If you’re in a hurry, the quickest way to thaw frozen tamales is to place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat them on high power for 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, tamales can be reheated in the microwave, in a steamer, or in a covered dish in the oven.
4 Steps to Thaw Frozen Tamales
To reheat frozen tamales, place them in a steamer basket over an inch of simmering water. Cover with a lid and steam until heated through, about 15 minutes. You can also reheat tamales in the microwave. Place 2-3 tamales on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Let the tamales rest for 1 minute before serving.
When tamales are frozen, the masa (corn dough) can become dry and crumbly, and the filling can become watery. Thawing them correctly will help to preserve their flavor and texture.
Step 1: Take The Frozen Tamales Out Of The Freezer
Remove the frozen tamales from the freezer and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the tamales from the baking sheet and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Step 2: Put Them In A Pot Of Boiling Water
Place the frozen tamales in a pot of boiling water. Boil for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from the pot and enjoy!
Step 3: Let Them Cook For About 15 Minutes
If you’re short on time, the microwave is the quickest way to thaw frozen tamales. Just place them on a plate and cook for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also thaw them in the fridge overnight, or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in warm water for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Take Them Out Of The Pot And Enjoy
If you’re in a hurry, the best way to thaw frozen tamales is to take them out of the pot and enjoy. Run some hot water over the frozen tamales to help loosen them from the plastic wrap, then place them on a plate and microwave them for two minutes. Let them cool for a minute before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Cook Frozen Cooked Tamales?
To cook frozen cooked tamales, place them in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 15 minutes. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the tamales for 20 minutes.
Do You Thaw Frozen Tamales Before Cooking?
Yes, you should always thaw frozen tamales before cooking them. Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (a corn-based dough) that is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf. If you try to cook a frozen tamale, the masa will be hard and dry, and the corn husk will be tough and difficult to remove.
How Do You Warm Up Frozen Tamales?
You can warm up frozen tamales by steaming them, boiling them, or microwaving them.
How Do You Quickly Thaw Tamales?
You can place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or place them in a steamer over boiling water for 10-12 minutes.
Wrap-Up
Tamales can be frozen successfully and will remain safe to eat for up to 2 months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator for 24 hours or submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
