Steaming Frozen Tamales: A Quick Guide To Deliciousness

There are several ways to steam frozen cooked tamales, including using a steamer, pressure cooker, Instant Pot, or even boiling them. The most traditional method is steaming, which is highly recommended for achieving the best texture and taste. To steam frozen cooked tamales, fill a large pot with water, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer basket. Place the basket in the pot and bring the water to a simmer. Arrange the tamales vertically in the basket, cover, and steam for 45-60 minutes. Check that the tamales are heated through by inserting a toothpick or skewer – if it comes out hot, they're ready!

How to steam frozen cooked tamales in an Instant Pot

Steaming frozen cooked tamales in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty Mexican treat at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get perfect results:

What You'll Need:

• Instant Pot
• Frozen cooked tamales
• Water or broth
• Trivet or steamer basket
• Ramekin (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Prepare the Instant Pot: Start by inserting the trivet that came with your Instant Pot. If you don't have a trivet, you can use a steamer basket instead. Pour 1 to 2 cups of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
• Arrange the Tamales: Place a small ramekin or similar item in the center of the trivet or steamer basket to help hold the tamales upright. This will ensure even heating. If you don't have a ramekin, you can skip this step. Add the frozen tamales around the ramekin or directly onto the trivet/steamer basket, with the folded side facing down.
• Set the Timer: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure valve is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting and adjust the time to 15-20 minutes.
• Release the Pressure: Once the timer goes off, perform a natural release or quick release, depending on your preference. For a natural release, simply let the pressure release gradually, which can take about 15 minutes. For a quick release, carefully open the valve to let out the steam.
• Remove the Tamales: Use tongs or a spoon to carefully lift out the tamales, as they will be hot.

Tips for Best Results:

• If your tamales are on the larger side, you may need to increase the steaming time by a few minutes.
• For extra flavor, you can use broth instead of water in the Instant Pot.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can lay the tamales flat on the trivet or try standing them up by leaning them against each other.
• Always exercise caution when handling the Instant Pot, especially when releasing the pressure and removing the hot tamales.

Now you can enjoy your delicious, steaming hot tamales! Serve them with your favorite toppings and sides, such as enchilada sauce, cilantro, cheese, rice, or beans for a complete meal.

How to steam frozen cooked tamales in a slow cooker

Steaming is the best way to reheat frozen, cooked tamales as it ensures they stay soft and moist. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming frozen, cooked tamales in a slow cooker:

• Place a rack in the slow cooker. If your slow cooker didn't come with a rack, you can use a steamer basket or a colander with legs.
• Add water to the slow cooker until it reaches just below the surface of the rack.
• Lay the frozen, cooked tamales on the rack. It is recommended to keep the tamales in their husks or wrappers while reheating.
• If your slow cooker has a sauté or steam function, use it to heat the water quickly, then lower the heat to slow cook.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1-2 hours, or until the tamales reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
• Once the tamales are thoroughly heated, you can lower the temperature to LOW or KEEP WARM to keep them warm until you're ready to serve.

Note: If desired, you can place a dish towel under the lid of the slow cooker to absorb any condensation that forms.

Other Methods to Reheat Frozen, Cooked Tamales:

• Wrap the tamales in foil and place them in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.
• Reheat individual tamales in their husks over low heat in a skillet.
• Boil a large pot of water and immerse a bag of frozen, cooked tamales, ensuring the bag doesn't touch the sides or bottom of the pot. Boil for about 22 minutes for four tamales.
• Microwave the tamales (after allowing them to thaw in the refrigerator first). Wrap each tamale in a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious, steaming hot tamales!

How to steam frozen cooked tamales in an oven

Steaming is the most traditional and well-known way to cook tamales, and it is also a great way to reheat them without drying them out. However, if you don't have access to a steamer, you can also reheat frozen cooked tamales in an oven. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Before you begin, note that reheating tamales in the oven can dry them out more quickly than other methods, so it is important to protect them from drying out. To do this, wrap each tamale tightly in a few layers of aluminum foil, ensuring that no air can get in.

First, preheat your oven to 325°F to 350°F. If your tamales are frozen, they will take longer to reheat, so you should preheat your oven to the higher temperature. If they have been defrosted, a lower temperature will work.

Once your oven is preheated, place the wrapped tamales in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not stacked on top of each other to ensure even heating.

For frozen tamales, bake for 25 to 30 minutes. If your tamales have been defrosted, they will only need 15 to 20 minutes in the oven.

To check if your tamales are ready, carefully open one of the foil packets and insert a cooking thermometer into the centre of the tamale. It should read an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that any food-borne illness-causing bacteria have been killed.

And that's it! With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, hot tamales straight from your oven.

How to steam frozen cooked tamales in a frying pan

If you're looking to steam frozen cooked tamales in a frying pan, here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect result:

Step 1: Prepare the Tamales and Frying Pan

• Start by removing the tamales from their packaging and placing them on a counter or plate.
• Get your frying pan ready by placing it on the stove. Ensure it is large enough to accommodate the number of tamales you plan to cook.

Step 2: Heat the Frying Pan

• Turn the stove burner to medium heat. Allow the pan to heat up gradually.
• While the pan is heating, remove the corn husks from the tamales. This step ensures that the tamales don't become soggy during the cooking process.

Step 3: Add Oil to the Pan

• Once the pan is heated, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or lard to the pan. You can also use any other cooking oil of your choice.
• Allow the oil to heat up for a few seconds. This step is crucial as it helps create a non-stick surface and prevents the tamales from burning.

Step 4: Place the Tamales in the Pan

Carefully place the tamales in the hot frying pan. Ensure they are not overcrowded and have enough space to cook evenly.

Step 5: Fry the Tamales

• Fry the tamales for 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
• Continue cooking, turning the tamales occasionally, until they are steaming hot inside. You may use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Once the tamales are golden brown and heated through, carefully remove them from the pan using tongs or a spatula.
• Place them on a serving plate and let them cool down slightly before serving.
• Enjoy your freshly steamed tamales!

How to steam frozen cooked tamales in a microwave

Steaming is the traditional and recommended method for cooking tamales, but if you're short on time, you can also microwave them. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming frozen cooked tamales in a microwave:

Preparation:

Before you begin, gather your ingredients and tools:

• Microwave-safe plate
• Microwave-safe cover or plastic wrap
• Cooking utensils (tongs or a fork)
• Food thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Unwrap the frozen tamales and place them on the microwave-safe plate.
• Cover the plate: Use a microwave-safe cover or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape.
• Microwave: Place the covered plate in the microwave and set it to high power. Cook for approximately 3-5 minutes per tamale, depending on your microwave's wattage and the size of the tamales. Start with the minimum recommended time and adjust as needed.
• Check and adjust: After each cooking interval, carefully remove the plate from the microwave using tongs or a fork as the plate and tamales will be hot. Check the internal temperature of the tamales with a food thermometer—you're aiming for at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they're fully cooked. If they're not ready, return them to the microwave in 1-minute intervals until they reach the desired temperature.
• Rest and serve: Once cooked, let the tamales rest for a few minutes before removing the cover and serving. This allows them to cool slightly and helps distribute the flavors.

Tips for Microwave Cooking:

• Always use caution when handling hot plates and tamales. Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.
• For a softer texture, add a splash of water to the plate before covering it. This helps create steam and prevents the tamales from drying out.
• Brush the tamales with melted butter or vegetable oil before cooking for an extra touch of flavor.
• If you have time, thaw the tamales in the refrigerator overnight before microwaving to reduce cooking time and ensure even heating.

Frequently asked questions