Guajillo Pork Tamales
Guajillo Pork Tamales feature tender shredded pork simmered with guajillo and chipotle chiles, tomato, and warm spices for a deep, smoky heat balanced by subtle sweetness. Wrapped in fluffy, lard-whipped masa and steamed in corn husks, they’re richly aromatic and satisfying. Serve them for a cozy weekend dinner, holiday gatherings, or anytime you’re craving comforting Mexican flavors.
- Prep45 min
- Cook5 hr 10 min
- Serves15
- DifficultyHard
- 1
Soak the corn husks in a heavy pot or skillet filled with water for 24 hours, keeping them fully submerged.
- 2
About four hours before the corn husks are ready, place the guajillo chile peppers in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast until fragrant, 20 to 30 seconds per side. Add some water to the skillet and simmer until tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer the chiles to a blender.
- 3
Add 1 cup beef broth, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, chipotles in adobo sauce, vinegar, cloves, 1 tablespoon salt, cumin, allspice, and black pepper to the blender; blend until the marinade is smooth.
- 4
Place the pork butt in a slow cooker and pour the marinade over the top. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on Low until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork, 4 to 5 hours.
- 5
Shred the pork; return it to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce until well combined.
- 6
Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk together the masa harina, baking powder, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt to combine. Add 2 cups beef broth and the lard; whisk until the mixture is fluffy and well combined (the dough will be sticky).
- 7
Place 1 corn husk on a flat work surface; open it and pat it dry. Spread some dough evenly down the center of the husk, leaving space around the edges; dollop a line of pork filling down the center of the dough.
- 8
Fold one side of the husk over the filling, then fold the other side to overlap, forming a tube. Fold up the narrow end of the husk to seal the bottom, leaving the top open. Tie the tamale with 1 strip of husk or kitchen twine.
- 9
Place a steamer insert into a large saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the insert. Bring the water to a boil.
- 10
Place the tamales vertically in the steamer basket, sealed sides down. Cover the pan and steam for 1 hour. Serve hot.
- Calories 577.25 kcal High
- Protein 30.79 g Good Source
- Carbs 40.51 g Moderate
- Total Fat 32.11 g High
- Saturated Fat 10.59 g High
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
- Cholesterol 78.86 mg High
- Sodium 372.17 mg Moderate
- Fiber 4.18 g Moderate
- Sugar 1.27 g Low Source
- Added Sugar 0.06 g Low Source
- Calcium 120.74 mg Low Source
- Iron 3.41 mg Moderate
- Potassium 107.51 mg Low Source
- Vitamin A 14.23 mcg_rae Low Source
- Vitamin C 8.59 mg Low Source
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Gluten
- Corn 🌽
- Tomatoes 🍅
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
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