Best Easy Tamales de Mole Amarillo Recipe

Oaxacan tamales filled with chicken in golden mole amarillo, wrapped in banana leaves. These protein-packed family celebration tamales deliver the distinctive tang of yellow mole.

Cook 130 min Difficulty HARD 385 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • masa harina 2 cups
  • chicken breast, cooked and shredded 12 oz
  • chicken broth 1.25 cups
  • unsalted butter 4 tbsp
  • banana leaves, thawed 6 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • dried guajillo chiles, seeded 4 pieces
  • yellow tomatoes, chopped 2 pieces
  • white onion, diced 0.5 pieces
  • garlic cloves 2 cloves
  • pumpkin seeds (pepitas), ground 0.25 cup
  • oregano 1 tsp
  • cumin 0.5 tsp
  • salt 1.5 tsp
  • lime juice 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 44 g 46%
Protein 19 g 20%
Fat 15 g 34%
Serving size 190g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat; toast the banana leaves for 10 seconds each side until pliable and fragrant, then set aside covered.

  2. 2

    In a saucepan, simmer guajillo chiles with 1 cup chicken broth for 8 minutes; blend with yellow tomatoes, onion, and garlic until very smooth.

  3. 3

    Pour blended mixture into a skillet on medium heat, add ground pepitas, oregano, cumin, lime juice, and half the salt; cook, stirring, until thickened to a mole-like sauce (10–12 minutes).

  4. 4

    Mix masa harina with 0.25 cup chicken broth, melted butter, and 1 tsp salt; knead until a soft, moist dough forms, adjusting with more broth if dry.

  5. 5

    To assemble: Place a piece of banana leaf glossy side up, spread a 1/2-inch layer of masa in a rectangle, add a generous spoonful of shredded chicken and mole amarillo, then fold and tie securely.

  6. 6

    Arrange tamales standing up in a steamer lined with banana leaves, cover with more leaves, and steam over low-medium heat for 75–90 minutes, keeping the water simmering but never at a rolling boil.

  7. 7

    Let tamales rest 10 minutes after steaming before serving, allowing the masa to firm for perfect texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What’s the key ingredient in these tamales de mole amarillo?
The heart of this recipe lies in the golden mole amarillo—made from dried guajillo chiles, yellow tomatoes, and ground pumpkin seeds—which gives the filling its signature tang and rich Oaxacan identity. The masa made with masa harina also plays a fundamental role in authentic texture.
Q. How do I prevent the tamales from drying out or becoming tough during steaming?
Carefully controlling steam is essential. Keep the water at a constant simmer (not a rolling boil) throughout the 75–90 minute steaming time and cover tamales with banana leaves to lock in moisture. Letting them rest uncovered for 10 minutes after steaming will help the masa set without risking dryness.
Q. What is the calorie and protein content per serving of this recipe?
Each serving is approximately 190 grams, delivering around 385 kcal and 19 grams of protein. This makes these tamales a protein-rich choice compared to traditional sweet tamales.
Q. Which mole amarillo ingredient impacts the flavor the most?
Dried guajillo chiles define the color and tang, while ground pumpkin seeds add subtle depth and creaminess. Both are vital components for authentic Oaxacan flavor.
Q. How long does it take to make tamales de mole amarillo, and what is the most challenging part?
The total recipe takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. The most skill-intensive step is assembling and folding the tamales with banana leaves for uniform size and leak-free steaming, but following the sequencing in the recipe helps ensure consistent results.
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