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Beef Tamale Bites Recipe

Beef Tamale Bites Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

Beef Tamale Bites are a flavorful and fun appetizer featuring tender, slow-cooked shredded beef on warm masa dough squares, topped with a zesty cilantro crema. This dish combines traditional Mexican spices and fresh ingredients to create bite-sized tamale-inspired treats perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 1 beef Chuck Arm Roast (3 to 4 pounds)
  • 1/4 cup Taco Seasoning Mix
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1–1/2 cups beef stock
  • 5 cloves
  • 3 dried guajillo chiles, seeds removed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
  • 3 limes, juiced
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce

Masa Dough

  • 3 cups beef stock
  • 1–1/2 cups masa harina
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Mix

Cilantro Crema

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Cilantro and lime wedges, optional for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot. Sprinkle the beef Chuck Arm Roast evenly with 1/4 cup taco seasoning. Brown the pot roast thoroughly on all sides to develop rich flavor.
  2. Add Aromatics and Cook: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, beef stock, cloves, dried guajillo chiles, fresh cilantro, lime juice, orange zest, orange juice, and hot pepper sauce to the Dutch oven. Cover tightly and cook in the oven for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F as measured by a meat thermometer, ensuring the beef is tender and falling apart.
  3. Shred Beef: Remove the roast from the oven and let it stand until cool enough to handle. Shred the beef finely using two forks.
  4. Prepare Masa Dough: In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups beef stock, masa harina, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix. Cook over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Chill Masa Dough: Coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the masa mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until fully cooled and firm.
  6. Cut and Brown Masa Pieces: Invert the masa dough onto a cutting board. Cut into thirty-six 1-inch pieces. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the masa pieces and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until warmed through and lightly browned.
  7. Top with Shredded Beef: Place a generous amount of shredded beef on top of each masa piece.
  8. Make Cilantro Crema: In a medium bowl, stir together sour cream, green onions, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  9. Assemble and Serve: Dollop each beef-topped masa bite with cilantro crema. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure the beef is cooked to 200°F internally for perfect shredding texture.
  • Guajillo chiles add a smoky mild heat; you can substitute with other dried chiles if unavailable.
  • Masa harina is traditional corn flour used for tamales and tortillas—do not substitute with regular cornmeal.
  • Refrigerate masa dough thoroughly so it firms up for easy cutting and cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer for best cooking results with the beef roast.
  • Adjust hot pepper sauce quantity to control spice level.
  • These tamale bites are best served fresh but can be reheated gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef tamale bites, Mexican appetizer, shredded beef tamales, masa harina tamales, party appetizers, slow-cooked beef, cilantro crema

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/beef-tamale-bites-recipe/