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    Home » Food and Drink » Entrees

    Instant Pot Tamales without Lard

    July 27, 2018 by Jenna Urben 59 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Fill your Instant Pot Tamales with tender pork, chicken, beef, or your favorite vegetarian protein. Thanks to cooking in the pressure cooker, they’re done in a fraction of time. Yields about 1 dozen savory tamales!

    Instant Pot Tamales | The Urben Life

    Easy Lard-Free Tamales

    If you’re wanting to make tamales at home but are short on time, this Instant Pot Tamales recipe is for you!

    I grew up enjoying tamales around the holidays, especially on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. It's a special tradition that I hope to carry on!

    Now that my husband and I are hosting holidays and celebrations in our home, I wanted to learn how to make tamales from scratch.

    They're fun to make and a family favorite. Plus you can't beat that savory fluffy bite.

    Ingredient Notes

    • Masa: Make masa from scratch using masa harina, water, and vegetable oil. No lard, no problem!
    • Filling: Savory tamales can be filled with shredded beef, fresh green chiles, shredded chicken, tender pork, seasoned black beans, or even seafood.
    Easy Instant Pot Tamales The Urben Life

    How to Make Instant Pot Tamales

    I have made these tamales on numerous occasions and feel confident in saying they're pretty fail-proof and forgiving.

    Step 1: Cook your filling

    Start by preparing your filling or multiple fillings. Tamales are commonly stuffed with pork, chicken, beef, beans, and cheese. Once your desired fillings are cooked, set aside.

    Step 2: Make the masa

    To make the masa dough, combine masa harina, water, and vegetable oil together in a small mixing bowl. Mix using your hands until a soft dough forms.

    Step 3: Assemble the tamales

    Next up, assembling! Prepare your workstation by laying out several dry corn husks along with the prepared filling and masa.

    To assemble each tamal, use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread an even layer of masa in the middle of the corn husk.

    Arrange a small amount of filling down the center of the masa, then carefully fold the corn husks closed. Do this by pressing the masa dough together, then rolling the corn husk, and folding the bottom.

    Step 4: Prepare the pressure cooker

    Finally, get ready to cook the tamales in the Instant Pot! Place steamer rack in the Instant Pot and add about 1 cup of water.

    Step 5: Steam the tamales

    Place assembled tamales in the Instant Pot standing up. To cook tamales, secure lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to pressure cooking position.

    Set the timer to high pressure for 30 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.

    If the masa looks undercooked, add a splash more water to the Instant Pot, and cook for an additional 10 minutes on high pressure.

    Additionally, I like to let my cooked tamales sit for 10-15 minutes to continue to firm up.

    To serve, unroll tamales from the husk and enjoy!

    Storage Tips

    • Leftovers: Place leftover tamales in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
    • To freeze: Freeze tamales in a freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
    • How to reheat: Warm them in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until heated through.
    Lard Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Instant Pot Tamales from The Urben Life

    Try these recipe next:

    • Homemade Tomatillo Salsa
    • Crispy Ground Beef Flautas
    • Vegan Street Corn Dip
    • Dairy Free Enchiladas
    • Spicy Avocado Crema
    • Dairy Free 5 Layer Dip
    Instant Pot Tamales | The Urben Life

    Instant Pot Tamales

    Fill your Instant Pot Tamales with tender pork, chicken, beef, or your favorite vegetarian protein. Thanks to cooking in the pressure cooker, they’re done in a fraction of time. Yields about 1 dozen savory tamales!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 14 tamales

    Ingredients
      

    • 14 corn husks approximately

    For the masa

    • 2 cups masa harina
    • 1 ½ cups water
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

    For the filling

    • 1 pound pork, chicken, beef, beans, vegetables, etc.
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you're cooking!

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse the corn husks and place them in a large bowl. Fill with warm water to cover and set aside.
    • To make the masa, combine 2 cups masa harina, 1 ½ cups water, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil together in a small mixing bowl. Mix using your hands until a soft paste-like dough forms.
    • Drain corn husks and carefully pat dry. Prepare your workstation by laying out several dry corn husks along with the prepared filling and masa. Place steamer rack in the Instant Pot and add about 1 cup of water.
    • To assemble each tamal, use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread an even layer of masa in the middle of the corn husk.
    • Arrange a small amount of filling down the center of the masa, then carefully fold the corn husks closed. Do this by pressing the masa dough together, then rolling the corn husk, and folding the bottom.
    • Place assembled tamales in the Instant Pot standing up. To cook tamales, secure lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to pressure cooking position.
    • Set the timer to high pressure for 30 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
    • If the masa looks undercooked, add a splash more water to the Instant Pot, and cook for an additional 10 minutes on high pressure.
    • Additionally, I like to let my cooked tamales sit for 10-15 minutes to continue to firm up.
    • To serve, unroll tamales from the husk and enjoy!

    Notes

    Filling ideas: Savory tamales can be filled with shredded beef, fresh green chiles, shredded chicken, tender pork, seasoned black beans, or even seafood.
    How to store cooked tamales: Place leftover tamales in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, place tamales in a freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
    To reheat: Warm tamales in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until heated through.
    Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or review in the form below, then snap a picture and tag me @theurbenlife on Instagram!

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    About Jenna Urben

    Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Pamela Godbold

      December 24, 2020 at 7:32 pm

      Quick release or natural?

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        December 25, 2020 at 11:05 am

        Let the steam release naturally, for at least 10 minutes

        Reply
    2. Grace

      November 16, 2020 at 10:55 am

      Hi I was wondering how much of the mass dough I should put on each corn husk?

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 16, 2020 at 1:12 pm

        Hi Grace 🙂 Great question! I'd say to use about 1/4 cup of dough, then use your fingers or back of a spoon to spread an even layer of the dough in the middle of the husk.

        Reply
    3. Laura

      May 01, 2020 at 10:37 am

      Hi - by (the ingredient) tamal, do you mean masa? Isn't tamal the singular of tamales? I'm confused by what ingredients I need for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        May 01, 2020 at 10:45 am

        Sorry for the confusion, Laura! Correct, you will need masa harina. The brand I use Maseca, has two bags and one of them says Tamal on it. I will make a note of it in the recipe.

        Here's the exact product I have: https://amzn.to/2yWzRNU (affiliate link)

        Reply
      • maria Peterson

        January 16, 2021 at 8:22 pm

        1= tamal
        2+= tamales

        Correct, singular vs plural.

        Reply
    4. Carol

      September 30, 2019 at 11:02 pm

      Can these be made low sodium?

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        October 01, 2019 at 9:04 am

        Absolutely! Use filling and seasoning that fits your needs and preferences 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jules Shepard

      July 06, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      5 stars
      Instant Pot Tamales? I guess I'll just have to give them a go - YUM!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 06, 2019 at 3:15 pm

        Yeah!!! Let me know what you think 🙂

        Reply
    6. Taylor

      December 18, 2018 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      What's the best kind of tamal to buy? Tried looking for organic/nongmo if possoble..

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        December 18, 2018 at 12:59 pm

        Hi Taylor, thanks for your comment! I have only used Maseca Tamal Instant Corn Masa Mix to make tamales.

        Bob's Red Mill has an organic masa harina, that can be used to make tortillas and tamales. Here's a link to that, if you're interested in checking it out: https://amzn.to/2R36h0x

        Reply
    7. Jessica

      August 03, 2018 at 7:48 pm

      This looks so delicious yet simple to make! I've never tried making my own tamales at home, but you're definitely inspired me to give it a go!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        August 04, 2018 at 12:49 pm

        Yay, I'm thrilled to hear that 🙂

        Reply
    8. Elena

      August 03, 2018 at 1:21 pm

      Did you have to add water or anything like that to the pot?

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        August 04, 2018 at 12:48 pm

        Hi Elena, yes in step #3 place steamer rack in Instant Pot and add 1 cup water.

        Reply
    9. Amanda Martin

      August 01, 2018 at 9:26 am

      Oh I just love tamales! Never thought about using my instant pot - genius!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        August 01, 2018 at 10:48 am

        Thanks, Amanda! I hope you give it a try 🙂

        Reply
    10. Jen

      August 01, 2018 at 9:17 am

      5 stars
      I have always wanted to make tamales...feeling so inspired! The instant pot makes it so easy!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        August 01, 2018 at 10:48 am

        LOVE THIS! Thanks for the comment 🙂

        Reply
    11. Brittany

      August 01, 2018 at 12:18 am

      Whaaaat? Never thought about making tamales in an instant pot! Can't wait to try.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        August 01, 2018 at 10:48 am

        Yayyy, let me know what you think!

        Reply
    12. Julie

      July 31, 2018 at 9:02 pm

      I've always wanted to make tamales, but I have never done it. Maybe I can try your recipe, my family loves this type of food. I've really got to get myself an instant pot, I keep hearing about them!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        August 01, 2018 at 10:47 am

        It's so much fun making them homemade from scratch 🙂

        Reply
    13. valmg @ Mom Knows It All

      July 31, 2018 at 5:27 pm

      I haven't had tamales in ages. I love my electric pressure cookers, they have become my favorite appliance and I use one almost every night if I'm cooking.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        August 01, 2018 at 10:47 am

        I love that!!

        Reply
    14. Liz Chapman

      July 31, 2018 at 4:25 pm

      5 stars
      We love love love tamales in our house! I can't wait to try out this recipe!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 31, 2018 at 4:26 pm

        Woohoo, I hope y'all love them 🙂

        Reply
    15. Lanell

      July 31, 2018 at 2:43 pm

      We dont eat pork so this might be something we try...

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 31, 2018 at 4:10 pm

        Awesome! Yeah, fill them with whatever you want 🙂

        Reply
    16. Heather

      July 31, 2018 at 1:53 pm

      I haven't had a tamale in so long. YUM! I need to try to make them one of these days.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 31, 2018 at 4:09 pm

        Yay!! I hope you love em

        Reply
    17. Marcie

      July 31, 2018 at 1:17 pm

      5 stars
      I've never been too impressed with tamales, but I think I just haven't had GOOD ones before. This recipe looks awesome and I'm excited to try! Plus, any excuse to use my Instant Pot!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 31, 2018 at 4:09 pm

        That's it 🙂 Let me know what you think!!

        Reply
    18. Caitlin Golder

      July 31, 2018 at 1:02 pm

      Looks so good! Think I need to try them out!!!!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 31, 2018 at 3:44 pm

        I think so too 🙂

        Reply
    19. Raina

      July 31, 2018 at 10:40 am

      I still need to get an insta pot! Love this healthy alternative, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 31, 2018 at 11:52 am

        Yay, you're welcome 🙂

        Reply
    20. Marysa

      July 31, 2018 at 8:02 am

      I absolutely love tamales, but I've never made them before. This sounds like a really easy way to make them in the instant pot. I'll have to give this a try sometime!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 31, 2018 at 11:52 am

        Totally 🙂 I hope you do!

        Reply
    21. Karla Cook

      July 30, 2018 at 6:40 pm

      I keep hearing about the Instant Pot but it's not something I've used before. Sounds like it would be a very handy appliance to have. Your tamale recipe looks yummy!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 30, 2018 at 8:37 pm

        I really like it 🙂 It took me awhile to get used to it, but it's great for fast weeknight meals

        Reply
    22. Leigh Suznovich

      July 30, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      YUM, this is such an awesome way to make tamales!!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 30, 2018 at 5:23 pm

        So glad you think so too 🙂 Enjoy!

        Reply
    23. Michelle

      July 29, 2018 at 11:44 pm

      This looks so good. Is it gluten free?

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 30, 2018 at 11:31 am

        Thanks Michelle! Yes, it is 🙂

        Reply
    24. Nicole Hood

      July 28, 2018 at 1:17 pm

      I need to get an Instant Pot! Love that you made these in 20min!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 29, 2018 at 5:40 pm

        I love pressure cooking! I need to do it more often 🙂

        Reply
    25. Shan Walker

      July 28, 2018 at 12:12 pm

      I've never tried one but every time I see someone eating one - I want it. Thanks for this!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 30, 2018 at 5:32 pm

        You're welcome! I hope you finally get to try one... or two 🙂

        Reply
    26. Becca Wilson

      July 28, 2018 at 9:51 am

      We really love tamales! I had no idea that you were capable of making them in the IP.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 29, 2018 at 5:39 pm

        Totally, so much easier!

        Reply
    27. Rachel

      July 27, 2018 at 8:26 pm

      Umm my husband would FREAK OUT for this meal! Totally pinning this to try this upcoming week!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 29, 2018 at 5:39 pm

        WOO!!!! I hope y'all love them 🙂

        Reply
    28. Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat.

      July 27, 2018 at 6:37 pm

      I've never tried to make tamales before - this recipe seems pretty straight forward and tasty!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        July 29, 2018 at 5:38 pm

        I hope you try it out 🙂 The IP is a total life saver

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Caldo de res - Berry&Maple says:
      July 12, 2019 at 1:43 pm

      […] Mexican food just like i do? Try this delicious Instant Pot tamales! They are so […]

      Reply
    2. 100 Dairy Free and Gluten Free Instant Pot Recipes • The Fit Cookie says:
      January 24, 2019 at 1:57 pm

      […] Instant Pot Tamales (gluten free, dairy free, egg free) – The Urben Life […]

      Reply

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