Steaming Frozen Tamales: Pressure Cooker Perfection

Tamales are a delicious Mexican treat that can be made with various fillings, such as chicken, beef, cheese, or even vegetarian options. While they are traditionally steamed, a pressure cooker can be used to achieve the same tender and flavorful results in a fraction of the time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam frozen tamales in a pressure cooker:

First, gather your ingredients. You will need frozen tamales and water, as well as any desired fillings or toppings. Then, prepare your pressure cooker by ensuring it is clean and in good working condition. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and add the recommended amount of water, usually around 1 cup.

Next, set up the steamer basket or a sturdy metal rack inside the pressure cooker. This will keep the tamales elevated and prevent them from becoming soggy. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a heat-resistant plate or a layer of corn husks at the bottom of the cooker.

Now, it's time to assemble your tamales. Unwrap the corn husk and spoon your desired filling into the center. Fold the sides of the husk over the filling and place the tamale upright on the steamer basket, ensuring it is secure and won't tip over.

Close the lid and set the cooker to high pressure for 15-20 minutes. Once the time is up, release the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions. Carefully remove the tamales from the cooker and let them cool slightly before serving.

And that's it! You now have perfectly steamed tamales ready to be enjoyed. Don't forget to experiment with different fillings and toppings to find your favorite combinations.

How to steam frozen tamales in an Instant Pot

Steaming frozen tamales in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to cook them for lunch or dinner. The Instant Pot makes cooking tamales a breeze with no prep and virtually no clean-up. You can have frozen tamales ready in less than 30 minutes. Here is how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Insert the trivet that came with your Instant Pot. Then, insert the steamer basket on top of the trivet. Pour 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot.

Step 2: Prepare the Tamales

Insert a small ramekin or something similar to help hold the tamales upright. Add the frozen tamales with the folded side down around the ramekin. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can lay the tamales flat across the trivet or stand them up on the trivet.

Step 3: Set the Instant Pot

Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on High. Set the time to 15 minutes for large tamales or 10 minutes for smaller tamales.

Step 4: Release the Pressure

Once the Instant Pot is finished cooking, do a natural release or a quick release and carefully open the lid. It is best to lift up the steamer insert out of the pot, but if you can't reach it, gently use a spoon or tongs to lift out the tamales.

Step 5: Serve

Use tongs to remove the tamales as they will be hot. Unwrap the tamales and enjoy! Make sure to cut them open and let them cool slightly before serving to children. You can serve them with sides such as cilantro lime rice, Mexican street corn salad, or guacamole.

How to steam frozen tamales in a Ninja Foodi

Steaming frozen tamales in a Ninja Foodi is a quick and easy way to cook a tasty Mexican treat. You can use either the pressure cooker or steam function, and the whole process will take around 30 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

What you will need:

• A bag of frozen tamales (beef, chicken, pork, or vegetarian)
• Water or broth (beef or chicken)
• A trivet with a small ramekin in the middle or a vegetable steamer basket
• Tongs
• A meat thermometer (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

• Pour water or broth into the pressure cooker and lower the trivet or vegetable steamer into it. If using a trivet, place a small ramekin in the middle to help the tamales stand up.
• Place the frozen tamales around the middle piece, ensuring they are standing up with the open end facing up.
• Close the lid and ensure the steam valve is in the correct position.
• Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
• Let the pressure release naturally, which will take around 15 minutes.
• Open the lid carefully and use tongs to remove the tamales as they will be hot.
• Unwrap the tamales and enjoy!

Tips:

• If your tamales are not pre-cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached a safe temperature of 165 degrees F.
• You can serve tamales with various sides and toppings such as enchilada sauce, black beans, tortilla chips, red cabbage coleslaw, salsa, chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and sour cream.
• To store leftovers, keep the husks on the tamales to prevent the masa from drying out. Wrap each tamale tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag and remove the air. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How to steam frozen store-bought tamales

Steaming frozen store-bought tamales is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious Mexican dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly steamed tamales using a pressure cooker:

Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment:

• Frozen store-bought tamales
• Pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi)
• Steamer basket or metal rack
• Water or broth
• Tongs or heat-safe instrument for handling
• Optional: Ramekin or small circular dish

Prepare Your Pressure Cooker:

Ensure 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, usually around 1 to 2 cups.

Set Up the Steamer Basket:

Place the steamer basket or a sturdy metal rack inside the pressure cooker. This will elevate the tamales and prevent direct contact with the water, avoiding soggy bottoms. If using a trivet, place a small ramekin or dish in the centre for the tamales to lean on.

Arrange the Frozen Tamales:

Place the frozen tamales around the ramekin or directly on the steamer basket. Ensure they are standing up with the open end facing upwards. Avoid overcrowding the pressure cooker to allow for even steam circulation.

Close and Seal the Pressure Cooker:

Close the lid securely and set the valve to the pressure cooking position. Make sure the pressure cooker is properly sealed to ensure effective cooking.

Set the Cooking Time and Pressure:

Refer to your pressure cooker's manual for specific instructions. Generally, frozen tamales require a longer cooking time than fresh ones. Set the timer for around 15 to 20 minutes at high pressure.

Release the Pressure:

Once the cooking time is complete, release the pressure according to your cooker's instructions. It is recommended to use a natural pressure release for moist and tender tamales.

Remove and Serve:

Carefully remove the tamales from the pressure cooker using tongs or a heat-safe instrument. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your freshly steamed tamales!

Tips for Success:

• Experiment with fillings: Try creative fillings like shrimp, sweet potato, or pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Proper sealing: Ensure the tamales are tightly wrapped in their corn husks to prevent the filling from escaping.
• Add flavour to the water: Enhance the taste by adding seasonings or broth to the water for an extra burst of flavour.
• Avoid overcrowding: Leave enough space between tamales for even steam circulation and consistent cooking.

How to steam frozen homemade tamales

Steaming frozen homemade tamales is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious Mexican treat. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly steamed tamales using a pressure cooker:

Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment:

• Frozen homemade tamales
• Pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi)
• Steamer basket or metal rack
• Water or broth
• Tongs or heat-safe instrument for handling
• Kitchen thermometer (optional)

Prepare Your Pressure Cooker:

Ensure 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, usually around 1-2 cups.

Set Up the Steamer Basket:

Place the steamer basket or a sturdy metal rack inside the pressure cooker. This will elevate the tamales and prevent direct contact with the water, ensuring they don't become soggy.

Arrange the Frozen Tamales:

Place the frozen tamales upright in the steamer basket, with the open end facing up. If using a trivet, you can place a small ramekin or similar item in the center to help the tamales lean against it and stay upright. It's important to ensure they are secure and won't tip over during cooking.

Cooking Time and Pressure:

Refer to your pressure cooker's manual for specific instructions. Generally, frozen tamales will take longer to cook than fresh ones. Set the cooker to high pressure and cook for around 15-20 minutes. You may need to experiment with the timing, depending on your cooker and the size of your tamales. Once the time is up, release the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Serving:

Carefully remove the tamales from the pressure cooker using tongs or a heat-safe instrument. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade steamed tamales!

Tips for Success:

• Experiment with fillings: Try different fillings like shrimp, sweet potato, or pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Proper sealing: Ensure your tamales are tightly wrapped in corn husks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
• Add flavor to the water: Enhance the taste by adding seasonings or broth to the water in the pressure cooker.
• Don't overcrowd: Leave enough space between tamales for even steam circulation and consistent cooking.
• Internal temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the tamales have reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

How to steam frozen tamales without a steamer basket

Steaming frozen tamales is easy, even if you don't have a steamer basket. Here are some ways to steam your frozen tamales without a steamer basket:

Using a Pressure Cooker or Large Pot

If you're using a pressure cooker, you can use a metal vegetable steamer basket or the steam rack that usually comes with it. If you're using a large pot, a vegetable steamer basket or rack from your pressure cooker will work too. Place the basket or rack inside the pot, and pour in just enough boiling water so that it reaches the bottom of the basket or rack—be careful not to let the water touch your tamales!

Next, lay hydrated corn husks on the basket or rack, and then place your frozen tamales on top, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cover the tamales with more corn husks or aluminium foil, and place the lid on the pot, ensuring a tight seal. Turn the heat to high and wait for the water to boil, then turn the heat down to low and let your tamales steam.

Using a Metal Strainer or Colander

If you don't have a steamer basket, a metal strainer or colander can work as a worthy vessel for steaming your tamales. You'll need to suspend the strainer or colander over a pot of boiling water, which is easy to do as most strainers have a lip or handle for hanging. However, be aware that the lid of your pot likely won't fit with the strainer or colander inside, so you'll need to allow for extra cooking time.

Using a Bowl and Chopsticks

Another option is to use an upside-down bowl and some chopsticks. Place the bowl in the bottom of your stockpot, and arrange three or four chopsticks on top of it. Then, place your tamales on the chopsticks. This method works for up to half a dozen tamales, but be careful not to stack them as it will be too precarious.

Using an Oven and Roasting Pan

While it's not a conventional method, you can also steam your tamales using an oven. Place your tamales in a covered baking pan with some water, and figure out a way to keep them out of the water while they steam. A roasting pan with an insert is ideal, but you can also use a ball of aluminium foil. Your tamales may take twice as long to heat in the oven, so consider starting with boiling water to minimise the cooking time.

Other Methods

There are also some alternative methods for heating your tamales that don't involve steaming. These include:

• Microwave: Place up to two tamales on a microwave-safe dish and heat for two minutes. You can wrap your tamales in a damp paper towel for extra moisture, but it's not necessary.
• Barbecue: Leave your tamales in their husks and place them on a barbecue grate over a low flame. Turn them regularly to prevent burning, and heat until they are hot all the way through.
• Pan frying: Remove the tamales from their husks and cook in a pan with enough oil to coat the bottom, using medium-low to medium heat.
• Deep frying: Dry your tamales thoroughly with paper towels, and then deep fry for two to three minutes until they develop a crispy exterior.

Tips

• The steaming time will depend on the size of your pot and the number of tamales you are cooking.
• When steaming, always make sure that the water does not touch the tamales, as this will make them soggy.
• When arranging your tamales, place them standing up with the open side facing up, or lying down with the opening of the corn husk facing upward.
• Check your tamales regularly to ensure they don't overcook.
• To test if your tamales are done, use a metal-stem thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Alternatively, break off a bit of the masa with a fork and taste it—if it's both firm and tender, it's ready.
• If you're using a steamer basket, cover your tamales with hydrated corn husks or aluminium foil to keep them dry while they cook.

Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions