Do You Microwave Tamales In The Corn Husk (Yes or No?)

do you microwave tamales in the corn husk

Tamales are a delicious traditional Latin American dish, but like most leftovers, they don’t taste quite as good after a day or two in the fridge. So how can you reheat tamales and bring them back to their just-made glory?

This article will walk you through the best methods to reheat your tamales – in the oven, microwave, steamer, or even air fryer – for piping hot, moist, and flavorful tamales every time.

Why Properly Reheating Tamales is Important

First, let’s look at why you need to pay attention to properly reheating tamales. Tamales have a delicate balance of textures and flavors from the masa dough, rich fillings, and soft corn husks. Improper reheating can make tamales dry, chewy or ruin the subtle flavors. The corn husks can also dry out and crack if tamales are overcooked.

Taking a little extra care when reheating will keep the masa moist, the fillings warm and melty, and the corn husks soft. Your patience will be rewarded with tamales that taste as if they just came off the stove or grill.

Microwave Method for Reheating Tamales

One of the quickest and easiest ways to reheat tamales is in the microwave. This method works best for smaller quantities of tamales.

Here is how to reheat tamales in the microwave:

• Remove the tamales from the refrigerator and unwrap them from the corn husks. Keep the husks for steaming later.
• Place the unwrapped tamales in a microwave-safe dish. Arrange them flat and side-by-side with narrow ends pointing inwards.
• Cover the tamales loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
• Microwave the tamales on medium power for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave. The time will vary depending on the number of tamales and how cold they are.
• Check the tamales and microwave for 15-30 seconds more if needed. Tamales are hot and ready when the masa is warm throughout.
• Once heated, wrap the tamales back in the corn husks to steam for 2-3 minutes more. This will soften the husks and keep the masa moist.

Microwaving is a quick way to take the chill off tamales and reheat them for a snack or meal on the go. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make the masa gummy and dry. With a little trial and error, you’ll be a pro at microwaving tamales.

Use Your Steamer to Reheat Tamales

If you have a tamale steamer or vegetable steamer basket, use it to reheat tamales on the stove or in an instant pot. Steaming is a gentle heating method that warms tamales evenly while keeping them nice and moist.

Follow these directions to steam leftover tamales:

• Remove leftover tamales from the refrigerator. Unwrap them carefully from the corn husks and set them aside.
• Place the tamales in your steamer basket, standing upright and close together. You can stack the tamales if needed.
• Fill the steamer pot or instant pot with about 2 inches of water. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer basket.
• Place the steamer basket in the pot over the water. Cover the pot with the lid.
• Heat the water to a gentle boil over medium heat. Then steam the tamales for 15-20 minutes for refrigerated tamales, and 30 minutes for frozen tamales.
• Check the tamales occasionally and add more hot water if needed. The tamales are ready when hot throughout.
• Remove the steamer basket and wrap each tamale back in a corn husk to finish softening for a few minutes before serving.

Steaming evenly reheats tamales while keeping the masa nice and moist. The steam will also soften up the corn husks. Just be careful not to overcook the tamales, as they can become dried out.

Baking Tamales in the Oven

While not as fast as microwaving, baking tamales in the oven is an easy hands-off way to reheat large batches. Oven heating works well for tamales made with drier masa dough.

Here is how to bake tamales:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the tamales from the refrigerator or freezer and unwrap them.
• Place the tamales upright in a baking dish. You can also lay them flat in a single layer.
• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. For an extra steamy environment, add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish before covering it with foil.
• Bake frozen tamales for 25-30 minutes, and refrigerate tamales for 20 minutes, until heated through.
• Remove the foil and wrap each hot tamale back in its corn husk for about 5 minutes before serving.

The steam created by the covered baking dish will keep the masa nice and moist. Just be sure not to overbake, or the tamales will dry out in the hot oven.

Reheating Tamales in an Air Fryer

An air fryer is a fun modern way to reheat tamales to crispy, hot perfection. The circulating super-heated air quickly reheats and browns the masa exterior of tamales.

Follow these simple steps:

• Remove the tamales from the husks and place them in the air fryer basket. Lay them flat or stand them upright together.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 300°F-325°F. Cook times will vary based on the capacity of your air fryer.
• Cook for 5-8 minutes until heated through. For larger batches, flip the tamales halfway for even cooking.
• Check often as air fryers can quickly overcook. The tamales are ready when hot with a crispy corn masa exterior.
• After cooking, wrap the tamales back in the husks for a few minutes before serving.

The air fryer is a quick and convenient way to reheat tamales. Just be careful not to cook them too long or the masa will dry out. Keep an eye on them for the best results.

Reheating Tamales on the Stove

For a more hands-on approach, you can reheat tamales right on the stovetop using a skillet with a lid. This method mimics steaming and gives you more control over the process.

Here is how to reheat tamales on the stove:

• Remove the tamales from the fridge or freezer. Carefully unwrap them and remove the corn husks.
• Place the unwrapped tamales upright in a skillet or pan. Add about 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the pan.
• Cover the pan tightly with a lid and heat over medium. Bring the water to a gentle simmer.
• Steam the tamales for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Check often and add more hot water as needed.
• Once the tamales are hot, turn off the heat. Wrap them back in the corn husks and let sit in the covered pan for 5 more minutes.

This stovetop steaming method requires more attention than the oven or microwave. But the direct heat allows you to perfectly control the process for hot, moist tamales every time.

Tips for Reheating Tamales Successfully

Here are some useful tips to help you reheat tamales like a pro:

• Always start with fully cooled, refrigerated tamales. Don’t reheat tamales that have been left out at room temperature.
• Thaw frozen tamales overnight in the fridge before reheating. Microwaving frozen tamales can result in uneven cooking.
• Unwrap the tamales before reheating for more even heating. Keep the corn husks for steaming afterward.
• Use indirect heat and steam to prevent the masa from drying out. Microwaves, ovens, and steamers work best.
• Check tamales often to prevent overcooking. The key is gentle, even heating throughout.
• Wrapping the hot tamales back in the husks after cooking completes the softening process.

By mastering these tamale reheating techniques, you can enjoy leftovers that taste freshly made. With a little practice, you’ll be able to reheat tamales perfectly every time.

Enjoy Tamales When You Want Them

Tamales make for fantastic leftovers when you heat them properly. Now there are no excuses to not make a big batch to have delicious tamales whenever a craving hits. Use these simple methods above to keep leftover tamales at the peak of flavor and texture for up to 5 days after they are made.

With the convenience of great reheating options like the microwave, oven, and steamer, you can enjoy hot and tasty tamales even through the week after they are made.

So go ahead and fire up your tamale pot – having delicious tamales on demand is a great reason to make a big batch.

FAQs

Can you microwave tamales in the corn husk?

Yes, you can microwave tamales in the corn husk.

How do I reheat tamales in the microwave?

To reheat tamales in the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for about 1 to 2 minutes per tamale.

Can I steam tamales in the microwave?

Yes, you can steam tamales in the microwave. Place the tamales in a microwave-safe dish with a little water, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for about 3 minutes per tamale.

Can I microwave frozen tamales?

Yes, you can microwave frozen tamales. Simply place the frozen tamales on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for about 3 minutes per tamale.

What is the best way to reheat tamales?

The best ways to reheat tamales are in the microwave, steamer, or oven. Each method has its advantages, so choose the one that suits your preferences.

Can you reheat tamales in the oven?

Yes, you can reheat tamales in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the tamales in foil, and heat them for about 15 to 20 minutes.

How do you reheat tamales without drying them out?

To reheat tamales without drying them out, use a method that retains moisture, such as steaming or microwaving with a damp paper towel. Avoid overcooking them, as it can make them dry.

How long does it take to reheat tamales in the microwave?

It usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes per tamale to reheat tamales in the microwave. However, the time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tamales.

How do you reheat tamales with a steamer?

To reheat tamales with a steamer, place them in the steamer basket and steam them for about 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure the steamer is set to medium heat to ensure even heating.

How do you keep tamales moist when reheating?

To keep tamales moist when reheating, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel or cover them with a lid or foil. This helps to trap the steam and prevent them from drying out.

Key Takeaways

• Reheating tamales improperly can make them dry, chewy, and less flavorful. Use gentle, moist heating methods like the microwave, steamer, or oven.
• For the microwave, unwrap the tamales and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave at medium power in short intervals.
• Steaming in a dedicated steamer or basket is a very gentle, effective reheating method.
• Baking covered in the oven surrounds tamales in steam for excellent results.
• An air fryer makes super hot and crispy tamale leftovers in minutes.
• Stovetop steaming mimics traditional preparation and gives you lots of control.
• Always check tamales frequently and re-wrap them in corn husks after heating them for the best texture.