Instant Pot Tamales are lard-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. Depending on what filling you choose, they can easily be made vegan or vegetarian.
Typically tamale making is an all-day fiasco but with the Instant Pot, you can enjoy fresh tamales with ample side dishes in less than an hour. Seriously, it’s kinda mind-blowing! I have made these tamales on numerous occasions and I feel confident in saying they’re pretty fail-proof and forgiving.
My family used to have tamales around the holidays and it was something we always looked forward to. It wasn’t until I was browsing the aisles at our new grocery store and came across frozen tamale bags, that I realized how much I missed them. My husband and I decided to give them a try and they weren’t bad at all. However, we knew we could make our own at home and leave out some ingredients that didn’t necessarily need to be in there. Lookin at you, lard!
I love creating healthier versions of family favorites, and that’s exactly what this recipe is! No lard, no dairy, no egg – completely handmade from start to finish.
First things first, decide what filling you want. Vegetables, pork, chicken, ground beef. We went with ground beef because we had some leftover from making homemade meatballs earlier in the week. Cook your filling before moving onto making the tamal or dough. I have both tamal and masa in my panty, and technically either will work. (I suggest tamal for tamales and masa for homemade tortillas!) Follow the directions on the package but basically, all you do is combine the tamal/masa with water until a dough forms. It’s really that easy! From there, you’ll press the dough out on a corn husk, fill with veggies or meat, roll up, seal, and place in your pressure cooker to steam.
We served our tamales with tomatillo salsa, guacamole, beans, and rice. Yeah, we had a feast with just the two of us! Let me know if you make these by leaving me a comment or tagging #TheUrbenLife on Instagram.
Instant Pot Tamales
Ingredients
- 14 corn husks
For the dough
- 2 cups tamal
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the filling
- 1 pound seasoned ground beef, previously cooked (or another filling)
Toppings
- Tomatillo Salsa, Guacamole, Refried Beans
Instructions
- Rinse the corn husks and place them in a large bowl. Fill with warm water to cover and set aside.
- To form the dough, combine tamal, water, and vegetable oil in a small bowl. Mix using your hands until a soft paste-like dough is formed.
- Drain corn husks and carefully pat dry. Prepare your workstation by laying out several corn husks next to the dough and filling. Place steamer rack in Instant Pot and add 1 cup water.
- To fill the corn husks, use your fingers or back of a spoon to spread an even layer of the dough in the middle of the husk. Arrange a small amount of meat (or another filling) down the center of dough. Carefully fold the corn husks closed by pressing dough together, then rolling the husk, and folding the bottom. Place in Instant Pot standing up.
- To cook tamales, secure the lid and set the valve to pressure cooking position. Steam at high heat for 20 minutes.
- To serve, unroll tamales from the husk and top with tomatillo salsa, guacamole, and refried beans.
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What’s the best kind of tamal to buy? Tried looking for organic/nongmo if possoble..
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
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!
Yay, I’m thrilled to hear that 🙂
Did you have to add water or anything like that to the pot?
Hi Elena, yes in step #3 place steamer rack in Instant Pot and add 1 cup water.
Oh I just love tamales! Never thought about using my instant pot – genius!
Thanks, Amanda! I hope you give it a try 🙂
I have always wanted to make tamales…feeling so inspired! The instant pot makes it so easy!
LOVE THIS! Thanks for the comment 🙂
Whaaaat? Never thought about making tamales in an instant pot! Can’t wait to try.
Yayyy, let me know what you think!
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!
It’s so much fun making them homemade from scratch 🙂
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.
I love that!!
We love love love tamales in our house! I can’t wait to try out this recipe!
Woohoo, I hope y’all love them 🙂
We dont eat pork so this might be something we try…
Awesome! Yeah, fill them with whatever you want 🙂
I haven’t had a tamale in so long. YUM! I need to try to make them one of these days.
Yay!! I hope you love em
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!
That’s it 🙂 Let me know what you think!!
Looks so good! Think I need to try them out!!!!
I think so too 🙂
I still need to get an insta pot! Love this healthy alternative, thanks for sharing!
Yay, you’re welcome 🙂
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!
Totally 🙂 I hope you do!
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!
I really like it 🙂 It took me awhile to get used to it, but it’s great for fast weeknight meals
YUM, this is such an awesome way to make tamales!!
So glad you think so too 🙂 Enjoy!
This looks so good. Is it gluten free?
Thanks Michelle! Yes, it is 🙂
I need to get an Instant Pot! Love that you made these in 20min!
I love pressure cooking! I need to do it more often 🙂
I’ve never tried one but every time I see someone eating one – I want it. Thanks for this!
You’re welcome! I hope you finally get to try one… or two 🙂
We really love tamales! I had no idea that you were capable of making them in the IP.
Totally, so much easier!
Umm my husband would FREAK OUT for this meal! Totally pinning this to try this upcoming week!
WOO!!!! I hope y’all love them 🙂
I’ve never tried to make tamales before – this recipe seems pretty straight forward and tasty!
I hope you try it out 🙂 The IP is a total life saver