Steaming Tamales: The Ultimate Guide To Cooking Perfection

Tamales are a Mexican delicacy, and steaming is an easy and delicious way to cook them. You can use a steamer, or you can improvise with a plate and aluminium foil to create the same effect. If you're using the plate method, you'll need to scrunch up some foil into balls, place them in a pot, and balance a heat-proof plate on top. Then, pour water into the pot, place your tamales on the plate, and bring the water to a boil. If you're using a steamer, you'll need to line it with banana leaves or corn husks, place your tamales inside, and steam for around an hour.

How to steam tamales without a steamer basket

Steaming tamales is much easier than rolling them, and you don't need a steamer basket to do it. You can use a variety of common household items to rig up a DIY steamer. Here are some methods to try:

Using a Metal Strainer or Colander

You'll need a large pot with a lid, a metal strainer or colander that fits inside the pot, and something to suspend the strainer/colander over the boiling water. The strainer/colander will need a lip or handle for hanging. This method takes a little longer because the pot lid doesn't fit as snugly with this setup.

Using a Bowl and Chopsticks

Place an upside-down bowl (with a circumference a few inches smaller than your pot) in the bottom of a stockpot. Balance three or four chopsticks on top of the bowl and arrange your tamales on top of the chopsticks. This method works for up to six tamales, but don't stack them or they'll fall over.

Using an Oven and Roasting Pan

Although this isn't a conventional way to steam tamales, you can use a roasting pan with an insert or some balled-up aluminium foil at the bottom, covered with water, and arrange your tamales on top. It may take twice as long to heat your tamales this way, but you can start with boiling water to speed things up.

Using a Plate and Aluminium Foil

Scrunch three pieces of aluminium foil into balls about the size of your fist and place them in a triangle shape at the bottom of a large pot. Balance a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls and pour in enough water to come just below the plate. Arrange your tamales on the plate and bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for one hour.

Using a Disposable Pie Pan

Use a disposable pie pan inside a regular pot. Poke holes in the bottom of the pan to prevent water from getting trapped inside and making your tamales soggy. Set the pan on top of the steaming rack from your pressure cooker or create a base with balled-up aluminium foil. Make sure the pan is large enough that it doesn't tip over. Pour water into the pot, making sure it doesn't reach the bottom of the pan, then arrange your tamales inside the pan and steam.

How to steam tamales with a pressure cooker

Tamales are a delicious Mexican dish that can be cooked in a pressure cooker to save time and retain their authentic flavours. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam tamales with a pressure cooker:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients, including tamales, water, and any desired fillings or toppings. Traditional fillings include chicken, beef, or cheese, but you can also experiment with vegetarian or seafood options.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pressure Cooker

Make sure your pressure cooker is clean and in good working condition. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for any specific guidelines. Fill the cooker with the recommended amount of water, which is usually around 1 to 2 cups.

Step 3: Set Up the Steamer Basket

Place a steamer basket or a sturdy metal rack inside the pressure cooker. This will provide a platform for the tamales to sit on and prevent direct contact with the water, ensuring the tamales don't become soggy.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tamales

Carefully unwrap the corn husk from each tamale and spoon your desired filling down the centre. Then, fold the sides of the husk over the filling. Place the tamale upright on the steamer basket, ensuring it is secure and won't tip over.

Step 5: Cooking Time and Pressure

Refer to your pressure cooker's manual for specific instructions on cooking time and pressure settings. Typically, tamales need about 15-20 minutes of cooking time at high pressure. Once the time is up, release the pressure according to the cooker's instructions.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the tamales from the pressure cooker and let them cool slightly before serving. Now you can fill your plate and indulge in the delicious, tender tamales steamed right in your own kitchen!

Tips for Perfect Tamales:

• Experiment with fillings: Be adventurous and try different fillings like shrimp, sweet potato, or pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Proper sealing: Ensure your tamales are tightly wrapped in the corn husks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
• Add flavour to the water: Enhance the taste by adding seasonings or broth to the water in the pressure cooker for an extra burst of flavour.
• Don't overcrowd: Leave enough space between tamales for even steam circulation and consistent cooking.

How to steam tamales in an Instant Pot

Steaming tamales in an Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient way to cook them, ensuring they come out perfectly steamed and ready to enjoy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

First, prepare your Instant Pot by adding 1-2 cups of water to the inner pot. Then, place a steamer rack or trivet inside the pot. You can also line the bottom of the pot with a piece of parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent the tamales from sticking.

Step 2: Arrange the Tamales

Now, it's time to arrange your tamales in the Instant Pot. Place them upright on the rack or trivet, ensuring there is space between each tamale for steam to circulate. If you are using frozen tamales, you can place them around a small ramekin or similar object to help hold them upright. Make sure the open end of each tamale is facing up.

Step 3: Secure the Lid and Set the Timer

Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Select the "Steam" function and set the timer for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your tamales. Thicker tamales may require a longer cooking time, up to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Allow for Natural Release

Once the timer goes off, allow the steam to naturally release for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully switch the steam release valve to the venting position to release any remaining steam.

Step 5: Remove and Serve the Tamales

Open the Instant Pot lid and use tongs to carefully remove the tamales from the pot. Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before unwrapping and enjoying!

Tips for Perfect Tamales:

• Make sure your tamales are wrapped tightly in corn husks or banana leaves to prevent steam from escaping.
• Experiment with different fillings and flavors to add variety.
• If you prefer a charred texture, place the steamed tamales in a hot skillet for a few minutes to crisp up the outer layer.
• You can also add flavor to your steaming water by adding spices, herbs, or even a bay leaf.

Now you know how to steam tamales in an Instant Pot! It's a convenient and time-saving method that will allow you to indulge in the deliciousness of homemade tamales whenever you crave them.

How to steam tamales in the oven

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made from corn dough and a sweet or savoury filling, which is then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. While the traditional method of steaming tamales involves using a Bote Tamalera steamer, it is also possible to steam tamales in your oven using a Dutch oven or a large casserole dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam tamales in the oven:

Step 1: Prepare the Tamales

If you are using store-bought tamales, they usually come wrapped in corn husks. If you are making your own tamales from scratch, you will need to wrap each tamale individually in foil. You can also add some grated cheese or a dollop of salsa on top of each tamale before wrapping them up for an extra burst of flavour.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to a low temperature, ideally to its lowest setting. You will use your oven to keep the water warm in your improvised steamer, but you don't want the temperature to be too high, as this could cook or dry out the tamales. While the oven is preheating, place your wrapped tamales in a baking dish, making sure they are standing upright. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together.

Step 3: Add Water

Fill the baking dish with about half an inch of water. This will create steam inside the oven, ensuring that the tamales stay moist and tender.

Step 4: Arrange the Tamales

Place a steam rack into your Dutch oven or casserole dish. If using a casserole dish, make sure it has a lid. Arrange the tamales on the steam rack, with the folded end facing down.

Step 5: Bake the Tamales

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap the steam inside. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the tamales bake for 40-60 minutes. Check on them occasionally to ensure the water hasn't evaporated, adding more water if needed.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

To check if the tamales are fully cooked, carefully unwrap one of them and insert a toothpick into the centre. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your tamales are ready to be served!

Note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tamales, so use your judgment to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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:

Step 1: Prepare the steamer

You can use a steamer basket or a pot with a lid. If using a steamer basket, place it inside a large pot and fill the bottom of the pot with water, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. If using a pot, fill the bottom with 2-3 inches of water and place a coin in the water for an audio cue when boiling.

Step 2: Arrange the tamales

Place the frozen tamales vertically in the steamer basket or pot, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If using a steamer basket, stand the tamales upright with the open side facing up. If using a pot, you can lay them flat or stand them upright, depending on the space available.

Step 3: Cover and steam

Cover the pot or steamer with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the tamales steam. For 1-4 frozen tamales, steam for about 25-30 minutes. For 5 or more tamales, steam for 35-40 minutes. Check the water level occasionally and add more water as needed.

Step 4: Test and cool the tamales

After the recommended steaming time, remove one tamale and check if the dough is cooked by making sure it is no longer frozen and doesn't stick to the husk. If the tamale is cooked, remove the rest from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Alternative Methods

While steaming is the traditional and recommended method, there are alternative ways to cook frozen tamales:

• Microwaving: Place one or two frozen tamales on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high power for about 3-5 minutes per tamale or until heated through. Microwaving may affect the texture, so it is not ideal for achieving moist tamales.
• Baking: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Unwrap the frozen tamales and rewrap them in tin foil. Place them in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
• Grilling: Allow the frozen tamales to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the grill and place the tamales on the grill, leaving them wrapped in corn husks. Grill on indirect heat for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Frequently asked questions