Instant Pot Pork Tamales

Today you’re going to impress your friends and family with these mouthwatering Instant Pot Pork Tamales! This traditional Mexican dish is made easier with the help of your trusty Instant Pot.

The results will be tender, flavorful pork and perfectly steamed tamales. With this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy homemade pork tamales without spending all day in the kitchen.

Let’s dive into the world of Instant Pot Pork Tamales and bring a taste of Mexico to your table!

With this Instant Pot Pork Tamales recipe, you’ll be able to bring the authentic taste of Mexico to your kitchen without spending hours laboring over the stove. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process quicker and more convenient, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade tamales any day of the week.

Plus, this recipe is easily customizable to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and start making some amazing Instant Pot Pork Tamales that everyone will love!

Common Questions About Instant Pot Pork Tamales

Can I use a different meat instead of pork?

Yes, you can substitute the pork with other meats such as chicken or beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the meat you’re using.

How do I know when the tamales are done?

Tamales are done when the masa has set and easily pulls away from the corn husk. The filling should be fully cooked and tender.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the pork filling with a vegetarian option such as sauteed vegetables, beans, or cheese.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftover cooked tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze both cooked and uncooked tamales in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Tips

• Make sure to soak the corn husks for at least 2 hours to make them pliable and easy to work with.
• When assembling the tamales, avoid overfilling them, as the masa dough will expand during cooking.
• Use gloves when handling the dried chiles to avoid skin irritation.
• To adjust the spiciness of the dish, change how many of the dried chilis you use.

Ingredients

• Corn husks
• Pork shoulder
• White onion
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Minced garlic
• Chipotle chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Bay leaves
• Chicken broth
• Roma tomatoes
• Dried guajillo chiles
• Dried ancho chiles
• Onion powder
• Instant corn masa harina
• Baking powder
• Vegetable oil

How to Make Instant Pot Pork Tamales

Corn Husks

1. Rinse the corn husks well.
2. Place the husks into a deep bowl or Dutch oven.
3. Add enough water to cover the husks.
4. Place something heavy over the husks to press them down into the water.
5. Allow the husks to soak for 2 to 5 hours.

Pork

1. Place the pork into an electric pressure cooker.
2. Add the water, onion, and seasonings over the pork.
3. Program the pressure cooker, using manual or pressure cook setting for 50 minutes.
4. Once the cooking cycle is completed, allow the pressure to naturally release.
5. Remove the pork from the electric pressure cooker and shred it with two forks.
6. Reserve one cup of the broth, preferably without the grease. Discard the remaining juices and clean the electric pressure cooker liner.

Sauce

1. Place 2 cups of chicken broth and the other ingredients for the sauce into a medium saucepan.
2. Bring the ingredients to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the chilies are softened.
4. CAREFULLY transfer the ingredients in the saucepan to a blender and blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes or until the ingredients are completely puréed. If the sauce is not thin enough for your preference, add in the remaining cup of chicken broth. Take caution when blending hot liquids – they can splatter.
5. Stir about 1 cup of the red sauce into the shredded pork. The meat should be coated in the sauce but not soupy. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.

Masa

1. In a large bowl, add the corn masa harina, salt, and baking powder. Whisk together until blended.
2. Add the oil to the masa and blend until completely mixed. The texture will be like damp sand.
3. Pour the reserved cooking liquid from the pork into the masa and blend until completely mixed.
4. Then, add the chicken broth about 1 cup at a time until the masa is like smooth peanut butter.

Assemble the Tamales

1. Drain the corn husks.
2. Working with one husk at a time, spread about ¼ cup of the masa mixture over the wide end of the corn husk, covering about ⅔ of the husk.
3. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the pork filling in the middle of the corn masa.
4. Fold the tamale by bringing the sides over the filling, overlapping the edges. Then, bend the bottom tip, folding upwards.
5. Fill the electric pressure cooker with the minimum amount of water recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Slide a steamer basket into the electric pressure cooker.
7. Stand the tamales vertically in the basket.
8. Seal the electric pressure cooker and program using the manual or pressure cook for 10 minutes.
9. Perform a quick release of the pressure.
10. Let the tamales rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
11. To serve, unwrap the tamales and serve with the remaining sauce.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Instant Pot Pork Tamales

• Instant Pot
• Steamer basket
• Blender
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula

What to Serve With Instant Pot Pork Tamales

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans
• Guacamole
• Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
• Sour cream or crema
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

Why You Should Make Instant Pot Pork Tamales

• Authentic taste: This recipe captures the traditional flavors of Mexican tamales while making the process easier with an Instant Pot.
• Time-saving: The Instant Pot reduces the cooking time for the pork and steaming of the tamales, making it a more manageable recipe for busy home cooks.
• Crowd-pleaser: Tamales are a universally loved dish that can impress your family and friends at gatherings or special occasions.
• Customizable: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit different taste preferences and dietary requirements by changing the filling or sauce.
• Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for convenient future meals.

Variations and Add-Ins for Instant Pot Pork Tamales

• Chicken or beef: Substitute the pork filling with shredded chicken or beef, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
• Vegetarian: Replace the pork with sauteed vegetables, beans, or cheese for a vegetarian option.
• Green sauce: Use a tomatillo-based green sauce instead of the red sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Spiciness: Adjust the amount of dried chiles or add fresh jalapenos to the filling to control the heat level.
• Cheese: Add a layer of shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack or queso fresco, on top of the pork filling before folding the tamales.

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If you love this tamales recipe, you’re going to love these other awesome Mexican-inspired dishes you can serve with them too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Pork Recipes to Try

Sweet Pork Barbacoa

Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Salsa Pulled Pork Tacos

Baked Pulled Pork Taquitos

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

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