to enjoy the savory flavors and the texture of the baked masa.
Is this a good recipe for leftovers?
Yes, it is specifically designed to use up leftover cooked meat like beef roast or pork.
How do I adjust the consistency of the filling?
You can use water as needed to adjust the filling while it simmers with the spices.
What role does vegetable shortening play?
Melted vegetable shortening is mixed into the dough to make it smooth, pliable, and rich.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses ground cumin in both the dough and the filling, along with salt, pepper, and chipotle.
Does the recipe include lime?
Yes, one tablespoon of lime juice is stirred into the filling for acidity and brightness.
How many tamale bites does this make?
Based on 1 lb of meat and 2 cups of corn flour using 2 teaspoons of dough per cup, it typically yields a full mini-muffin tray or more.
What type of cheese is used?
Crumbled queso fresco is the recommended cheese for garnishing.
Is the masa dough seasoned?
Yes, the masa is seasoned with salt, baking powder, and ground cumin for extra flavor.