Tamales pairs well with Refried Beans, Cheesy Guacamole Dip, Vegetarian Chorizo, Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob, and Mexican Street Corn.
Refried Beans pairs well because it adds heat that rounds out the plate.
For a lighter option, try Mexican Street Corn. Mexican Street Corn is a lighter option if you want something less heavy on the table.
And hey, we understand the struggle is real. Finding the perfect companions for your tamales doesn't have to feel like a quest.
This article is your cheat sheet. Prepare to make your tamale nights legendary.
7 Top Side Dishes to Complement Tamales
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that's enjoyed all over America.
They're made from dried maize dough, which gets wrapped into an unleavened flatbread before being cooked in hot sand until golden brown and fluffy on top with delicious meats such as chicken or steak inside.
They are a favorite among many people, especially during holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving.
However, it's common to find this dish accompanied by side dishes such as rice, beans, green sauce, sour cream, etc, which are meant to make the flavor of the tamale more balanced.
Some people even consider that these side dishes are the real treat gained from eating a delicious tamale.
Here's a detailed answer with a table comparing the key characteristics of the 7 best side dishes to serve with Tamales:
| Side Dish | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Refried Beans | Creamy and flavorful, pairs well with the savory tamales |
| Cheesy Guacamole Dip | Rich and indulgent, adds a cheesy and creamy element to the meal |
| Vegetarian Chorizo | Spicy and flavorful, provides a vegetarian option that goes with the tamales |
| Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob | Smoky and spicy, offers a delicious and charred addition to the meal |
| Mexican Street Corn | Tangy and savory, brings a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine to the table |
| Guacamole Salad | Fresh and tangy, provides a refreshing counterpart to the rich tamales |
| Jicama Slaw | Crisp and crunchy, adds a refreshing and light element to balance the tamales |
Here is a closer look at each side dish in more detail:
1 - Refried Beans
Refried beans are a popular side dish for many different types of cuisines.
In this case, they go especially well with Mexican food.
They have a smooth texture and a creamy flavor that goes well with the spicy flavors in the main course.
These beans also make a great base for other flavors - you can add chilies or spices for an extra kick.
They're also great with vegetables, so if you want to make them healthy, feel free to add veggies like onions or garlic.
You can make a mild batch of refried beans with tomatillos instead if you don't like spicy food.
Give this dish a try, and feel free to experiment with the flavorings.
2 - Cheesy Guacamole Dip
Cheese is always delicious.
Why not introduce it into that classic avocado dip? This cheesy guacamole is the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-style dish.
This guacamole dip is best served with tortilla chips, but it can also be used as a condiment for your tamales.
It's especially great with seafood dishes like fish tacos or shrimp quesadillas.
Try adding this cheesy guacamole to quesadillas or burritos for some delicious (and easy) snack ideas.
You can also add it to a sandwich for a spicy vegetarian option.
3 - Vegetarian Chorizo
This simple vegetarian dish is tasty and filling without being too heavy.
It's made with texturized soy protein, beans, and spices to give it a real meaty flavor.
This flavorful chorizo goes great on sandwiches or served over rice or beans.
This dish is versatile - you can use it however you like.
If you're not a fan of spicy food, feel free to use milder spices or tone down the heat with less hot sauce.
This meal is quick and easy to make, so it's perfect for busy weeknights.
Chorizo isn't just for meat-eaters - try this tasty vegetarian version the next time you're hosting friends who are vegetarian or vegan.
4 - Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob
There's nothing like sweet corn to remind us of summertime.
This delicious grilled corn is buttered, then covered in lime juice and spices to give it a nice spicy flavor.
It's then garnished with cheese, cilantro, and red pepper.
The tangy lime juice and the spicy heat go well with grilled or charred corn on the cob.
This dish is perfect for summertime cookouts or potlucks.
Try grilling corn on the cob with different spices or flavorings for some more great ideas.
You can also use other cheeses instead of cotija, a Mexican cheese that's hard and salty.
If you're watching your sodium intake, feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
5 - Mexican Street Corn
Corn is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in many different ways.
This delicious Mexican corn recipe combines sweet corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
The result is a spicy-sweet side dish that pairs especially well with seafood.
This dish is really easy to make - all you need to do is mix the ingredients, and you're all set.
You can choose to make it spicier or milder depending on your preferences.
If you want something even more flavorful, try substituting half of the mayonnaise with sour cream.
6 - Guacamole Salad
You can never go wrong with a classic guacamole recipe.
This dish is chilled and has a nice crunch from the cucumber and carrots.
It's served over lettuce to make it more filling and then topped with avocado, cilantro, and lime juice for an extra kick of flavor.
This guacamole salad is perfect for summer barbecues or potluck parties.
It's light and refreshing, making it a nice option compared to heavy vegetable dishes.
It can also be made even healthier by using low-fat sour cream instead of regular sour cream.
Most guacamole dips incorporate tomatoes - if you miss that extra taste of tomato, feel free to add some chopped cherry tomatoes as well.
This dish is also great with tortilla chips or as a side for sandwiches.
7 - Jicama Slaw
Jicama is a crunchy root vegetable that's great for salads.
This slaw dish combines jicama with red cabbage, carrots, and parsley.
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, cilantro, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
This refreshing side dish pairs especially well with spicy meals.
It goes well with fish or chicken tinga, especially if you're looking for something light for a hot day.
This recipe is really simple to make, so it's great for no-fuss summer barbecues.
Try adding different types of spices to give the slaw a different flavor.
For example, try using cilantro and a squeeze of lime to give it a Mexican twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Refried Beans is the most popular choice because it goes with the flavors and textures of Tamales without overpowering the plate. Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
For large groups, go with sides that can be made in big batches and hold well at room temperature. Refried Beans scales up easily.
Grain-based dishes and roasted vegetables stay good on a buffet without becoming soggy.
Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.
How far ahead can you prep the sides?
Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead.
Store separately and reheat before serving.
Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.