The Most Popular Tamale, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the Tamale you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:50
Tamales, a staple in many cultures, offer a variety of flavors and ingredients that can differ vastly from one region to another. Having a clear list of which tamale versions are favored by the majority can aid enthusiasts and newcomers in making culinary choices that are likely more satisfying. This is particularly useful when the options available are numerous and varied.
On this site, users have the power to cast their votes and influence the ranking of popular tamales. By participating, users not only learn about the diversity of this dish but also contribute to a broader understanding of its appeal. This interactive ranking system continuously updates to reflect new and changing preferences in the world of tamales.
What Is the Most Popular Tamale?
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176votes
Pork Tamale
Mexican cuisinePork tamales are the most popular form of tamales, which are made from masa (corn dough) filled with seasoned pork, chili sauce or salsa, and steamed in a corn husk. Pork tamales have a savory and slightly sweet taste, and they are often served with sour cream and guacamole.Pork Tamale is a traditional Mexican dish made with masa dough, filled with seasoned pork filling, and wrapped in a corn husk before being steamed or baked. It is a popular and beloved tamale variety known for its rich and savory flavors.- Origin: Mexico
- Masa Dough: Made from cornmeal or masa harina
- Filling: Seasoned pork
- Corn Husk: Used for wrapping
- Cooking Method: Steamed or baked
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238votes
Chicken Tamale
Mexican cuisineChicken tamales are another popular variation of tamales, made with shredded chicken, tomato sauce, and spices. They are less spicy than pork tamales, making them a great option for those who prefer milder flavors.The Chicken Tamale is a classic Mexican dish enjoyed by many food enthusiasts. It consists of a steamed corn masa dough filled with flavorful shredded chicken, seasoned with various spices and herbs. This delicious tamale is then wrapped in a corn husk and cooked until perfectly tender.- Region of Origin: Mexico
- Main Ingredient: Chicken
- Preparation Method: Steamed
- Wrapper: Corn Husk
- Texture: Soft and moist
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325votes
Beef Tamale
Mexican cuisineBeef tamales are a hearty and filling option, made with seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices. They are often served with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.Beef Tamale is a traditional Mexican dish made with a savory filling of seasoned beef, wrapped in a masa dough, and steamed or baked until it's tender and delicious.- Main Ingredients: Beef, masa dough
- Flavor Profile: Savory and rich
- Texture: Soft and moist
- Spiciness Level: Varies (can be mild or spicy depending on seasoning)
- Cooking Method: Steamed or baked
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412votesCheese and jalapeno tamales are a popular vegetarian option, made with a filling of cheese, diced jalapenos, and spices. They are often served with salsa or hot sauce for added flavor.The Cheese and Jalapeno Tamale is a delicious traditional Mexican dish that combines a savory masa dough filled with melted cheese and spicy jalapeno peppers. It is a popular variation of the classic tamale, known for its bold flavors and satisfying texture.
- Ingredients: Masa dough, cheese, jalapeno peppers
- Taste: Savory, cheesy, and spicy
- Texture: Soft and moist masa dough with gooey melted cheese
- Spiciness: Medium to high heat level, depending on the amount of jalapeno used
- Size: Typically palm-sized, individual portions
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517votes
Sweet Tamale
Maria MartinezSweet tamales are a dessert version of tamales, made with masa, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes fruit or nuts. They are often steamed in banana leaves instead of corn husks for a unique flavor.Sweet Tamale is a delightful twist on the traditional tamale, featuring a unique combination of flavors that satisfy any sweet tooth. It is a sweet version of the famous Latin American dish, with a soft and moist masa dough filled with a variety of sweet ingredients. The creator of the Sweet Tamale is Maria Martinez, a talented chef known for her innovative and creative approach to traditional recipes.- Sweet Fillings: Common fillings include chocolate, cinnamon, fruit compote, caramel, and sweetened cream.
- Masa Dough: Made with a combination of masa harina, sugar, butter, and sometimes flavored extracts.
- Steaming Method: Similar to traditional tamales, Sweet Tamales are typically steamed in corn husks or banana leaves.
- Texture: Soft and moist, with a subtly sweet and comforting taste.
- Variety: There is a wide range of flavor combinations available, allowing for endless possibilities.
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614votes
Vegetarian Tamale
Traditional Mexican cuisineVegetarian tamales are made without meat, and instead filled with a variety of vegetables, beans, and cheese. They are a delicious and healthy option for those who prefer plant-based meals.The Vegetarian Tamale is a flavorful and savory dish that caters to those following a vegetarian diet. It is a traditional Mexican delicacy made with masa dough, wrapped in a corn husk and steamed to perfection. The filling of the tamale is a combination of various vegetables, herbs, and spices, resulting in a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.- Main Ingredients: Masa dough, vegetables, herbs, spices
- Texture: Soft and moist
- Taste: Savory and flavorful
- Spiciness: Varies based on personal preference
- Preparation Time: Approximately 1-2 hours
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77votesGreen chile tamales are a popular variation of tamales in the Southwest, made with a filling of green chilies, cheese, and sometimes chicken or pork. They have a spicy and tangy flavor that is unique to the Southwest region.The Green Chile Tamale is a traditional Mexican dish that features a corn masa dough filled with a savory mixture of green chiles and other flavorful ingredients. It is steamed or boiled in a corn husk until cooked to perfection. The tamale has a vibrant green color and a spicy, smoky flavor profile that is loved by many.
- Main Ingredients: Corn masa dough, green chiles, spices
- Taste Profile: Spicy, smoky
- Texture: Soft and moist
- Color: Vibrant green
- Cooking Method: Steamed or boiled
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810votes
Black Bean Tamale
Traditional Mexican cuisineBlack bean tamales are a popular vegetarian option, made with a filling of black beans, spices, and sometimes cheese. They are often served with salsa or guacamole for added flavor.The Black Bean Tamale is a delicious and savory Mexican dish made with a fluffy masa dough filled with a flavorful mixture of black beans, spices, and sometimes cheese. It is wrapped in a corn husk and steamed to perfection, resulting in an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.- Ingredients: Masa dough, black beans, spices, and optional cheese
- Texture: Fluffy masa dough with a moist and tender filling
- Flavor: Rich and savory, with a hint of spices
- Corn Husk Wrapper: Gives a unique aroma and imparts a mild corn flavor
- Preparation: Assembled by spreading masa dough, adding bean filling, and steamed until cooked
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99votesRed tamales are a variation of tamales that are made with a red chili sauce, which gives them a slightly spicy and smoky flavor. They are often filled with beef, pork, or chicken and are a popular option in Mexican cuisine.The Red Tamale is a traditional Mexican dish that is a popular variation of the tamale. It gets its name from its vibrant red color, which is achieved by using red chili sauce or powder in the tamale dough. This tamale is known for its bold and spicy flavors.
- Color: Vibrant red
- Flavor: Bold and spicy
- Filling: Typically made with shredded meat, such as pork or chicken, mixed with red chili sauce or powder
- Dough: Made from masa harina (corn flour), lard or vegetable shortening, and seasoned with spices such as cumin and garlic
- Corn husk: Wrapped in a soaked corn husk for steaming
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101votesOaxacan tamales are a variation of tamales that are made with a unique filling of mole sauce, which is a savory and slightly sweet sauce made with chocolate, chilies, and spices. They are a specialty of the Oaxaca region of Mexico and are often served with a side of rice and beans.Oaxacan Tamale is a traditional Mexican dish originated from the Oaxaca region. It is a corn-based delicacy wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed to perfection. The tamale is known for its unique flavors and rich, satisfying taste, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
- Wrapper: Banana leaf
- Filling: Corn masa dough
- Protein: Varies (chicken, beef, pork, or vegetarian options)
- Spices: Oaxacan chili peppers, garlic, and other traditional seasonings
- Sauce: Often served with a side of salsa verde or mole
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Ranking factors for popular Tamale
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TraditionThe traditional value and origin of a Tamale play an important role in popularity. Some Tamales might have a cultural significance, while others are more commonly found in specific regions.
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AvailabilityThe availability of a particular Tamale can influence its popularity. Tamales that are easily accessible to a wider audience are likely to rank higher in popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Tamale. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Tamale is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1611 views
- 207 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Tamale once every 24 hours. The rank of each Tamale is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular tamale
Tamale is a traditional Mexican dish that has gained popularity worldwide. It is made of masa (a dough made of cornmeal), filled with various meats, vegetables, or cheese, and wrapped in a corn husk before being steamed or boiled. Tamale is often served during special occasions such as Christmas, Dia de los Muertos, and Mexican Independence Day.
There are various types of tamales, each with their unique flavor and ingredients. Some of the most popular types include the sweet corn tamale, chicken tamale, pork tamale, and vegetarian tamale. The flavors and fillings of tamales can vary depending on the region where they are made. For example, in the Yucatan Peninsula, tamales are often made with achiote (a red seasoning paste), while in Oaxaca, mole (a rich, spicy sauce) is used to flavor the filling.
The popularity of tamales has led to numerous debates about which type is the best. Some people prefer the traditional pork tamale, while others enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken tamale. Regardless of which type is your favorite, one thing is for sure: tamales are a delicious and beloved dish that has become an important part of Mexican cuisine.
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