How to Reheat Tamales?
To reheat tamales, the recommended method is steaming.
Fill a steamer with water and set the heat to medium.
Keep the tamales in their husks and steam them for 15-20 minutes.
If the tamales are frozen, steam them for an additional 10 minutes.
Alternatively, you can reheat tamales in the oven by preheating it to 425°, wrapping each tamale tightly in aluminum foil, and baking them for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Another option is using an Instant Pot: heat it to high, dampen the tamales, and let them warm for about 10 minutes, making sure to space them apart for even cooking.
Lastly, you can also use a microwave.
Wrap each tamale in a damp paper towel, arrange them on a microwave-safe plate with space between them, and microwave for 1-2 minutes.
It’s important to thaw frozen tamales in the refrigerator before microwaving.
Keep in mind that while the microwave method is convenient, it may dry out the tamales more than other methods.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. The term “tamale” comes from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs, and means “wrapped food.”
2. Reheating tamales in the microwave can sometimes result in a rubbery texture, so it’s best to use the stovetop or oven for better results.
3. Tamales have a long history and were enjoyed by the Mayans and Aztecs as early as 8000 to 5000 BC.
4. In Mexico, there is a famous festival dedicated to tamales known as the “Dia de la Candelaria” or Candlemas, which takes place on February 2nd each year.
5. While tamales are commonly associated with Mexican cuisine, they are also popular in several other Latin American countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, and Colombia.
Steaming Tamales
When it comes to reheating tamales, steaming is a classic and foolproof method that helps retain the moisture and flavor of the tamales. To begin, you will need a steamer and a pot with a lid.
- Fill the pot with water and set the heat to medium.
Leave the tamales in their husks, as this will help trap the steam and prevent them from drying out. Arrange the tamales in the steamer basket, making sure they are not tightly packed together.
- Place the steamer basket on top of the pot filled with water and cover it with a lid.
Steam the tamales for around 15-20 minutes. This duration is perfect for reheating tamales that are already at room temperature or refrigerated. However, if you are reheating frozen tamales, you may need to steam them for an additional 10 minutes.
Oven Reheating Method
If you want your tamales to have a crispy exterior, the oven reheating method is an excellent choice. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 425°.
- While the oven is heating up, tightly wrap each tamale in aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and ensure even heat distribution.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the wrapped tamales directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Allow the tamales to bake for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. This flipping ensures that both sides of the tamales are evenly reheated.
Instant Pot Reheating Method
To reheat tamales in an Instant Pot, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat: Set the Instant Pot to high heat and allow it to heat up for a few minutes.
- Dampen: Lightly dampen the tamales with water before placing them in the Instant Pot. This prevents them from drying out during the reheating process.
- Arrange: Place the dampened tamales in the Instant Pot, making sure to leave some space between them for even heating.
- Heat: Let the tamales warm in the Instant Pot for approximately 10 minutes. This allows the steam and heat to permeate the husks and evenly heat the filling.
- Enjoy: Once heated, serve the tamales and savor their deliciousness.
Quick tip: Reheating tamales in an Instant Pot is a quick and efficient method, ideal for those who are short on time.
- Convenient: The Instant Pot offers a convenient option for reheating tamales, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Efficient: The steam and heat from the Instant Pot penetrate the tamales, ensuring that both the husks and filling are thoroughly heated.
- Versatile: The Instant Pot’s high heat setting allows you to warm a variety of foods, not just tamales.
Reheating tamales in an Instant Pot is a simple and efficient way to enjoy this delicious Mexican dish. Try it out and savor the flavors without hassle!
Microwaving Tamales
When in a rush, microwaving tamales can be a quick and convenient way to reheat them. However, it’s important to note that this method may result in slightly drier tamales compared to other reheating methods.
To microwave tamales, here are the steps to follow:
- Wrap each tamale in a damp paper towel to add moisture and prevent drying out.
- Place the wrapped tamales on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring some space between each tamale.
- Microwave the tamales for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s wattage.
- Keep a close eye on the tamales to prevent overheating or drying them out.
- If reheating frozen tamales, remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before microwaving.
Remember to be cautious while microwaving tamales to avoid them becoming too dry.
Recommended Method: Steaming
Steaming is the recommended method for reheating tamales, as it ensures that the tamales retain their moisture and come out tender and flavorful.
To steam tamales:
- Fill a steamer with water and heat it on medium for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- If reheating frozen tamales, add an extra 10 minutes to the steaming time to ensure thorough heating.
- Remember to keep the tamales in their husks to preserve their moisture.
Alternative Reheating Methods
If you don’t have a steamer or prefer a different reheating method, there are alternative options available. The oven method provides a crispy texture to the tamales, while the Instant Pot is quick and efficient. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that microwaving may result in slightly drier tamales.
When using the oven, preheat it to 425°, tightly wrap each tamale in aluminum foil, and bake for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For the Instant Pot method, set it to high heat, dampen the tamales, and warm them for about 10 minutes, leaving space between each tamale. Finally, to use the microwave, wrap tamales in a damp paper towel, place them on a microwave-safe plate with space between them, and microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Reheating tamales allows you to enjoy their deliciousness even after they have been stored. By following these methods, you can ensure that your tamales are heated thoroughly and retain their original taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to reheat tamales?
To achieve the ultimate reheated tamale, opt for the stovetop method. Start by placing a steamer basket in a pot filled with a small amount of water, ensuring the water does not touch the tamales. Cover the pot and steam the tamales for approximately 10-15 minutes, maintaining medium heat. This gentle and moist cooking process will help retain the tamale’s original texture and flavors, resulting in a delicious and satisfying reheated treat.
How do you reheat cold tamales?
To reheat cold tamales, you can follow a simple method. Start by wrapping each tamale with aluminum foil a few times, ensuring there are no gaps. Gently press the tamales to release any trapped air. Next, arrange the wrapped tamales in a dish or sheet pan, leaving enough space between them. Heat them in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, allowing them to steam and regain their warmth. This method will help preserve the flavors and texture of the tamales while bringing them back to a delicious, piping-hot state.
How long to steam leftover tamales?
To steam leftover tamales, simply remove them from the bag and place them in a steamer for 15-20 minutes if they are already thawed (or an additional 5-10 minutes if they are frozen). Steaming helps to retain the moisture and flavors of the tamales, resulting in a delicious and tender texture. Enjoy the rich aroma and delightful taste of your tamales as they steam away, ready to be savored once again.
Alternatively, if you prefer oven baking, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. After removing the tamales from the bag, wrap them in foil and place them on a sheet pan. Bake them for approximately 15-20 minutes if they are thawed, or 20-25 minutes if they are frozen. This method will infuse the tamales with a gentle heat, ensuring they are warmed through and ready to be enjoyed. Whichever method you choose, you’ll soon be delighting in the flavorful goodness of your leftover tamales.
What is the best method to reheat tamales without drying them out?
The best method to reheat tamales without drying them out is to use a steamer. Fill a pot with water and place a steamer basket on top. Arrange the tamales in the basket, making sure there is enough space between them for steam to circulate. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the tamales for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This gentle steam method helps to preserve the moisture in the tamales, preventing them from drying out.
Another method is to reheat tamales in the microwave, but it requires a bit more care. Wrap the tamales individually in a damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them on medium power in short increments of 30 seconds, checking for doneness after each increment. Microwaving for too long can dry out the tamales, so it’s important to heat them in shorter bursts while keeping them moist with the damp paper towel.