14 Best Side Dishes For Tamale Pies You’ll Find Delicious
I’ll never forget the first time I made tamale pies. It was a trial run, to be sure, but it turned out so well that I knew I had to make them again. And again. And again. They were just that good! Of course, I’ve tweaked the recipe over time, but the basic idea is the same.
But what about side dishes? What goes well with tamale pie? Getting the answer to this question can be quite frustrating but do not fear; the answers are right here.
I’ve tried a lot of different things, and I’ve found that certain side dishes just work. They pair perfectly with the flavors of the dish and complement it in all the right ways.
So if you’re looking for side dish inspiration, look no further! Here are 14 of the best side dishes to serve with tamale pie.
Side Dishes For Tamale pies:
- Black bean soup
- Corned beef
- Fried okra
- Potato salad
- Mashed potatoes
- Spanish rice
- Salsa
- Creamed corn
- Coleslaw
- Fruit salad
- Avocado cucumber salad
- Tortilla chips
- Pinto
- Jicama Slaw
Black bean soup
This soup is a great side dish for tamale pies because of its rich flavor and thick consistency. It pairs well with the cornbread topping and helps to round out the meal.
To make black bean soup, simply simmer black beans in water or broth until they are soft. Then, puree the beans until they reach your desired consistency.
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and other spices as desired. In addition, the earthy undertones of the black beans go well with the cornbread topping.
Corned beef
This is such a great combination of flavors and textures. The slight saltiness of the corned beef, paired with the savory tamale filling, is just heavenly.
To make this side dish, simply cook corned beef according to the package directions. Once it is cooked, slice it into thin strips and serve alongside the tamale pie.
When buying corned beef, always ensure that you get the leanest cut possible. This will help to keep the dish from being too greasy.
Fried okra
This side dish is a classic for a reason. It pairs perfectly with tamale pie and helps to round out the meal.
The okra adds a unique taste that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Fried okra also has a crunchy texture that pairs well with the softness of the Tamale pie.
Additionally, the fried okra adds a bit of fat to the dish, which helps to balance out the flavors. To make this dish, sautee-sliced okra in a bit of oil until it is golden brown.
Potato salad
This side dish is a great way to add some extra vegetables to the meal. In addition, the potatoes help to bulk up the dish.
To make potato salad, simply cook some potatoes until they are tender. Once they are cooked, add them to a bowl with some chopped vegetables.
Season the salad with salt, pepper, and your favorite dressing. You can either use a vinaigrette or a mayonnaise-based dressing. I find that mayonnaise-based dressing adds sweetness to the potato salad that pairs well with the savory tamale pie.
Mashed potatoes
This side dish is my personal favorite. I love the creamy consistency and the way it pairs with the Tamale pie.
To make mashed potatoes, simply cook some potatoes until they are tender. Once they are cooked, add them to a bowl and mash them.
Creamy mashed potatoes are delicious and with tamale pies, even better. The pie also absorbs some of the potatoes’ creaminess and flavor.
You can also add other herbs and spices as desired. I like to add a bit of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Spanish rice
Spanish rice is a side dish that is commonly served with Mexican food. It is made from white rice, tomatoes, and other seasonings.
The flavors of Spanish rice are typically savory and earthy, which pairs perfectly with tamale pie.
Spanish rice is typically made with long-grain rice, which has a light and fluffy texture. This contrasts nicely with the beefy filling of the tamale pie.
If you want some heat in your rice, then use a hot salsa instead of a mild one. Otherwise, the rice will be too bland.
Salsa
Salsa is a spicy side dish that is commonly served with Mexican food. It is made from tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers.
The flavors of salsa are typically fresh and bright, which pairs perfectly with tamale pie. You can pour the salsa over the tamale pie or use it as a dipping sauce.
For a twist on this salsa, you could also add some fresh fruit. This will give the salsa a sweetness that pairs well with the savory tamale pie. There are many different types of salsa, so feel free to experiment until you find one that you like.
Creamed corn
Creamed corn is a side dish that is commonly served with Mexican food. It is made from corn, milk, and butter.
The flavors of creamed corn are typically sweet and rich, which pairs perfectly with tamale pie. The sweetness of the corn helps to balance out the savory flavors of the tamale filling.
In addition, the richness of the creamed corn will leave you full and satisfied. So, if you are looking for something sweet and satisfying to round out your meal, then this is the side dish for you.
Coleslaw
The freshness and crunchy texture of coleslaw makes it the perfect side dish for tamale pie. The coleslaw will help to balance out the heaviness of the dish.
To make coleslaw, simply combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and your favorite dressing. I like to use vinegar-based dressing, but you can use any type of dressing that you like.
Typically, coleslaw is served cold. However, you can also serve it at room temperature. I find that it has a slightly different flavor when it is served cold versus at room temperature.
Finally, for a twist, you can squeeze some lemon juice over the coleslaw for extra flavor.
Fruit salad
Yes, you read right, fruit salad is a side dish for tamale pie. I know it seems strange, but trust me, it works.
The sweetness of the fruit salad helps to balance out the savory flavors of the tamale filling. In addition, the freshness of the fruit salad helps to lighten up the heaviness of the dish.
Fruit salad is simple to put together, I particularly like to pair my tamale with citrusy fruit salad. This means adding fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons to the mix.
But feel free to add any type of fruit that you like. Just make sure that the fruit is fresh and not overly ripe. Otherwise, it will become mushy and messy.
Avocado cucumber salad
Avocado cucumber salad is a great side dish for Tamale pies. The salad has a light, fresh flavor that goes well with the savory pies.
The salad is also relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for those watching their weight. Avocado cucumber salad is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, perfect for health and vitality.
To make avocado cucumber salad, simply combine diced cucumber, diced avocado, lime juice, and salt to taste. Furthermore, you can also add other ingredients such as chopped cilantro or diced jalapeno peppers for spiciness.
Tortilla chips
Tortilla chips are made from corn tortillas that are sliced into wedges and then fried.
The tortilla chips are typically salty and crunchy, which makes them the perfect side dish for tamale pie. They help to balance out the heaviness of the pie.
Tortilla chips are easy to make at home, but you can also buy them pre-made. If you are feeling lazy, then simply open up a bag of tortilla chips and enjoy.
There are many different brands and flavors of tortilla chips on the market. So, experiment with different ones until you find a brand that you like.
Pinto beans
This is another way beans can be incorporated as a side dish.
Pinto beans are usually cooked with onions, garlic, and spices. This gives them a hearty and savory flavor that pairs well with tamale pie.
Pinto beans are another great way to round out your meal, it is hearty and filling. However, when cooking pinto beans, keep in mind that they take a longer time to cook than other side dishes. So, plan accordingly.
There are many different ways to prepare pinto beans. You can find recipes online or in cookbooks. But, the basic method is to simmer the beans in water until they are soft and cooked through.
Once the beans are cooked, you can add them to the tamale pie or serve them on the side.
Jicama Slaw
This is made from jicama, cabbage, and carrots. Jicama has a light and refreshing flavor that goes well with tamale pie.
To make jicama slaw, simply combine shredded jicama, cabbage, and carrots. Then add your favorite dressing. I like to use a vinaigrette or apple cider vinegar-based dressing.
For jicama slaw, you can use sour cream and add cilantro to it. Both ingredients help to give the slaw a delicious and layered flavor.
A list of other options
Starchy side dishes
- Mexican rice
- Cilantro lime rice
- Jalapeno cheddar cornbread
Vegetable side dishes
- Guacamole salad
- Feta-stuffed peppers
- Caesar salad
- Cucumber tomato avocado salad
- Mexican street corn
- Grilled vegetable skewers
FAQ
What vegetable goes well with tamales?
Many different vegetables go well with tamales. Some of our favorites include avocado, cucumber, tomato, jalapeno pepper, and corn.
What side dish goes well with tamales?
Many side dishes go well with tamales. Some of our favorites include fruit salad, avocado cucumber salad, tortilla chips, pinto beans, and jicama slaw.
How to store leftover tamales?
If you have leftovers, tamales can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Tamales can also be frozen and will keep for up to two months.
When reheating frozen or refrigerated tamales, steam them until they are heated through. This will help to prevent the tamales from drying out.
Conclusion:
These are just some of the best side dishes for tamale pies, I hope you find this list inspiring and helpful the next time you’re making tamales. Side dishes can make or break a meal, so choose wisely and enjoy!