How to Reheat Tamales?

Tamales is a Mesoamerican traditional delight; loved by the locals. It is said to be a mixture of delicious stuffing of beans, meats, and cheese which is wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk. Heated and served with rice; these mouthwatering crunchy tamales are quick and easy to make.

Tamales can be preserved for long-term use and can be reheated for a quick meal on the go, either if it’s homemade or store-bought. If you have an oven, steamer, microwave, or air fryer, you can reheat tamales in numerous ways as follows:

How to Reheat Tamales in a Microwave?

A microwave is the most popular way of reheating preserved or frozen food as it contains electromagnetic radiations with a specific frequency rate which helps in reheating or cooking food. The tamale reheating process is usually done with the help of microwave and its turns out to be the perfect version of fresh tamales. The process includes:

• Firstly, the husk or banana leaf is softened with the help of cold water.
• Secondly, they are placed on a safe ceramic plate while leaving space between them.
• Lastly, heat them for 2 to 3 minutes and they are good to go.

However, it is being noticed that microwave makes tamale a bit dry. Steaming is a better alternate for reheating which leaves a bit of moisture in them.

How to Reheat Tamales in a Steamer?

If you have a cooking steamer then it is an excellent way of reheating your tamales. It keeps them from drying up and maintain their original taste and texture. The process includes:

• Firstly, fill the steaming basket with water. Make sure it doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket.
• Secondly, place the basket in a pot and cover it with a tight-fitting lid.
• When the water starts boiling, place your tamales in the basket.
• Lastly, cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Steamer mostly takes 25 to 30 minutes whereas frozen tamales will take an extra 10 minutes to reheat.

Once steamed, serve them with rice or pico de gallo to make it extra delicious. The taste and texture will definitely make you crave it.

How to Reheat Tamales in an Oven?

The oven can also be an alternate way to reheat your cold tamales. It is the simplest and the quickest method. Make sure to follow the following steps:

• Firstly, preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Secondly, use two to three aluminum foil layers to wrap each tamale tightly so that no air should enter into it. Squeeze each one of them to remove any trapped air. 
• Lastly, place them into the oven for 20 minutes and allow them to reheat. Frozen tamale will need extra five minutes.

Make sure to flip each tamale with a 10 minutes gap. They are ready to serve once the temperature reaches 165°F.

How to Reheat Tamales in a Stove?

A stove can also be one of the best options for reheating Tamales as it brings out most of the delicious taste your tamales must be holding, moreover, your tamales turn out to be more crispy than usual. The steps should be followed as:

• Firstly, you have to remove the husk or the banana leaf and dump it as it should be reheated without it.
• Secondly, add your favorite oil to a pan and heat it for 2 to 3 minutes on medium flame.
• Lastly, place the tamales in the pan for 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to flip each tamale after every 2 to 3 minutes.

Once heated, your delicious crispy and full of flavor tamale is ready to eat. The exterior should be brown and crispy whereas its interior should be soft and juicy.

How to Reheat Tamales in an Air fryer?

An air fryer is also an alternative solution for reheating Tamales. The listed steps should be followed:

• Firstly, heat the air fryer to a medium range.
• Secondly, moisten the husks or banana leaves of your tamales for a better texture.
• Lastly, Place the tamales in the fryer basket and heat them for 5 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the tamales.

Air frying is one of the quickest and easiest ways of reheating tamales. It gives the most unique look to your tamales once they are ready and smell fresh as always. 

FAQs

How Long Do Tamales Take to Cook From Frozen?

A frozen Tamale usually takes more time than a refrigerated tamale. You need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes time frame to reheat the tamales as they are frozen and need more heat than usual to thaw.

What Is an Ideal Way to Reheat Tamales?

Air fryer and cooking steamer are excellent and famous ways of reheating tamales.

How to Store Cooked Tamales?

Tamales can be used long-term by storing them in air-tight containers and putting them in a refrigerator. They should be taken out once you feel like eating one.

Delicious Recipe Recommendations

• Paula Deen Creamed Spinach Recipe
• Pampered Chef Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Paula Deen Salmon Patties Recipes
• Melting Pot Spinach Artichoke Fondue Recipe
• Olga’s Swiss Almond Cheese Recipe
• Ruth Chris Cream Spinach Recipe

Reheat your delicious tamales by using any of the above methods and your scrumptious mouthwatering tamales are ready to eat.