Hello there! Are you a big fan of tamales? Do you often find yourself with leftover tamales that you don’t want to go to waste? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be discussing the best ways to reheat tamales so that they taste just as good as when they were freshly made. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!
Why Reheat Tamales?
Before we dive into the different methods of reheating tamales, let’s first talk about why you might want to do so. There are a few reasons why you might have leftover tamales:
- You made too many tamales and couldn’t finish them all.
- You ordered tamales at a restaurant and there were too many for you to eat.
- You received tamales as a gift and want to savor them over a few days.
Whatever the reason may be, reheating tamales is a great way to enjoy them again without having to go through the entire cooking process from scratch.
Method 1: Steaming
The first and most popular method of reheating tamales is steaming. Steaming is great because it allows the tamales to retain their moisture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Place a steamer basket in the pot.
- Arrange the tamales in the steamer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the tamales for 15-20 minutes.
- Check the tamales to make sure they’re heated through, then remove from the pot and serve.
Steaming is a foolproof way of reheating tamales, and it’s also super easy. Just be sure to keep an eye on the water level in the pot so that it doesn’t boil dry!
Method 2: Microwave
If you’re short on time, then reheating tamales in the microwave is a great option. Microwaving tamales is fast and easy, but it can sometimes result in dry tamales if you’re not careful. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the tamales on a microwave-safe plate.
- Wrap the plate with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave the tamales for 30-60 seconds on high.
- Check the tamales to make sure they’re heated through, then remove from the microwave and serve.
Be sure not to overheat the tamales in the microwave, as this can cause them to dry out. If your tamales are still cold after the initial microwaving, you can put them back in for another 15-20 seconds.
Method 3: Oven
If you want your reheated tamales to have a crispy exterior, then using the oven is the way to go. This method takes a bit longer than the other two, but it’s worth it for that perfect texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Wrap each tamale in aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped tamales on a baking sheet.
- Bake the tamales for 15-20 minutes.
- Check the tamales to make sure they’re heated through, then remove from the oven and serve.
Using the oven to reheat tamales is a great option if you have a bit more time on your hands. Just keep an eye on the tamales while they’re baking to make sure they don’t overcook!
Tips for Reheating Tamales
Before we wrap up this article, here are a few tips to keep in mind when reheating tamales:
- Always make sure your tamales are properly wrapped, whether it be in aluminum foil or a damp paper towel. This will help them retain their moisture.
- Be careful not to overheat your tamales, as this can result in dry, tough tamales.
- If you’re using the oven method, you can brush a bit of oil or butter on the tamales before wrapping them in aluminum foil. This will give them a crispy exterior.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods to find what works best for you!
In Conclusion
Reheating tamales is a great way to enjoy them again without having to cook them from scratch. Whether you choose to steam, microwave, or oven-bake your tamales, be sure to follow the tips outlined in this article to ensure that they come out perfectly every time. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Thank you for reading, and until next time, happy cooking!
