How to Steam Tamales on Stove?
To steam tamales on the stove, you will need a pot with a steamer basket.
Fill the pot with water, placing the tamales vertically in the steamer basket with the open end up.
Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, maintaining a gentle simmer.
Cook the tamales for 60 to 90 minutes, ensuring to check the water level periodically and adding more water if needed.
The tamales are done when they feel firm and the husk easily peels away.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Tamales can be traced back to around 5000 BC, making them one of the oldest food traditions in the world.
2. Corn husks are traditionally used to wrap tamales because they impart a subtle aroma and flavor to the dish when steamed.
3. The word “tamale” comes from the Nahuatl word “tamalli,” which means “wrapped food.”
4. Steaming tamales on the stove is not only a traditional cooking method but also one of the healthiest, as it retains the nutrients without adding extra fat.
5. A traditional way to determine if tamales are ready is by performing the “float test.” Once the tamales rise to the surface of the boiling water, they are usually cooked and ready to be enjoyed.
Steaming Tamales On Stove Method: Using A Steamer Basket
Steaming tamales on the stove using a steamer basket is a traditional and reliable method that ensures perfectly cooked tamales every time. Here’s how to do it:
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Fill a large pot with water, making sure it reaches slightly below the bottom of the steamer basket. This will create the steam necessary to cook the tamales.
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Place the tamales vertically in the steamer basket with the open end facing up. This arrangement allows the steam to evenly penetrate the tamales during the cooking process.
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Bring the water in the pot to a boil over high heat. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium to maintain a very gentle simmer. This gentle simmer ensures that the tamales cook slowly and evenly.
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Periodically check the water level and add more water if needed to avoid it running dry. This prevents the tamales from burning and ensures continuous steam throughout the cooking process.
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Cook the tamales for 60 to 90 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Keep an eye on the water level during this time and add more if necessary. The tamales are done when they feel firm to the touch and the husk easily peels away from the masa.
Steaming Tamales In Pressure Cooker Or Instant Pot
If you’re short on time and prefer a quicker cooking method, steaming tamales in a pressure cooker or instant pot is a great option. Here’s how to do it:
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Start by adding water to the cooker, ensuring it is below the steamer basket. This will create the steam necessary for cooking the tamales.
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Place the tamales vertically in the steamer basket with the open side facing up. This allows the steam to penetrate the tamales evenly during the cooking process.
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Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to high heat. Once the cooker reaches its maximum pressure, reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
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Cook the tamales for around 20 minutes. After this cooking time, turn off the pressure cooker and let it naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. This allows the tamales to continue cooking in the residual heat while also ensuring they don’t become overcooked.
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Check one of the tamales for doneness by peeling back the husk and confirming that the masa is fully cooked. If needed, cook for longer in the pressure cooker until the tamales are done to your desired level of doneness.
Bullet points:
- Add water below the steamer basket
- Place tamales vertically with open side up
- Set pressure cooker to high heat, then reduce to low heat
- Cook for 20 minutes
- Let pressure naturally release for 10 minutes
- Check doneness by peeling back husk and confirming fully cooked masa.
Steaming Tamales On Stove Without A Steamer Basket
If you don’t have a steamer basket on hand, don’t worry! You can still steam tamales on the stove using an alternative method. Here’s how:
To steam tamales on the stove without a steamer basket, you’ll need a pot and a heat-resistant plate. Start by selecting a heat-resistant plate that is large enough to hold the tamales and allows for steam circulation around them.
Create space beneath the plate using aluminum foil. This will elevate the plate and prevent the tamales from sitting directly in the water, ensuring they steam properly.
Next, place the tamales on the plate, either vertically or flat. The important thing is to make sure they are not tightly packed and have space between them for steam to circulate.
Add water to the pot just below the level of the plate. Then, cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam and create a steamer-like environment.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer. This will allow the tamales to cook slowly and evenly.
Check the water level periodically to make sure it doesn’t run out. If needed, add more water to maintain the steam.
Cook the tamales for 60 to 90 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. During this time, monitor the water level and add more if necessary. The tamales are done when they feel firm to the touch and the husk easily peels away from the masa.
Reheating Tamales: The Best Method
To reheat tamales, follow these steps:
- Place the tamales in a steamer basket or on a heat-resistant plate, ensuring they are not tightly packed.
- Leave space between each tamale to allow for steam circulation.
- Steam the tamales for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on their size and whether they are fresh or refrigerated.
- Steaming them will ensure they heat evenly and maintain their moist texture.
- Periodically check the doneness of one of the tamales during the reheating process.
- Once the tamales are fully heated through and the masa is warm, they are ready to serve.
Reheating Frozen Tamales: Steaming Instructions
If you have frozen tamales that you’d like to reheat, the steaming method is still the best option. Here’s how to do it:
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Place the frozen tamales in a steamer basket, ensuring there is space between them for steam circulation. If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can use the heat-resistant plate method explained earlier.
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Steam the frozen tamales for 45 to 60 minutes, checking for doneness before serving. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tamales.
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To ensure the tamales are fully reheated, check one of them by peeling back the husk and confirming that the masa is heated through. Once they are fully reheated, they are ready to enjoy.
How To Tell When Tamales Are Fully Cooked And Ready
Determining when tamales are fully cooked and ready to be served can sometimes be a tricky task. Here are a few signs to look for:
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Firm to the touch: The tamales should feel firm when pressed gently. The masa should hold its shape without feeling mushy or undercooked.
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Easy to peel: The husk should easily peel away from the masa. If it sticks or is difficult to remove, the tamales may need more cooking time.
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Fluffy texture: The masa should be fully cooked and have a slightly fluffy texture. It should not have a raw or doughy taste.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your tamales are fully cooked and ready to be enjoyed. Whether steaming them on the stove, using a pressure cooker, or reheating them, the traditional method will yield delicious and perfectly done tamales every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you steam tamales on the stove?
When preparing tamales on the stove, it is recommended to steam them for approximately 30-40 minutes. However, it is crucial to keep an eye on their progress after the first 15 minutes, as cooking times may vary depending on the recipe or ingredients used. For more detailed instructions on the steaming process, it is worthwhile to consult instructional videos or recipes specific to the type of tamales being prepared.
How do you steam tamales on the stove without a steamer?
If you don’t have a steamer, there are alternative ways you can steam tamales on the stove. One option is to place a metal colander or an overturned bowl in a pot of boiling water. By balancing chopsticks on top of the colander or bowl, you can create a makeshift steamer to lift the tamales above the water level and allow steam to penetrate them. Another possibility is to grill or pan fry the tamales, resulting in a deliciously charred exterior and a moist and tender interior. This method adds a unique smoky flavor to the tamales and can be a great alternative to traditional steaming.
How does it take to steam tamales?
The process of steaming tamales typically requires approximately 15 minutes, although this duration may be extended for larger quantities. Although tamales are already cooked, the presence of a corn husk exterior necessitates additional time for the heat to thoroughly penetrate to the core. Consequently, this period is deemed necessary to ensure even and consistent warming of the tamale.
Is it better to steam or boil tamales?
When it comes to cooking tamales, steaming them is the way to go. Steaming helps to retain the moisture and flavors of the tamale filling, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Whether you choose to steam your tamales in a steamer, in the oven, on the stove, or in an Instant Pot, the steaming method ensures that the tamales are properly cooked and enjoyable to eat. So, if you’re new to tamales and want to experience their true deliciousness, opt for steaming over boiling.