How do I heat frozen tamales?


Quick Answer

Frozen tamales can be reheated in a cooking steamer, a pot fitted with a steamer insert or in the microwave. The amount of time needed varies depending on the number of tamales being heated.

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Full Answer

  1. Add water to a steamer

    Fill a cooking steamer 1/4 of the way with water or place a steamer insert into a medium or large pot. Fill the pot with water, keeping the water level below the steamer insert.

  2. Turn the heat on

    Turn the cooking steamer on to medium heat. When steaming frozen tamales in a pot, bring it to a boil over medium heat.

  3. Place them in a steamer

    Add the frozen tamales to the steamer or steamer insert. Place them with the open end facing up. Cover the pot.

  4. Steam or microwave frozen tamales

    Steam one to four tamales for 25 to 30 minutes. Steam five or more for 35 to 40 minutes. Alternatively, wrap each frozen tamale in a damp paper towel and microwave it for three to four minutes.

  5. Serve the tamales

    Remove the tamales from the steamer or microwave and transfer to a platter or individual plates. Serve the reheated tamales as-is, or top them with a sauce such as red or green chili sauce or salsa.

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