“Deliciously Frozen Tamales: Authentic Mexican Flavors Ready in Minutes! Indulge in traditional goodness with our convenient frozen tamales. Handcrafted with love, these mouthwatering delights are expertly prepared and then quick-frozen to preserve their rich flavors. Whether as a snack or a main course, experience the taste of Mexico from the comfort of your home. Simply heat and savor the irresistible warmth and authenticity of our frozen tamales!”
How to Cook Frozen Tamales
Cooking frozen tamales is a simple process that can be done using various methods. One popular option is steaming the tamales. To steam frozen tamales, you’ll need a steamer basket, a pot with a lid, and foil or a damp cloth to cover the top of the tamales while they steam. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the tamales in the steamer basket, cover them with foil or a damp cloth, and place the basket in the pot. Steam for 25-40 minutes depending on the quantity of tamales. Check for doneness by ensuring that the masa is warmed all the way through.
If you have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can use it to quickly steam frozen tamales. Place the tamales standing up inside the Instant Pot, close the lid, and set it to cook on the steam setting for 15 minutes. Allow for a natural release of pressure before opening the lid and enjoying your perfectly steamed tamales.
Baking is another method to cook frozen tamales if you don’t have access to a steamer or pressure cooker. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the tamales from their packaging and rewrap them in tin foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they are hot throughout. For added crispiness, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Steaming Frozen Tamales on the Stovetop
To steam frozen tamales on the stovetop, you will need a steamer basket, a pot with a lid, and some foil or a damp cloth. Start by filling the bottom of the pot with water and placing the steamer basket inside. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the steaming basket. Heat the water until it boils. Then, place the tamales in the steamer basket, standing up if possible. Cover them with foil or a damp cloth to hold in moisture. Put the lid on and let the tamales steam for 25-30 minutes if you have 1-4 frozen tamales, or 35-40 minutes for 5 or more. Check the water level every 10 minutes and add more water as needed. Once cooked, check for doneness by ensuring that the masa is warmed all the way through and no longer cold in the center.
If you have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can use it to quickly steam frozen tamales. Simply set your Instant Pot to cook for 15 minutes on the steam setting after placing the tamales inside. After cooking, allow a full natural release of pressure before opening the lid. Carefully unwrap the tamales from their packaging and enjoy.
If you don’t have a steamer or an Instant Pot, baking frozen tamales is another option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and unwrap your tamales from their packaging. Rewrap them in tin foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until they are hot throughout. If desired, remove the foil and let them cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the tops.
Remember, it is not recommended to microwave frozen tamales as they tend to dry out the masa. Grilling frozen tamales can also be a great option, but it is important to thaw them first to ensure even cooking without overdoing it.
Steaming Frozen Tamales in the Instant Pot
If you have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can easily steam frozen tamales using this method. It’s quick and convenient. Simply place the tamales standing up inside the Instant Pot, close the lid, and set the vent to sealing. Cook them for 15 minutes on the steam setting. After cooking, allow a full natural release of pressure before opening the lid. Carefully unwrap the tamales from their packaging and enjoy.
If you don’t have a steamer or an Instant Pot, baking frozen tamales is another great option. Start by unwrapping the tamales from their packaging and rewrapping them in tin foil. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until they are hot throughout. If desired, remove the foil and let them cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to get crispy tops.
Microwaving is not recommended as it tends to dry out the masa and make the tamale dry. However, if you need to use this method, take extra precautions to avoid dryness. Keep the corn husk on the frozen tamale and wrap it in a damp paper towel before placing it on a microwave-safe plate. Cook one tamale at a time for 7 minutes or two or more individually wrapped tamales for 7 minutes. You may need to rotate them halfway through for even cooking.
Baking Frozen Tamales
Baking frozen tamales is a great option if you don’t have a steamer or Instant Pot. It’s a simple and convenient method that still yields delicious results. To bake frozen tamales, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Next, unwrap the tamales from their packaging and rewrap them in tin foil. Place the wrapped tamales on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart so they cook evenly.
Bake the tamales for 25-30 minutes, or until the masa and the tamales are hot throughout. If desired, you can remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the tops to become crispy.
Once they’re done baking, carefully remove the tamales from the oven and let them cool slightly before unwrapping and enjoying. Serve with your favorite salsa or toppings for a tasty treat.
Baking frozen tamales is an easy alternative to steaming or microwaving, and it still produces moist and flavorful results. Give it a try next time you have frozen tamales on hand!
Microwaving Frozen Tamales
Microwaving frozen tamales is not the best method for reheating them, as it tends to dry out the masa and leave you with a dry tamale. However, if you need a quick option and don’t have access to other cooking methods, you can still use the microwave. To prevent dryness, you’ll need to take extra precautions.
First, unwrap the tamales from their packaging and rewrap them in damp paper towels. This will help retain moisture during microwaving. Place the tamale on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with another damp paper towel.
If you’re cooking multiple frozen tamales at once, wrap each one individually in damp paper towels before placing them on the plate. Microwave for 7 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking.
For thawed tamales, wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat for 2 to 2.5 minutes. It’s important to note that microwaving may not produce the same moist and flavorful results as other cooking methods, but it can be a convenient option when needed.
Remember to always exercise caution when handling hot food from the microwave and allow the tamales to cool slightly before enjoying them.
Grilling or Smoking
Grilling or Smoking
Grilling or smoking tamales can add a delicious smoky flavor to this traditional Mexican dish. To start, allow the frozen tamales to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This will ensure that they heat properly on the grill without overcooking. It’s difficult to cook them from frozen on the grill without drying them out.
If you’re grilling 1-3 tamales, simply set them spaced apart on the grill over indirect heat. For larger quantities (4-12 tamales), stand them up and tie them together with butcher twine. Place the bunch, standing up, in the center of the grill.
Grill the tamales for about 10-12 minutes on indirect heat. To ensure they are fully cooked, use a digital thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. Once cooked, remove them from the grill and unwrap before serving.
By grilling or smoking your frozen tamales, you can elevate their flavor and enjoy a unique twist on this beloved dish. Serve them with your favorite salsa for a delicious Mexican treat.
In conclusion, frozen tamales offer a convenient and delicious option for enjoying this traditional Mexican dish. With their long shelf life and easy preparation, they provide a quick and tasty meal solution. Whether enjoyed as a snack or part of a larger meal, frozen tamales bring the authentic flavors of Mexico to your table in no time.
Learn More About Grilling
If you want to learn more about grilling, check out these other helpful resources!
