YesYum Kimchi and Pulled Pork Tamales

yesyum Kimchi & Pulled Pork Tamales

YesYum Kimchi And Pulled Pork Tamales

Brace yourself, because we’re about to fuse classic tamale goodness with the bold, tangy flavours of YesYum Kimchi. These tamales are stuffed with savory pulled pork, YesYum's Classic Kimchi, and just the right spices to make them pop. Are you vegan? Replace the pork with jackfruit and use YesYum Vegan Kimchi as an alternative. Fun to make, perfect to share, and guaranteed to be a hit!

Author: YesYum Time: 7 hours Serves: 6 people

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork / Jackfruit:

  • 1.5–2 kg pork shoulder or jackfruit
  • 1 ½ cups chopped YesYum Classic Kimchi or Vegan Kimchi (drained)
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken or beef stock
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

For the Masa Dough & Filling:

  • 4 cups masa harina
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening or lard
  • 3–4 cups warm chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 cups pulled pork or jackfruit (prepared above)
  • 1/2 cup cheese, shredded (optional)
  • 20–25 dried corn husks, soaked in warm water for 1 hour

Instructions

Step 1. Make the Pulled Pork or Jackfruit

Mix paprika, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Rub onto pork shoulder or jackfruit. Place in slow cooker or oven-safe pot, add onions, garlic, stock, and kimchi. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or in oven at 150°C (300°F) for 3–4 hours. Shred and mix with cooking juices.

Step 2. Prepare the Masa Dough

Whisk masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Beat shortening/lard until fluffy. Gradually add masa mixture alternating with warm stock until dough is light, spreadable, and moist but not sticky.

Step 3. Assemble the Tamales

Drain corn husks. Spread 2 tbsp masa on husk, add pulled pork/jackfruit, kimchi, and optional cheese. Fold sides and bottom, tie if needed.

Step 4. Steam the Tamales

Arrange upright in steamer pot. Add water without touching tamales. Cover and steam 1.5–2 hours. Masa should pull away easily from husk.

Step 5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm with extra kimchi, drizzle of YesYum Korean G Sauce, or favorite salsa. Pair with salad or rice.

YesYum Tamales Served

Pro Tips

  • Tender, smoky meat and tangy kimchi create a unique flavor.
  • Perfect to serve immediately after steaming.
  • Optional: add a green salad for a complete meal.

How to Store

Best enjoyed after steaming. Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge and reheat in microwave or steamer.