Steaming Tamales: Instant Pot Perfection

Tamales are a delicious Mexican dish that can be time-consuming to make. However, using an Instant Pot can significantly reduce the cooking time, making it a convenient and efficient way to prepare this traditional dish. Here's a guide on how to steam tamales in an Instant Pot, so you can enjoy tender and tasty tamales at home.

First, prepare your Instant Pot by adding 1-2 cups of water to the inner pot. Then, place a steamer rack or trivet inside. You can also use a steamer basket to keep the tamales out of the water. Arrange your tamales upright on the rack or in the basket, ensuring there is space between each tamale for steam to circulate. Secure the lid, set the steam release valve to sealing, and select the Steam function for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your tamales. After cooking, allow for a natural release of steam for about 10 minutes before carefully opening the lid. Use tongs to remove the tamales and let them cool slightly before unwrapping and indulging in the deliciousness inside!

Some tips for perfect tamales include tightly wrapping them in corn husks or banana leaves to prevent steam escape. You can also add flavour to your steaming water with spices, herbs, or a bay leaf. Experiment with different fillings and flavours to create a variety of tamales. If you prefer a charred texture, simply place the steamed tamales in a hot skillet for a few minutes to crisp up the outer layer.

How to prepare your Instant Pot for steaming tamales

Preparing your Instant Pot for steaming tamales is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Firstly, you will need to gather the necessary equipment and ingredients. Ensure you have an Instant Pot, steamer rack or trivet, tamales, and water. You may also want to prepare some flavourful additions to the water, such as spices, herbs, or a bay leaf.

Next, add 1-2 cups of water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. The amount of water you use will depend on the size and quantity of tamales you plan to cook. For most recipes, 1 to 1.5 cups of water is sufficient.

Then, place the steamer rack or trivet inside the Instant Pot. This will elevate the tamales above the water level and allow them to steam cook evenly.

Now, it's time to arrange the tamales. Place them upright on the rack or trivet, ensuring there is space between each tamale for the steam to circulate. If your tamales are frozen, you may want to use a small ramekin or a steamer basket to help hold them upright.

Once the tamales are securely in place, secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. This step is crucial to ensure that the Instant Pot builds up pressure and cooks the tamales effectively.

After that, select the "Steam" function on your Instant Pot and set the timer. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and quantity of your tamales. As a guide, thinner tamales may only need 15 minutes, while thicker ones could take up to 30 minutes.

When the timer goes off, do not rush to open the lid. Instead, allow for a natural release of steam for about 10 minutes. This gradual release will ensure that your tamales are nice and tender. Then, carefully switch the steam release valve to the venting position to release any remaining steam.

Finally, open the Instant Pot lid and use tongs to carefully remove the tamales. Let them cool for a few minutes before unwrapping and enjoying the delicious flavours inside!

By following these steps, your Instant Pot will be perfectly prepared for steaming tamales, resulting in a convenient, efficient, and tasty cooking experience.

How to arrange tamales in the Instant Pot for even cooking

Arranging the tamales properly in the Instant Pot is crucial for even cooking. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

Firstly, ensure you have the right equipment. You will need a steamer rack or trivet that fits inside your Instant Pot, and a small ramekin or similar item to help hold the tamales upright. You can also use a steamer basket, which makes it easier to lift the tamales out of the pot after cooking.

Now, let's prepare the Instant Pot. Add 1-2 cups of water to the inner pot. The water creates the steam that will cook your tamales. Place the steamer rack or trivet inside the pot, and if desired, you can line the bottom of the pot with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking.

It is now time to arrange the tamales. Place the tamales upright on the rack, with the open end facing up. If using a steamer basket, simply stand the tamales inside it. Make sure there is space between each tamale to allow steam to circulate. You can lean them against the sides of the pot or each other, but remember to leave a small gap to ensure proper airflow and pressurization.

Finally, secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. You are now ready to start the cooking process!

By following these steps, you will ensure that your tamales cook evenly and turn out perfectly every time.

How to cook tamales in the Instant Pot

Ingredients

• 1-2 cups of water
• Tamales (homemade or store-bought)
• Corn husks or banana leaves
• Spices, herbs, or a bay leaf (optional)

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Steamer rack or trivet
• Steamer basket (optional)
• Ramekin or similar (optional)
• Tongs

Method

• Prepare your Instant Pot by adding 1-2 cups of water to the inner pot.
• Place the steamer rack or trivet inside the Instant Pot.
• If your tamales are frozen, you can use a steamer basket to keep them off the bottom of the pan. Alternatively, insert a small ramekin or similar to help hold the tamales upright.
• Arrange your tamales upright on the rack or in the steamer basket, ensuring there is space between each tamale for steam to circulate.
• 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.
• Once the timer goes off, allow for a natural release of steam for about 10 minutes. Then carefully switch the steam release valve to the venting position to release any remaining steam.
• 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

• Make sure your tamales are wrapped tightly to prevent steam from escaping.
• Experiment with different fillings and flavours.
• If you prefer a charred texture, place the steamed tamales in a hot skillet for a few minutes to crisp up the outer layer.

How to reheat tamales in the Instant Pot

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How to store leftover tamales

Tamales are a labour of love, so it's worth knowing how to store them properly so that they last as long as possible. Here's how to store leftover tamales:

Storing Cooked Tamales

Tamales can be left unrefrigerated for a couple of hours, but no longer, especially if they contain cheese or meat. To store them for longer, let them cool to room temperature. Test this by touching them to feel the temperature, paying close attention to the centre where the filling is. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container, or wrap them in aluminium foil or a large resealable plastic bag, and store them in the fridge. Consume refrigerated tamales within 3 to 4 days.

Storing Uncooked Tamales

If you've made a big batch of tamales and don't want to cook them all at once, you can store the uncooked tamales in the fridge overnight. Place the wrapped uncooked tamales standing up and angled on a large baking sheet or in a container. Try not to crowd or flatten them, as this will cause the dough and fillings to spill out. Cover them with plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then place the container in the fridge. Steam the tamales within the next day or two—if you wait too long, the dough can start to go off.

Storing Tamales in the Freezer

You can also freeze both uncooked and cooked tamales. Place the tamales in a large freezer bag, Ziploc bag, freezer-safe container, or wrap them in layers of aluminium foil. Try not to crowd them in too tightly, especially uncooked tamales. This will make it easier to take out the number of tamales you need without having to defrost the whole batch first. Squeeze out as much air as possible from bags, and make sure there aren't any exposed parts if using aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavour. Frozen tamales will keep fresh in the freezer for a couple of months but no longer than 6 months.

Frequently asked questions