Tamales are a traditional Latin American dish made from masa dough filled with meat, cheese or other fillings, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook tamales perfectly, proper cooking is key to getting the masa just right and the fillings heated through
1. How Are Tamales Supposed To Be Cooked?
The traditional preparation for tamales is steaming. This gentle moist-heat method allows the masa dough to cook evenly and become soft, fluffy and cake-like. Steaming also warms through and blends the flavors of the savory fillings inside each tamale. The wrapped corn husks or banana leaf layers slowly peel away during steaming. Tamales may also be boiled but steaming tends to give better texture.
2. How To Cook Tamales
2.1. How To Steam Tamales
Place tamales upright, with folded side up, in steamer basket. Do not overlap.
Fill bottom pan with about 1-2 inches water. Bring to a boil.
Place steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 35-45 minutes for tamales are frozen and pre-cooked, 60-75 minutes for tamales frozen and raw, 60-90 minutes for tamales are fresh and raw.
Check doneness before removing tamales.
2.2. How To Boil Tamales
Place tamales in single layer in large pot, do not overlap.
Add enough water to cover tamales by 1-2 inches. Then bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Simmer for 25-35 minutes for tamales are frozen and pre-cooked, 60-70 minutes for tamales are frozen and raw, 45-60 minutes for tamales are fresh and raw
Check doneness before removing tamales.
3. How To Know When Tamales Are Fully Cooked?
A toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean – If you insert a toothpick or thin knife into the masa in the middle of the tamale, it should come out clean without wet dough sticking to it. Dough sticking indicates the interior needs more time to cook.
The tamale separates from the husk – When a tamale is fully steamed or boiled, it should easily peel away from the corn husk wrapper. If it seems firmly stuck to the husk, it likely needs a bit longer to finish cooking.
Check the internal temperature of fillings with a meat thermometer. Meat and cheese fillings should reach 165°F. Vegetable fillings should reach at least 145°F.
4. What To Eat With Tamales?
Salsa: A flavorful salsa, whether it’s red, green, or a spicy salsa roja, complements the taste of tamales perfectly. It adds a zesty kick that enhances the overall experience.
Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole provides a cool contrast to the warm tamales. Its buttery texture and bright flavors make it an excellent accompaniment.
Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a burst of freshness and acidity that complements the richness of the tamales.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add a cool, tangy element to your plate. It helps balance out the spiciness and richness of the tamales.
With some trial and error, you’ll master steaming and boiling techniques for making your tamales come out perfect every time. Properly cooked tamales have soft, fluffy corn masa and piping hot, flavorful fillings wrapped in corn husk or banana leaf layers.
