Many people enjoy tamales when they are hot, but what do you do if they get cold? How to reheat tamales without making them soggy? How to keep tamales warm?
How to Keep Tamales Warm
Tamales, a Central and South American dish typically made of cornmeal dough filled with various ingredients, are commonly customizable.
Most tamales can be filled with pork, beef, cheese or vegetables however some also include chilies. They’re usually wrapped in dough called mesa and then wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf. After cooking, the husk can be discarded or used as a plate.
Smoked pork tamales are a traditional Mexican treat that are filled with melted-in-your-mouth smoked pork and wrapped in masa. While it takes a lot of work to make them, they’re worth it because the end result is delicious and memorable. Check out our popular pulled pork recipe.
Tamales are best eaten right away, but if you have leftovers, it’s important to know how to reheat them properly in order to make them taste their best. One mistake can lead to the homemade tamales becoming dry and flavorless.
We recommend thawing tamales first before completing any of the following reheating methods. Do not thaw tamales on the countertop as this can be dangerous to your health. Instead, always thaw food in the refrigerator.
How to Reheat Tamales in the Microwave
Microwaving tamales is the quickest way to reheat them, but you’ll sacrifice some of their crispness and browning. There’s also a chance they will be dry.
The tamale recipe we provide will result in tamales that stay wonderfully moist.
If you need to reheat frozen tamales, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator. This may take a few hours, but it will make reheating the tamales in the microwave much easier. If your tamales are already at room temperature, you can skip this step.
– Wrap each tamale in a wet paper towel to prevent it from drying out in the microwave.
– Place tamales on a microwave-safe plate, making sure there is enough space between them.
– Microwave tamales on 70% power for 15 to 30 seconds. This will cause them to cook quickly and evenly.
– Remove the plate from the microwave and unwrap tamales. Flip them over and wrap them with fresh, damp paper towels.
– Microwave them again on 70% power for 15 to 30 seconds. To check if the tamales are cooked through, feel the surface. If it is not hot to the touch, microwave them at 15-second intervals until they are. This process will take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Frozen tamales will need about 2 to 3 minutes in the microwave to be cooked through.
Pro Tips to Reheat Tamales in the Microwave
Since microwaved tamales are wrapped in paper towels, care should be taken when handling them, as they can become extremely hot.
Alternative to damp paper towel: To keep tamales fresh, dampen the husks with cold water each time you pop them in the microwave.
Do not microwave more than two tamales at a time to avoid them from heating unevenly.
When cooking these tamales, be sure to wrap them tightly in the corn husks to obtain a great aroma and flavor. Keep them wrapped until just before you eat them so that they retain their original flavor.
How to Reheat Tamales Using a Steamer
The steamer is the most superior means to reheat tamales, and there’s really no competition when it comes to making these delicious Mexican favorites.
If you own a steamer or steaming pot, it’s a good idea to try this steamer method of reheating tamales. Steaming preserves their original flavors and helps to avoid overcooking or them drying out.
The downside to this method is that it may take 30 minutes to reheat. Some people are also turned off by the hassle of having to take out the infrequently used appliance from wherever it’s stored just for this purpose. But if you’re particular about getting the tamales texture just right, this approach is worth it.
– Fill the steamer’s pot with about 3 inches of water and place the steaming basket on top. Make sure that the bottom of the steaming basket doesn’t touch the water.
– Place the steamer basket on top of the pot and cover with the lid. Bring water to a boil on high heat.
– Place the tamales in a steamer with the open end up. Make sure you leave them in their husks. Reduce the heat to medium and steam for 15 to 20 minutes. The total heating time for frozen tamales is typically five to 10 minutes longer than the time needed to heat thawed tamales.
It is better to do a couple of rounds of reheating rather than pack your steamer full of tamales.
– Once the timer goes off, check the internal temperature of one tamale to determine if it is cooked. Tamales are ready to eat when they reach 165 degrees F.
– Carefully remove the tamales from the steamer using tong. They will be very hot.
Pro Tips to Reheat Tamales Using a Steamer
The time it takes to steam tamales will depend on your preference. If you want a softer crust, cook for about 25 to 30 minutes, while if you prefer a firmer crust, cook for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Steaming is often considered to be the best way to enjoy the authentic, tamale taste. So, be sure not to put the tamales in boiling water or they will become soft and mushy.
How to Reheat Tamales in an Oven
The oven is the best way to achieve a brown and crispy outer crust. It is easy and convenient to reheat a large batch of tamales in the oven. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your tamales come out perfectly every time.
– Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
– To ensure a crispy outer shell and fluffy tamale interior, tightly wrap each tamale with aluminum foil 2 to 3 times. Squeeze any trapped air out of the tamales after they are wrapped.
– Place the tamales on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure even heat. Bake the tamales for 15 to 20 minutes, then take them out of the oven and flip them at the half way mark. Return to the oven for the remaining 10 minutes. For frozen tamales, extend the heating time by 10 minutes, for a total time of 25 to 30 minutes.
– After unwrapping one tamale, check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Tamales are ready to eat when they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pro Tips to Reheat Tamales in an Oven
If you want a moist tamales that are slightly crisp on the outside, it’s best to keep the corn husks on.
To prevent the tamales from becoming brittle, cover them with foil. This will protect them from being overcooked and make them softer and moister.
How to Reheat Tamales in an Air Fryer
The easiest way to reheat the tamales is using the air fryer. The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can fry foods with little to no oil, bake goods, and reheat leftovers. It also does the job of a conventional oven at lightning speed. Simply pop them in for a few minutes and you’re ready to enjoy your favorite dish.
It’s a reliable alternative method to microwave because the time it takes to reheat food in the air fryer is almost the same as doing it in the microwave, but with significantly better results.
– Place the tamales on the air fryer basket with the husks intact, allowing at least an inch of space in between them.
– To achieve a crispy and golden exterior, air fry the tamales at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 9 minutes.
– Use a pair of tongs to flip them over. Cook them for another 9 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown on both sides.
Check out our other popular air fryer recipes – pork loin, potstickers, egg rolls, chicken nuggets and pizza.
Pro Tips to Reheat Tamales in an Air Fryer
Do not remove the husks from tamales when reheating them in an air fryer. The hot air will help to dry out the tamales without them.
If you are reheating frozen tamales, air fry them for 12 to 13 minutes on each side.
Do not crowd the air fryer basket to prevent the hot air from circulating. For best results, allow at least an inch of space between the tamales.
How to Reheat Tamales in an Instant Pot
Instant Pot reheating results in tamales that are remarkably moist and tender. It works the same way as steaming, but quicker.
– Place the steamer basket inside the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water to the insert pot.
– Place 4 tamales upright in a basket and cover the pot with the lid. Seal the vent to ensure even cooking.
– To cook the tamales, select the steam option and set the timer to 5 minutes. For frozen tamales, set it for 15 minutes.
– When the timer goes off, quickly release the lid and remove the basket. Carefully unwrap the tamales.
Pro Tips to Reheat Tamales in an Instant Pot
If you don’t have a steamer basket, arrange the tamales on the trivet that came with your Instant Pot. It will be a challenge to set them upright, but it’s possible.
If you plan to lay tamales flat on a trivet, it is best to reheat them for a longer period of time.
How to Reheat Tamales Using a Crock-Pot
Reheating tamales in a crock-pot or slow cooker is simple, but you’ll need to allow for extra time when cooking them this way. This is going to be your favorite method if you need to keep tamales hot for a long time.
Throw the tamales in the pot, set the timer, that’s it!
– Set your crock-pot temperature on high.
– Put the tamales, husks intact, in the pot. Arrange them so that their open ends are facing up and don’t put too many in at one time. It’s better to reheat them a few times rather than fill your pot full.
– Sprinkle some water over the tamales to keep them moist.
– Cover the pot and reheat for an hour. After 30 minutes, check their status. If the tamales are not heating up as quickly as you like, try rearranging them. This can help ensure that all of the tamales heat through completely.
– After the timer goes off, check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer. The temperature should be at least 165 degrees F.
Pro Tips to Reheat Tamales Using a Crock-Pot
Do not open the lid of the crock-pot too often; this will allow the hot air to escape and prolong the heating process.
EXTRA Pro Tips You Should Know – How to Reheat Tamales
To test if the tamales are done, check their internal temperature with an instant thermometer. The tamales should be cooked to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thawing tamales before reheating them ensures that they will be more evenly cooked and less likely to become dry. You can thaw your tamales in the microwave on medium heat for three minutes. You can also transfer them to the refrigerator from the freezer one night before reheating them.
It is important to cook the tamales correctly so they don’t dry out, but it’s also important to be aware if they are thawed or frozen so you can set the timer accordingly.
Steaming is often considered to be the best way to enjoy the authentic, tamale taste. So, be sure not to put the tamales in boiling water or they will become soft and mushy.
Is Boiling a Good Reheating Method for Tamales?
Reheating tamales using boiling water is not a good option, but it will work if you have no other choice.
To ensure that your tamales remain firm, do not allow any water to come into contact with them during reheating process. This can be done by placing them inside a sous vide bag, Ziplock bag, or a reusable silicone food bag that is suitable for heating.
Seal the bag and place in a pan of boiling water for 8 to 15 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on the bag so that it does not leak.
How to Keep Tamales Moist when Reheating
If you want to reheat tamales quickly and keep them as moist as possible, the best method is either steaming or using an Instant Pot. Hot water at the bottom of a pot creates a moist environment, which helps tamales stay moist while reheating.
How to Store Leftover Tamales
Tamales can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 5 months.
After the tamales have been cooked, it is important to cool them completely before wrapping them.
To freeze your leftovers, leave the cooled tamales in their husks and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Make sure to store the wrapped tamales in an airtight container or freezer bag to keep it fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions – How To Keep Tamales Warm
How can tamales be kept heated without drying out?
If you have a steamer, using it to reheat your tamales. Steam method prevents the tamales from drying out or being overcooked.
How long can hot tamales sit out?
Tamales should be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the fridge and freezer. Tamales should not be left out on the counter for more than 3 hours.
Is it possible to make pork tamales ahead of time and steam them later?
Pork tamales can also be made ahead of time: Steamed or un-steamed, freeze them in a plastic bag for up to a month. Thaw the pork tamales before steaming, or defrost them in the microwave for two to three minutes on a dish wrapped in cling wrap if they’ve previously been cooked.
After steaming, how long should tamales sit?
Before attempting to remove the husks, let the tamales sit for 10 to 15 minutes. You might be able to peel the masa right off if you remove the husk beforehand.
When it comes to tamales, how can you know when they’re done steaming?
It’s not cooked if the masa sticks after 3 minutes. Fold carefully and return to the pot. Cook for a further 5 minutes before re-testing. Tamales are properly cooked if the husk can be easily removed.
What do you use to wrap tamales?
To tie your tamales, you’ll need to rip small pieces of corn husk. You can use kitchen string, but I prefer the rustic and natural aesthetic of corn husk strips. Cover the top section of the corn husk with masa.
