Steaming Frozen Tamales: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Cooking frozen tamales in a steamer is a great way to ensure they come out soft and fluffy. It's also a simple process! First, set up your steamer and add water, making sure the water level stays below the tamales. Next, place the frozen tamales inside the steamer—you can stand them upright if you're steaming several at once. Then, cover and steam: for 1-4 tamales, this will take around 25 minutes; for 5 or more, it will take 35-40 minutes. You'll know they're done when the corn husk has turned from white to an off-yellow colour and the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

How to set up your steamer

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

Firstly, ensure your tamales are still in their corn husks and wax paper. If they are not, replace them before steaming. Next, set up your steamer by filling the bottom pot with 2-3 inches of water, ensuring the water level stays below the steam basket or tray. The water should not touch the tamales, as this will make the masa (corn flour) mushy. If you have a lot of tamales to cook, you may need to add more water during the cooking process, but always keep the water level below the tamales.

Once the water is in the steamer, turn the heat up high and wait for the water to start boiling. Then, turn the heat down to medium to keep the water at a steady boil.

Now your steamer is set up and ready for the tamales.

How long to steam frozen tamales for

The length of time you should steam frozen tamales for depends on the number of tamales you are cooking and the method you are using.

If you are steaming 1-4 frozen tamales, it is recommended that you steam them for approximately 25 minutes. For 5 or more tamales, it is recommended that you steam them for 35-40 minutes. It is important to ensure that the water level stays below the tamales and that they are standing upright when steaming.

If you are using a steamer basket, you should fill a large pot with water, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket. Place the steamer basket in the pot and bring the water to a simmer. Arrange the frozen tamales vertically in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cover the pot and steam for about 45-60 minutes or until heated through.

You can also use a crockpot or pressure cooker to steam frozen tamales. For a crockpot, it is recommended to defrost the tamales overnight in the fridge and then steam them in the morning. For a pressure cooker, it is suggested that 15 minutes will be sufficient.

How to tell when your tamales are cooked

There are several ways to tell when your tamales are cooked. The cooking time will vary depending on the number of tamales you are preparing, the power of your stove, the type of steamer you are using, and whether you are steaming raw frozen or freshly prepared tamales. As a general rule, tamales will take between 45 and 120 minutes to cook.

Checking the Colour

One way to tell if your tamales are cooked is to check the colour of the corn husk. When cooked, the corn husk should change from white to an off-yellow colour.

Checking the Texture

You can also check the texture of the tamales. The dough should feel firm when cooked. If the dough feels soft and uncooked, it may need to be cooked for longer. Additionally, if the corn flour is mushy, it may be a sign that the tamales have been overcooked or that the water in the steamer touched the tamales during the cooking process.

Checking the Internal Temperature

Another way to check if your tamales are cooked is to use a thermometer. The internal temperature of the tamales should reach 165°F when they are fully cooked.

Checking the Husk

You can also check if the husk pulls away easily from the masa (corn dough). If it does, your tamales are likely cooked. However, there may still be some doughy bits around the seams, in which case you should cut open a thicker tamale to check if the masa is firm. If it is not, wrap the tamale back up and continue steaming.

How to prevent your tamales from becoming mushy

To prevent your tamales from becoming mushy, there are several things to keep in mind during the cooking process. Firstly, it's important to use the right amount of masa. While masa is essential to bind the ingredients together, using too much can make the tamales dense and gummy. Secondly, avoid overcooking the tamales. They should be cooked until they are firm but not hard. Overcooked tamales tend to be dry and crumbly.

Additionally, make sure that the filling is not too wet. Tamales should have a moist but not wet filling. If the filling is too wet, the tamales will become mushy. When steaming, ensure that the water level is below the tamales and does not come into direct contact with them, as this can also lead to mushiness.

If you're cooking frozen tamales, there's no need to thaw them first. Simply arrange them in the steamer and steam for 45-60 minutes. For 1-4 frozen tamales, cover and steam for about 25 minutes, and for 5 or more, steam for 35-40 minutes. Remember to stand the tamales upright when steaming multiple tamales at once.

How to reheat your tamales

Tamales are a delicious treat, but what's the best way to reheat them? Here's a detailed guide to ensure your tamales are heated through and taste great.

Firstly, it's important to note that cooked tamales can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for a couple of months. If you're reheating frozen tamales, it's best to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This will ensure more even heating when it comes to reheating.

The best way to reheat tamales is by using a steamer. This method ensures the tamales stay moist and fresh. Set up your steamer by filling the bottom half with water. Make sure the water level is below the steam basket and doesn't touch the tamales, as this will make the masa mushy. Turn the heat up high to bring the water to a boil, then turn it down to medium. Place the tamales in the steamer, standing them upright if steaming several at a time. Cover and steam for 20-30 minutes for thawed tamales, or 25 minutes for 1-4 frozen tamales and 35-40 minutes for 5 or more frozen tamales. You can tell when tamales are fully cooked when the corn husk turns from white to off-yellow, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

If you don't have a steamer, you can also reheat tamales on a grill or in a pan. First, thaw the tamales for a few hours. If using a gas grill, preheat all burners to high and grill the tamales for 4-6 minutes, turning them over until grill marks appear on the corn husks. Alternatively, heat a tablespoon of your favorite cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Remove the husk from the tamales and place them in the pan, flipping them over every 1-2 minutes until slightly browned.

For a quicker option, you can also reheat tamales in the microwave. Wrap a frozen tamale in a damp paper towel and heat for 3:30-4 minutes, or for thawed tamales, heat for 2-2:30 minutes. However, microwaving may increase the chances of the tamale dough drying out.

Frequently asked questions