Tamale Dough Recipe

Tamale dough(masa) is the foundation of the perfect tamal. Tamale masa can be made in two ways; buy it already made from a tortilleria or make it yourself with Masa Harina. If you don't have access to fresh masa from a tortilleria, this recipe from Maseca is a great substitute. This recipe takes only a few ingredients and is easy to make.

Jump to Recipe

Tamales originated from Mesoamerica from as early as 8000 to 5000 B.C. From here it spread to Mexico, Guatemala, and the rest of Latin America. The word "tamale" derives from the Nahuatl word "Tamal" one of the Aztec's primary languages during their empire.

Tamales are a simple mixture of corn masa (dough) – sometimes filled with sweet or savory fillings and then wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks for cooking. 

What's in Tamale Masa

Corn Flour (Masa Harina)- I use two brands when making masa for tamales, Maseca Tamal and Masa Harina de Maiz. I prefer Maseca, but if I can't find it in the grocery store, I use Masa Harina.

I use this corn flour 

Lard/Shortening - I use lard for a more authentic taste, but vegetable shortening is a perfect substitute for making tamale masa.

Spices - Salt, garlic powder, and onion powder give the masa that mouth-watering taste. I make just masa tamales...just masa wrapped in a corn husk. My younger grandkids love the masa tamales, and I love them with salsa on top.

Broth - The chicken broth is what my Abuelitas (grandmothers) used, and some of my Tias (aunts) used half water and beef broth. If you don't have either, just use plain old water.

Baking powder -  Baking powder is used in some tamale dough as a leavening agent, which helps the dough rise a bit, and provides a thicker dough. 

How to Make Tamale Masa/Dough

Step-by-step Instructions:

Gather dry ingredients in a large bowl, Masa Harina, salt, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder

Add chicken broth or water, and mix thoroughly in the stand mixer or by hand until you have a soft moist dough

Add the moistened Masa Harina/Maseca mixture to the whipped lard/or shortening mixture. 

Mix until a pea-size piece of masa floats in a cup of cold water

The consistency of masa should be smooth like peanut butter and spread easily on tamale husk. Spread about a 4-inch square on the husk...I like tamale dough so I spread it extra wide.

Variations of Tamales Dough:

• Add 1/2 cup red chile sauce to the dough for red masa

• Add cheese to masa when making green corn tamales

• Add 2 tablespoons of sugar for sweet tamales

Follow us for more Delicious Recipes!

Subscribe to my Newsletter, and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all my latest recipes.

Tamale Dough Recipe