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Best Easy Tamales de Pescado Recipe

Name: Best Easy Tamales de Pescado Recipe
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 180 g
Ingredients: fresh white fish fillet 18 oz; masa harina 2 cups; chicken broth 1.5 cups; banana leaves 6 pieces; baking powder 1 tsp; olive oil 2 tbsp; fresh cilantro 0.25 cup; lime juice 2 tbsp; garlic cloves 2 cloves; salt 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp

Fresh fish wrapped in masa and steamed in banana leaves, a coastal Mexican specialty. These protein-rich, healthy family tamales bring delicate seafood flavors to a traditional format.

Cook 75 min Difficulty NORMAL 215 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

fresh white fish fillet 18 oz
masa harina 2 cups
chicken broth 1.5 cups
banana leaves 6 pieces
baking powder 1 tsp

Seasonings/Sauce

olive oil 2 tbsp
fresh cilantro 0.25 cup
lime juice 2 tbsp
garlic cloves 2 cloves
salt 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 28 g 52%

Protein 14 g 26%

Fat 5 g 22%

Serving size 180g

Cooking steps

1

Prepare banana leaves: Cut into large rectangles and briefly pass over direct flame or hot skillet until pliable and fragrant. Set aside.
2

Combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add chicken broth and olive oil, mixing by hand until dough is smooth, soft, and holds shape without cracking.
3

In a separate bowl, season fish fillets with lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, black pepper, and a little salt. Let marinate 15 minutes.
4

Lay each banana leaf shiny-side up on your work surface. Spread 1/2 cup masa in the center, flattening evenly. Place 3 oz seasoned fish on top.
5

Fold banana leaves over filling to seal well, then tie or fold edges securely. Place tamales seam side down in a steamer basket.
6

Steam over simmering water for 60–70 minutes, making sure water stays just below the tamales and replenishing as needed. Do not let tamales touch boiling water directly.
7

Tamales are done when masa is firm and pulls cleanly away from the leaf. Let cool 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The star ingredient in these tamales is fresh white fish fillet, which gives the dish its unique coastal flavor and delicate texture. Combined with lightly seasoned masa and the herbal note from banana leaves, the fish defines the identity of Tamales de Pescado.

Q. How is perfect texture achieved when steaming tamales?

Achieving the right texture requires careful steaming: maintain consistent heat so the water simmers but does not boil over and touch the tamales. Well-pliable banana leaves seal in moisture, preventing dry masa, while cooling for 10 minutes after steaming helps the masa set firmly and cleanly separate from the leaf.

Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?

Each serving of Tamales de Pescado provides approximately 215 kcal and 14 grams of protein, with protein making up roughly 26% of total calories. That means it's a protein-rich, lighter alternative to heavier meat tamales.

Q. Which ingredient most impacts the flavor profile?

Besides the fish, fresh cilantro and lime juice in the seasoning stand out, adding bright, aromatic layers that balance the natural sweetness of the masa and the subtle earthiness from banana leaves.

Best Easy Tamales de Pescado Recipe

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