Description
These Beef Tamale Bites are a delicious and savory appetizer featuring tender shredded beef slow-cooked with aromatic spices and chilies, served on flavorful masa harina squares and topped with a zesty cilantro crema. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these bite-sized treats offer a bold combination of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors wrapped in a comforting masa base.
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
Garnish (optional)
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your 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 roast thoroughly on all sides to develop rich flavor, creating a caramelized crust.
- Add Aromatics and Cook: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, 1-1/2 cups 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 place in the oven. Cook for about 3 hours or until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 200°F, ensuring it is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred Beef: Remove the roast from the oven and allow it to cool until safe to handle. Using two forks, shred the beef finely, absorbing the infused flavors.
- 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 becomes smooth and slightly thickened, forming a pliable masa dough.
- Chill Masa Dough: Coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the masa dough into the dish and spread it evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour until the masa has set and become firm.
- Cut and Brown Masa Pieces: Once firm, invert the masa dough onto a cutting board. Cut into thirty-six 1-inch squares. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Cook the masa squares for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until warmed through and lightly browned, adding a subtle crispness.
- Top with Shredded Beef: Place a generous amount of shredded beef on top of each masa square, layering flavors and textures.
- Make Cilantro Crema: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, green onions, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined to create a refreshing, tangy crema.
- Assemble and Serve: Dollop the cilantro crema onto each beef-topped masa bite. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the full burst of flavors and textures.
Notes
- For extra heat, finely chop one of the guajillo chiles after rehydration and add it to the masa dough.
- If masa harina is unavailable, substitute with cornmeal but expect a slightly different texture.
- Leftover shredded beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for internal doneness to ensure perfectly tender beef.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute beef with seasoned jackfruit and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Braising, Baking, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tamale bites
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Beef Tamale Bites, Mexican appetizer, masa harina recipe, shredded beef, party snacks, guajillo chile, cilantro crema
