Steaming Frozen Tamales: How Long Should You Wait?

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that can be cooked or reheated in a variety of ways. If you're working with frozen, cooked tamales, you can steam them for 35-40 minutes, or microwave them for 7 minutes if you're in a hurry. If you're working with frozen, uncooked tamales, you'll need to steam them for 45-60 minutes to ensure the corn flour is cooked through.

How to steam frozen tamales

Steaming is the traditional method of cooking tamales and is highly recommended for achieving the best texture and taste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam frozen tamales:

Set Up Your Steamer:

Place a steamer basket inside a large pot and fill the bottom of the pot with water. Ensure that the water level is below the steamer basket and does not touch the bottom of it.

Heat the Water:

Turn the heat up to high and wait for the water to start boiling. Once it reaches a rolling boil, turn down the heat to medium to maintain a steady simmer.

Arrange the Frozen Tamales:

Place the frozen tamales in the steamer basket, arranging them vertically if possible. If you are steaming a dozen tamales, you may need to work in batches or use a larger steamer to ensure they are not overcrowded.

Cover and Steam:

Cover the pot with a lid and steam the tamales for the recommended time. For 1-4 frozen tamales, steam for approximately 25 minutes. For 5 or more tamales, increase the steaming time to 35-40 minutes. If your tamales are thawed, steam them for about 20 minutes.

Check the Water Level:

Keep an eye on the water level during the steaming process and add more water as needed. It is important to ensure that the water does not touch the tamales, as this can make them mushy.

Check for Doneness:

After the recommended steaming time, open one tamale and check if the masa dough is cooked and no longer cold in the center. If it is still cold, continue steaming for a few more minutes.

Remove and Serve:

Using tongs or a fork, carefully remove the tamales from the steamer basket and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your freshly steamed tamales!

Note: The steaming times provided are general guidelines, and the actual steaming time may vary depending on the number of tamales and the strength of your heat source. Always refer to the heating instructions provided with your tamales, if available.

How to steam a dozen tamales

Steaming is a great way to cook or reheat tamales. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam a dozen frozen, cooked tamales.

Step 1: Prepare your steamer

First, set up your steamer by adding water to the steamer base. Make sure the water level stays below the steam basket.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: Arrange the tamales

Place the tamales in the steamer. They can go directly from frozen into the steamer and do not need to be thawed first. Stand them upright if you are steaming several at a time.

Step 4: Steam the tamales

Cover the steamer and steam the tamales for 35-40 minutes. Make sure to check the water level consistently and add more water as needed to ensure it doesn't run out.

Step 5: Check for doneness

You will know the tamales are fully cooked when the corn husk has changed from white to an off-yellow color, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, steaming hot tamales!

How long to steam frozen tamales

The length of time you should steam frozen tamales depends on the number of tamales you're cooking and the equipment you're using.

If you're using a steamer, you can steam frozen tamales without thawing them first. For one to four frozen tamales, cover and steam for around 25 minutes. For five or more, cover and steam for 35 to 60 minutes. If you're steaming thawed tamales, steam them for 20 minutes, regardless of the quantity.

If you're using a plate and aluminium foil to create a steaming effect, you can steam frozen tamales for around one hour.

If you're reheating frozen tamales in a steamer, it's recommended to steam them for 15 to 20 minutes, adding an extra 10 minutes if they're frozen.

How to tell when tamales are fully cooked

To tell when tamales are fully cooked, there are a few key indicators to look out for. Firstly, the colour of the corn husk will change from white to an off-yellow hue. Secondly, the corn flour (masa) should not be mushy, and should easily separate from the husk. If there are still some 'doughy' bits around the seams, this indicates that the tamales need to be cooked for a little longer. The masa should be firm, and should not stick to your hand when you pull the husk off.

It is worth noting that the cooking time will vary depending on the number of tamales you are steaming, the type of steamer you are using, and whether you are steaming raw frozen or freshly prepared tamales. For example, for 1-4 frozen tamales, steam for approximately 25 minutes, whereas for 5 or more tamales, steam for 35-40 minutes. If you are steaming freshly prepared tamales, 20 minutes should be sufficient.

How to reheat cooked tamales

Tamales are a delicious treat, but reheating them can be tricky. The best way to reheat cooked tamales is to use a steamer. This ensures that the tamales remain moist and that their flavour and texture are preserved.

Firstly, set up your steamer by filling the bottom half with water. Make sure the water level stays below the steam basket or plate, as you do not want the tamales to be cooking in water. Turn the heat up to high and wait for the water to start boiling. Then, turn the heat down to medium.

Next, arrange your tamales around the steamer. If they are frozen, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply place them upright in the steamer to ensure even cooking. If your tamales are in aluminium foil, you can leave this on. If they are wrapped in waxed paper, you can also leave this on, but it is not necessary.

Cover and steam your tamales for 20-30 minutes if they are already cooked. If you are reheating frozen tamales, you should add 10 minutes to the steaming time. For 1-4 frozen tamales, steam for about 25 minutes. For 5 or more tamales, steam for 35-40 minutes.

Alternatively, you can reheat your tamales in the microwave, although this increases the chances of the tamales drying out. Remove any aluminium foil and place the tamales in a plastic bag or container. Reheat for 2.5 minutes. If they are frozen, add another 2.5 minutes to the cooking time and turn them upside down for an even result.

You can also reheat cooked tamales on a stovetop, although this method will leave the exterior a little brown and crispy. Remove the husk from the tamales and place them in a pan with a tablespoon of cooking oil. Fry the tamales for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are slightly brown.

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