Steaming Perfection: Frozen Pedro Tamales In A Steamer

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made with masa (a corn-based dough) and a meat or cheese filling. They can be cooked or reheated in a variety of ways, including steaming, which is considered the gold standard for reheating tamales as it helps retain their original flavour and texture. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen Pedro tamales using a steamer.

How to set up your steamer

To set up your steamer to cook Pedro tamales, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to ensure you have a pot that is large enough to fit a plate inside it. Then, rip off pieces of aluminium foil and scrunch them into balls, adding more foil until they are about 2 inches wide and high. You will need three of these balls, arranged in a triangle shape around the edges of the pot, to form a stable stand for the plate to rest on.

Next, balance a heat-proof plate on top of the aluminium foil balls. The plate should be at least 1 inch smaller than the edges of the pot, to allow space for water to be poured in. Adjust the plate until it sits evenly over the three balls.

Now, pour water into the pot, until it is about 1 inch below the plate. Be careful not to pour water onto the plate, as this can cause the tamales to become wet when the water boils.

Then, spread your frozen Pedro tamales across the plate with the open side facing up. If you are cooking a lot of tamales, layer them on top of each other. Ensure the plate is balanced before adding the tamales, to avoid them accidentally tipping into the water. If necessary, rearrange the aluminium foil balls to stabilise the plate.

Finally, place the pot on the stove and turn the heat up to medium. Wait for the water to boil, then turn the heat down to low and put the lid on the pot. The lid traps the heat and moisture inside, helping to steam the tamales. Set a timer for 1 hour to remind yourself to check on the tamales. Check the pot occasionally to ensure there is still water in the pot, and add more if needed.

Once the tamales have been steaming for 1 hour, turn off the heat and leave the tamales in the covered steamer for an additional 30 minutes to rest and soften further. Then, carefully transfer the tamales to a platter using metal tongs, and enjoy!

How to steam frozen Pedro tamales

Steaming is the best way to reheat tamales as it helps them retain their original flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming frozen Pedro tamales:

Set up your steamer and add water

Fill the steamer with water, ensuring the water level stays below the steam basket. The water should not touch the tamales as this will make them mushy.

Heat the water

Turn the heat up to high and wait for the water to start boiling. Then, turn down the heat to medium to keep the water at a boil.

Arrange the tamales in the steamer

Place the frozen tamales around the steamer. They do not need to be thawed first. Stand them upright if steaming several at a time.

Steam the tamales

Cover and steam for 45-60 minutes. The tamales are fully cooked when the corn husk has changed from white to off-yellow and the internal temperature reaches 165 F. Check the water level consistently and add more water as needed to ensure it doesn't run out.

Let the tamales rest

Turn off the heat and let the tamales rest in the covered steamer for 30 minutes. This helps them soften further and brings out the flavours.

Enjoy!

Transfer the tamales to a platter and enjoy them warm with your favourite Mexican sides, such as corn chips, guacamole, beans, or salsa.

How long to steam them for

The length of time you steam your Pedro tamales will depend on the number of tamales you are cooking, and whether they are frozen or thawed.

If you are steaming 1-4 frozen tamales, it is recommended to steam them for 25 minutes. For 5 or more frozen tamales, you should steam them for 35-40 minutes. If you are steaming any amount of thawed tamales, they will need to be steamed for 20 minutes.

If you are using a pressure cooker, 15 minutes will be enough to steam your Pedro tamales.

It is important to note that the tamales are cooked when the corn husk has changed from white to off-yellow and the corn flour is not mushy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

How to tell when they're cooked

Knowing when your tamales are cooked is important to ensure they are safe to eat and have the best texture and flavour. Here are some ways to tell when Pedro tamales are cooked in a steamer:

Colour of the Corn Husk

Check the colour of the corn husk. When tamales are cooked, the corn husk will change from a white to an off-yellow colour. This colour change is a good indicator that your tamales are ready.

Texture of the Corn Flour

The texture of the corn flour, or masa, is another important factor. Fully cooked tamales will have corn flour that is soft, but not mushy. Overcooked tamales may have a mushy texture due to the corn flour absorbing too much moisture.

Internal Temperature

Using a food thermometer, check that the internal temperature of the tamales has reached 165 °F. This temperature ensures that the tamales are cooked thoroughly and are safe to eat.

Steaming Time

Timing is also crucial when steaming tamales. For frozen Pedro tamales, allow 45 to 60 minutes of steaming time. If you are reheating leftover tamales, 20 to 30 minutes of steaming should be sufficient.

Remember to keep an eye on the water level in your steamer and add more water as needed to ensure your tamales steam properly without drying out or becoming mushy.

How to reheat them

How to Reheat Pedro Tamales in a Steamer

The best way to reheat tamales is to use a steamer, as this helps the tamales retain their original flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Set up your steamer: Fill the bottom half of your steamer with water, ensuring the water level stays below the steam basket.
• Turn up the heat: Place the steamer on the stove and turn the heat up to high.
• Wait for the water to boil: Keep the heat on high until the water starts to boil.
• Adjust the heat: Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down to medium.
• Arrange the tamales: Place the tamales in the steamer, standing them upright if steaming several at a time. Ensure the tamales are not touching the water, as this will make them mushy.
• Steam the tamales: Cover the steamer and steam the tamales for 15-20 minutes if they are cooked, or 20-30 minutes if they are frozen. For larger quantities of tamales, increase the steaming time.
• Check the colour: You can tell if tamales are cooked when the corn husk turns from white to an off-yellow colour. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
• Keep the steamer topped up: Check the water level regularly and add more water as needed.

Other Reheating Methods

Although steaming is the recommended method for reheating tamales, there are a few other options:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Wrap each tamale tightly in aluminium foil and place in the oven for 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through.
• Instant Pot: Dampen your tamales and place them in the Instant Pot on a high heat for about 10 minutes, ensuring they are spaced apart.
• Microwave: Wrap each tamale in a damp paper towel and arrange them on a microwave-safe plate with space between them. Heat for one to two minutes. For frozen tamales, let them thaw in the refrigerator before microwaving.

Frequently asked questions