Are you willing to create some of the tastiest tamales around? If so, then get ready to start cooking! Frozen tamales are an easy way to enjoy a delicious treat from your kitchen. From steaming them in foil, pan-frying, oven-baking, or even microwaving them – we’ll show you exactly how to cook frozen tamales and explain why each method works best for different tamale recipes. It doesn’t matter if you like bean and cheese, pork carnitas, or chicken mole – our tips will deliver you the enthusiasm to create something unique that will tantalize your taste buds.
What Are Frozen Tamales?
Frozen tamales are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine delicacies at home. They are made with natural, fresh ingredients, including masa (corn dough) and fillings of your choice, all wrapped in a corn husk. The Frozen tamale is pre-cooked and can be reheat tamales up in minutes with minimal effort. Microwave or steam the tamales, and you’re good to go!
What Are the Best Ways to Cook Frozen Tamales?
Cooking frozen tamales is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a tasty Mexican treat. There are different ways to prepare them, but the best way is by charring them. You can use a container with a lid that has a way for steam to escape. This method brings out the best flavor in the tamales, giving you a heavenly experience you’ll want to repeat time and time again. To achieve the perfect taste and texture, you can steam frozen tamales or reheat frozen tamales. Try cooking your frozen tamales by charring them today. If you want to make your tamales from scratch then check out our ultimate guide on how to cook tamales like a boss.
Method 1: Steaming
When it comes to steaming frozen tamales, steaming is the optimal method. To begin, fill a steamer basket with thawed or frozen tamales. Place the steamer basket in a large pot filled with 1-2 inches of water, ensuring that steam does not directly touch the tamales. Once the pot is covered, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and steam for around 20 minutes or until the tamales are fully cooked. This process will guarantee perfectly cooked tamales every time.
Method 2: Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot
Cooking frozen tamales in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot is a simple and speedy way to savor them. Begin by adding one cup of water to the cooker or pot. Next, place the tamales in a steamer basket inside the pot. Then, add a damp paper towel and set the timer for five minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure escape naturally for ten minutes before opening. You’ll find that the uncooked tamales are now fully cooked and ready to eat. So go ahead and enjoy this easy-to-follow recipe.
Method 3: Microwave
Cooking frozen tamales in the microwave is a quick and easy way to get delicious tamales on your plate in no time. Remove the tamales from the plastic packaging and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Then, cover the plate with a damp paper towel to help maintain the tamales moist. Finally, cook tamales on high for 2-3 minutes or until they are steaming hot. The steamy tamales can then be served and enjoyed. Remember to remove the corn husks of each tamale before eating!
Method 4: air fryer (not sure if this is really possible)
If you’re examining for a special and delicious method to cook frozen tamales, air-frying them is the way to go! It might be unconventional, but it’s doable. All you require is an air fryer and your favorite frozen tamales. Start by placing the leftover tamales in the air fryer frying pan and preheating them to 375°F. Cook them for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Method 5: Oven
Cooking tamales in the oven is a delicious and easy way to prepare them. To get started, wrap each tamale tightly in foil and then place them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. The range is better than the rice cooker for this purpose as it will cook the tamales faster and give them a more evenly cooked texture. After they are done cooking, open the foil to allow the steam to escape and then serve. This simple method of cooking tamales will guarantee a tasty and satisfying meal.
What Are the Worst Ways to Cook Frozen Tamales?
Cooking frozen tamales can be a challenge if done incorrectly. The following methods should be avoided to ensure your tamales turn out perfectly. Microwaving is a common method for quickly cooking food, but it is not ideal for frozen tamales.It may lead to dry tamales, and the heat may not be sufficient for the masa’s flavors and textures to shine. Boiling your frozen tamales may seem like a convenient option, but it can also lead to subpar results. Save these methods for other dishes and follow our tips for flawless frozen tamales.
Method 1: Boiling
If you’re wondering how to cook frozen moist tamales, boiling is a simple and delicious option. Thaw frozen tamales in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours before cooking them. Once thawed, place them in a pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes. It is essential to ensure all the tamales are fully immersed in the water; you can use a kitchen utensil, like a wooden spoon, to push them down if needed.
Method 2: Deep Frying
Deep frying is the method to go for those tamale lovers! Not only does it give your tamales a golden, crispy exterior – it also takes less time than the steaming method. Heat rare inches of oil over medium-high heat to deep fry your frozen tamales.
Method 3: Skillet
Cooking frozen tamales in a skillet is the quickest and easiest way to prepare them. Start by warming a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add your frozen tamales to the pan and spread them out in an unmarried layer. Let them cook for roughly 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
How Can One Reheat Leftover Frozen Tamales?
Reheating your leftover frozen tamales is a breeze! All you need is 20-40 minutes and the right tools. Use an Instant Pot, a slow cooker, or a skillet to perfectly reheat your tamales for the best results. Start by defrosting the tamales in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Then, please place them in one layer on a greased skillet over medium heat, turning them occasionally until they become lightly browned and heated.
What Are the Best Tips For Cooking Frozen Tamales?
Cooking frozen tamales is easy. Here are the tips that you should hold in mind when preparing them:
1. Preheat your cookstove to the temperature suggested on the package.
2. Place your tamales in an oven-safe dish, ensuring not to crowd them too much.
3. Cover the plate with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.
4. Remove the foil and turn the tamales over, baking for 10 minutes until hot.
Conclusion:
Cooking frozen tamales can be a hassle-free and scrumptious way to whip up a great meal that will awe your loved ones. With a few easy tips and techniques, you can achieve a mouthwatering dish that’s as good as if you made it from scratch. The possibilities are endless, and you can savor a diverse range of flavors. Simply follow these basic steps to get started in the kitchen with frozen tamales.
FAQs:
Can you cook frozen tamales on the stove?
Absolutely! Cooking frozen tamales on the stove is a breeze. All you need is a large pot and some water. Simply fill the pot with hot water halfway, and add in 12 to15 frozen tamales (depending on how many you are cooking). It’s that easy!. Place the lid on top, heat medium-high, and let them steam for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove one of the tamales from the pot with a slotted spoon and open it up – if it looks cooked with no raw dough remaining, then they’re done!
Are tamales good after frozen?
Absolutely! Tamales are a perfect and delicious way to enjoy Mexican cuisine all year round. With freezing, the flavors of tamales remain vibrant, and the texture remains soft and moist. Folding their tamales enhances the flavor profile of each ingredient in a subtle yet delightful way. Make sure your tamales are wholly covered when placing them inside the freezer. This will help protect them from possible freezer burn while they go through their long-term hibernation there.
How long does it take to cook your frozen tamales?
Cooking your frozen tamales is an easy and enjoyable task that takes only 25 minutes! If you have the correct ingredients, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, put the frozen tamales on a baking sheet (or in a baking dish), wrap them with aluminum foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil covering and let them cook another 5-10 minutes until they’re golden brown.
Does reheating tamales make them dry?
Reheating tamales can make them dry; however, it is not a given. Unlike other cooked foods such as steak or eggs, reheated tamales have a greater chance of tasting better than the first time—the key to keeping your tamales moist after reheating is to use moisture when you reheat them. Reheat your frozen or refrigerated tamales in an oven with water on the bottom of the baking dish and cover them with foil for part of their time in the oven.
