There’s something magical about the aroma of Mexican Tamales Breakfast wafting through the house, instantly transporting you to a vibrant kitchen filled with laughter and love. hearty breakfast side dish Imagine soft, steamy tamales filled with savory goodness, ready to be devoured at the breakfast table while everyone eagerly awaits that first bite.
As I remember my abuela’s kitchen bustling with activity, the sounds of laughter mingled with the sizzle of masa on the griddle. These tamales were not just food; they were memories wrapped in corn dough, perfect for those cherished mornings when family gathered to share stories over breakfast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delectable Mexican Tamales Breakfast is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings
- The rich flavors and textures will make your tastebuds dance with joy
- Visually stunning with their colorful fillings, these tamales are sure to impress
- Enjoy them alone or as a side dish for brunch gatherings or festive occasions
Sharing this recipe brings back fond memories of my friends’ amazed reactions at my cooking skills during a recent brunch gathering.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Masa Harina: Choose high-quality masa harina for authentic flavor and texture; it’s key for creating that perfect tamale base.
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Chicken or Pork Filling: Opt for tender, seasoned meat; leftovers work wonderfully here too for added convenience.
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Corn Husks: Soak them in warm water before use; they should be pliable enough to wrap your tamales easily.
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Red Chili Sauce: A homemade sauce adds depth; adjust spiciness according to your preference and taste buds. delicious garlic dipping sauce.
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Cheese (optional): Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese can elevate flavors; it melts beautifully inside the tamales. spicy side dish option.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Follow these steps to create your own batch of delightful Mexican Tamales Breakfast! savory mushroom recipe.
Prepare Your Corn Husks: Begin by soaking corn husks in warm water for about an hour until they’re soft and pliable; this ensures easy wrapping later on.
Mix the Masa Dough: In a large bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, salt, and softened butter until light and fluffy; it should feel like cloud-like goodness.
Add Liquid Components: Gradually mix in warm chicken broth until you achieve a smooth dough consistency that easily holds its shape without being sticky. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Create Your Filling: In a separate bowl, mix cooked chicken or pork with red chili sauce and cheese if desired; aim for a well-combined mixture that packs flavor.
Assemble Your Tamales: Take a soaked corn husk and spread 2 tablespoons of masa dough on one side. Add a spoonful of filling and carefully fold it up tightly before securing it with another husk or kitchen twine.
Steam Until Perfectly Cooked: Arrange tamales upright in a steamer pot over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 1-1.5 hours until masa is firm but tender; enjoy the mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen!
And there you have it! A simple yet rewarding process that results in delicious homemade Mexican Tamales Breakfast perfect for sharing with family and friends. For more inspiration, check out this crispy potato pancakes recipe.
You Must Know
- Mexican tamales for breakfast are a delightful way to start your day
- These little bundles of joy bring warmth and comfort, perfect for sharing with family
- The aroma of freshly steamed tamales will make your kitchen feel like a fiesta
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking your corn husks in warm water while preparing the masa. Steam the tamales upright for 1 to 1.5 hours, ensuring they’re fully cooked and fluffy.

Add Your Touch
Experiment with different fillings like chorizo, cheese, or veggies to create unique flavors. Don’t forget to add spices for an extra kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tamales in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat them in a steamer or microwave for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect tamales, ensure your masa is moist but not too wet
- Use fresh ingredients for filling and don’t rush the steaming process; patience is key!
- This ensures every bite bursts with flavor and texture
I remember the first time I made tamales; my kitchen looked like a tornado hit it! My friends still tease me about the flour explosion, but they loved the tamales so much that they didn’t care.

FAQ
How long does it take to steam Mexican tamales for breakfast?
Steaming usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours until they’re fully cooked.
Can I use different fillings for my tamales?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with various meats or vegetarian options.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover tamales?
Reheating in a steamer keeps them moist and delicious.
Mexican Tamales Breakfast
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: Serves 8 tamales 1x
Description
Mexican Tamales Breakfast is a delightful and hearty dish that captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. Soft, savory tamales are filled with tender meat and enveloped in a warm masa dough, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. The vibrant flavors and comforting aromas will transport you to festive family kitchens filled with laughter. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to create a batch of tamales that will impress your loved ones and bring warmth to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 cups warm chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken or pork, shredded
- 1 cup red chili sauce
- Corn husks (soaked in warm water)
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (optional)
Instructions
- Soak corn husks in warm water for about an hour until pliable.
- In a large bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, salt, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add warm chicken broth to the masa mixture until achieving a smooth dough consistency.
- In another bowl, combine shredded chicken or pork with red chili sauce (and cheese if using).
- Spread 2 tablespoons of masa dough on one corn husk, place a spoonful of filling on top, fold tightly, and secure with another husk or kitchen twine.
- Arrange tamales upright in a steamer pot over boiling water. Cover and steam for 1 to 1.5 hours until firm but tender.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tamale (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg





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