Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by Ed Joven
How to cook Filipino Tamales
Filipino Tamales Recipe - The great thing about food is that it is flexible. There are many different kinds of variations of food in different countries. One dish in Mexico that we have adapted here in the Philippines is the Tamales. Filipinos liked the Mexican style too, but we also added our flavor and culture in it.
For those of you who are new to this, the Filipino Tamales is a combination of rice, rice flour, coconut milk, garlic, shrimp, chicken, and many other kinds of protein. It is quite an identical recipe, but since you can't find all Mexican ingredients here in the Philippines, we use what we can find here.
This Filipino style Tamales hit the right spot in the palette of many Filipinos.
Are you going on a reunion? Planning a grand feast for your family or looking for something to share during a festival? This Filipino Tamales Recipe would be a great choice.
Try the recipe and see for yourself how delectable it is.
Filipino Tamales Recipe Ingredients and Cooking Procedure: |
Filipino Tamales Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ kilo chicken fillet
- ⅛ kilo shrimp peeled and cooked
- 1 tablespoon Canola oil
- 1 small onion peeled and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 4 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth reserved from cooking the chicken
- 2¼ cups rice flour
- 1 tablespoon atsuete powder diluted in 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
- 3 pcs hardboiled eggs peeled and quartered
- salt and pepper to taste
For wrapping Tamales:
- 10 pieces 8 x 8 inches banana leaves
- kitchen twine
Instructions
- In a saucepan add chicken and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, remove the scum that may float on top. When broth has cleared, season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Drain chicken, reserving about 1 cup of the broth. Allow chicken to cool to touch and then flake.
- In a pan over medium heat, heat oil.
- Add onions and garlic and cook until softened. Add coconut milk and broth and bring to a gentle boil. Slowly add rice flour, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring regularly, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth and resembling a thick paste.
- Separate ⅔ of the mixture into one bowl and the remaining ⅓ to another bowl. To ⅓ of the mixture, add the dissolved annatto and the peanut butter. Stir until well combined and evenly colored.
- Wash banana leaves and with a paper towel, wipe down any grit or dirt. Briefly pass through gas flames or soak for a few minutes in hot water until softened and more pliable.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of plain mixture on banana leaf and spread to about 3-inches wide. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the colored mixture onto plain mixture and spread across top. Top with eggs and flaked chicken.
- Fold banana leaves over tamale mixture to fully enclose. Tie with kitchen twine to secure. Arrange prepared tamales on steamer basket and steam for about 20 to 30 minutes or until cooked. Alternatively, arrange tamales in a pot and add enough water to cover. Over medium heat, boil for about 20 to 30 minutes. Gently remove tamales from heat and let stand for 1 or 2 minutes to set a little. May be served hot or cold.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Filipino Tamales is very famous in Pampanga Province, and they serve this for breakfast or snack. This Filipino version of Tamales is different from the Mexican Tamale.
Filipino Favorite Chicken Recipes:
- Chicken Pandan Recipe
- Chicken Pastil Recipe
- Creamy Chicken Pastel Recipe
- Filipino Tamales Recipe
- Max’s style Fried Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Salpicao Recipe
- Adobong Adidas (Chicken Feet Adobo)
- Kalderetang Manok
- Chicken Asado Recipe
- Top 20 Filipino Chicken Recipes
Babes Flores says
I've been looking for tamales in the market for so long. I used to eat tamales when I was a kid. Thanks to your wonderful pinoy recipe.
Kristen.Eri says
This tamales recipe looks good and yummy.
Margaret S Porter says
These look easy to make!
April Monty says
These look really good my guys would so love them,must make them
LeslieC says
My kids love Tamales but I've never tried making them myself!
Lauryn R says
I love tamales! This sounds like a delicious twist, thanks for sharing!
Calvin F. says
Looks like chinese sticky rice in banana leaf, but with a twist!
Sarah L says
An interesting twist on tamales.
Kimberly Flickinger says
I honestly have never cooked or eaten tamales, definitely a food that I need to put on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing.
Rachael DeBates says
looks so yummylicious! trying this recipe this weekend