There are different types of Tamales. All of them rely on the same base, fluffy steamed dough pockets wrapped in their corn husk or edible leaves and have meat or veggie filling inside them. Tamales are a special occasion food because they take a bit of time to prepare. This food is traditionally made by women and all stuffings, as well as foldings, are done by hand. Any food gives a perfect taste when it’s perfectly cooked.
If you are cooking Tamales for the first time & you don’t know How long to cook/steam Tamales? We are gonna help you through this article. We are requesting you to read the article till the end.
Table of Contents
How Long to Cook/Steam Tamales?
The steaming process is the key to cooking Tamales perfectly. Make sure you don’t over steam them. Oversteamed tamales can resolve in those tamales that are too soggy and too soft and they can fall apart as soon as you try to cut into them. If you don’t cook them for a longer time, they may not be cooked perfectly and may be tough.
That’s why it’s important to know how long to cook tamales? You have to make a balance between overcooking and undercooking. It will take only 30-40 mins. to steam on the stovetop. Time taken by Tamales also depends on the quantity you want to steam at once.
If you are cooking Tamales in the instant pot, it will take about 20 mins. to cook completely on high pressure. This is the fastest way to steam Tamales.
How would You Know Tamales are Done with steaming?
You can look for signs that they are fully cooked. You have to look for the separation from the masa and husk. In other words, the dough should have separated from the corn husk. This shows that they have been steamed enough.
How Long to Steam Frozen Tamales?
Frozen Tamales take a longer time than fresh ones. If you are steaming about 4 Tamales or less, then it will take around 25-30 mins. to cook. If you are steaming more than that, steam for about 35-40 mins.
How Long to Steam Tamales Reheat?
It’s easy to reheat Steam Tamales using the steaming method. If Tamales are thawed in the fridge, then it will take up to 15-20 mins. approx. You’ll need to cook for another 10 mins if you stored them in the freezer and they are already cooked. You can also reheat them in the oven for 20 mins. at 425°F. Make sure to flip them over halfway through cooking.
Can You Freeze Cooked Tamales?
Yes, you can freeze cooked Tamales. A plastic bag is enough to store them in the freezer for up to a month. Defrost the Tamales again steaming them. If you have stored already cooked Tamales, defrost them in the microwave placing them on a dish covered with saran wrap for 2-3 mins.
