In search of some tasty sauces for tamales? I’ve got you covered with this roundup of easy recipes. From creamy sauces, to spicy sauces, tangy sauces and more!
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Choosing the right sauce to accompany your tamales can transform an already delicious dish into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you prefer the tanginess of salsa verde, the complexity of mole sauce, or the smokiness of roasted tomato sauce, there’s a sauce option to suit every palate.
Pick one of your favorites from the list below, add some baked tortilla chips, a margarita, and you’re guaranteed an amazing dinner!
If you're a fan of smoky and spicy flavors, a chipotle cream sauce is sure to please your taste buds. Combining chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with sour cream or crema, this sauce delivers a creamy, smoldering kick. The coolness of the cream balances out the heat, creating a tantalizing combination that complements tamales filled with meats or cheeses.
Chile de Arbol sauce brings the heat with its fiery flavor. Made from dried arbol chilies, garlic, vinegar, and spices, this sauce packs a punch. A little goes a long way, so drizzle it sparingly over your tamales if you enjoy a spicy kick.
This Avocado Hot Sauce transforms avocados, chile peppers, and lime juice into the ultimate fresh and zesty condiment! One taste and you’ll want to drizzle it on everything, from tacos to grilled meats to bowls and more.
If there’s one sauce to keep in your fridge at all times, it’s this Roasted Poblano Cream Sauce. Super creamy, bursting with smoky flavors, and perfect for topping on enchiladas, tacos, and eggs, you’ll be hooked after just one taste!
Mole sauce is a complex and rich concoction, typically made from a blend of various chili peppers, spices, nuts, chocolate, and other ingredients. Its deep, dark color and velvety texture make it a luxurious choice for tamales. Mole sauce adds layers of flavor, including a hint of sweetness, a touch of spiciness, and a subtle smokiness, making it a standout pairing for both meat and vegetarian tamales.Get the RECIPE from Sweet Life Bake
Chicken Tamales with Green Salsa (Tamales De Pollo en salsa)
Salsa Verde, or green sauce, is a tangy and vibrant option that pairs wonderfully with tamales. Made from tomatillos, green chilies, cilantro, onions, and garlic, this sauce adds a zesty kick to the tamale's earthy flavors. The freshness of the ingredients perfectly complements the richness of the tamale, creating a harmonious balance of tastes.Get the RECIPE from Mexico in My Kitchen
Chicken Tamales with Roasted Tomato-and-Dried Chile Sauce
For those who prefer a milder option, a roasted tomato sauce is a fantastic choice. Made from charred tomatoes, garlic, onions, and peppers, this sauce offers a smoky and slightly sweet profile. Its smooth consistency and savory notes provide a delightful contrast to the tamale's texture and flavor, allowing the fillings to shine.Get the RECIPE from Southern Living
Guajillo sauce is a classic choice that adds a mild heat and a deep, fruity flavor to tamales. Made from guajillo chili peppers, garlic, and spices, this vibrant red sauce infuses the tamale with a touch of warmth and complexity. Its versatility makes it suitable for both meat and vegetarian tamales, offering a delightful culinary experience.Get the RECIPE from Chili Pepper Madness
Crema Mexicana is a silky Mexican-style cream with a milder and slightly tangier taste than sour cream. Its smooth texture and subtle flavor make it a versatile sauce option for tamales. It pairs well with both savory and sweet tamales, adding a creamy element to each bite.Get the RECIPE from Isabel Eats
Authentic Mexican Red Chile Sauce (Enchilada Sauce)
Red chile sauce is a classic choice that brings depth and spice to tamales. Made from dried red chilies, garlic, onions, and spices, this sauce offers a robust and aromatic profile. Its rich flavor pairs exceptionally well with meat-filled tamales, adding a hearty and flavorful element.Get the RECIPE from Vindulge
Blending the tanginess of tomatillos with the creaminess of avocado creates a refreshing and vibrant sauce. Combined with garlic, cilantro, and lime juice, this sauce adds a burst of freshness to your tamales, enhancing their flavors with a citrusy zing.Get the RECIPE from The Cookie Rookie
For a tropical twist, consider pineapple salsa as a sauce for your tamales. Combining diced pineapple, jalapeños, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, this sweet and tangy salsa adds a burst of freshness and a hint of sweetness to your tamale experience.
For a herbaceous and aromatic sauce option, cilantro pesto is a fantastic choice. Blend fresh cilantro, garlic, pine nuts or almonds, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice to create a vibrant and fragrant pesto. The bright flavors of cilantro combined with the richness of nuts and cheese offer a refreshing and zesty contrast to the tamale's flavors.Get the RECIPE from Fork in the Road
Tamarind sauce, commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines, adds a tangy and slightly sweet dimension to tamales. Made from tamarind pulp, sugar, spices, and sometimes chili, this sauce offers a unique balance of flavors. Its sweet and sour taste, with a hint of spiciness, complements both savory and sweet tamales, making it a versatile and intriguing option.Get the RECIPE from Izzy Cooking
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sauces for tamales. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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Full Recipe
15+ Sauces for Tamales
In search of some tasty sauces for tamales? I’ve got you covered with this roundup of easy recipes. From creamy sauces, to spicy sauces, tangy sauces and more! Try this Salsa Taquera. It’s a smoky and vibrant condiment that’s perfect for tacos, carnitas, grilled meats, and more. The ingredients are simple, but the flavor is extravagant!
Arrange onion slices and tomatoes (cut side down) on a baking sheet. Broil, about 4-inches from the heating element, for about 10 minutes, until beginning to char.
Meanwhile, heat 1 TBSP oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the chiles and cook 1-2 minutes longer, until fragrant and beginning to darken.
Transfer chiles and garlic to a blender or food processor. Add the water and vinegar, and let sit for 5 minutes to soften.
Process on high, 10 to 20 seconds. Then, turn the speed to low and stream in the remaining vegetable oil.
Add the tomatoes, onion and salt and process until smooth.
Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Instead of charring the tomato and onion under a hot broiler, you can sear them in a hot cast iron pan or on the grill to achieve the char.
Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥
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