Introduction

Tamales are a delicious traditional Mexican dish made from masa (corn dough) filled with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients and wrapped in a corn husk. While you can enjoy tamales fresh out of the pot, often there are leftovers and reheating them can be a challenge. If reheated improperly, tamales can easily become dry or rubbery, ruining their flavor and texture. But fear not, as we have created the ultimate guide to reheating tamales. In this article, we’ll explore five easy methods to reheat tamales perfectly every time, offer tips and tricks to keep them moist, and ways to repurpose leftover tamales.

5 Easy Methods to Reheat Tamales Perfectly Every Time!

Let’s start with five easy techniques to reheat tamales that offer a different approach to finding the perfect reheating method.

1. Microwave Method

The microwave method is the quickest and easiest way to reheat tamales. Here’s how to do it:

1. Unwrap the tamale from the husk and wrap it in a moistened paper towel.
2. Place the tamales on a microwave-safe plate.
3. Microwave on high for 15 to 20 seconds per tamale.
4. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they are hot enough.

Pros: This method is fast and convenient, does not require adding extra oil or water, and does not heat up the house.

Cons: It may result in uneven heating, making the tamales rubbery or overcooked.

2. Steaming Method

Steaming tamales is a traditional method that can be done on the stove or using a steamer basket. Here’s what to do:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Unwrap the tamales from the husks and place them in a steamer basket.
3. Place the basket in the pot, cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat to medium-low.
4. Let the tamales steam for 15-20 minutes.

Pros: This method keeps the tamales moist and heats them evenly.

Cons: It requires extra time to heat up the water, and if the pot is not covered, the steam can escape, leading to dry tamales.

3. Oven Method

Reheating tamales in the oven isn’t the quickest method, but it’s still a great option for heating them evenly with crispy edges. Here’s what to do:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Unwrap the tamales from the husks and wrap them in foil.
3. Place the wrapped tamales on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Pros: This method heats the tamales evenly, and the crispy edges add a nice texture.

Cons: It can take longer to reheat than other methods, and the tamales can become dry if overcooked.

4. Stovetop Method

The stovetop method is a great option if you don’t have an oven. Here’s how to do it:

1. Unwrap the tamales from the husks and place them in a skillet.
2. Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet.
3. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat on medium-low.
4. Turn the tamales occasionally and steam for 15-20 minutes.

Pros: This method keeps the tamales moist and heats them evenly.

Cons: It can be prone to burning and sticking if not monitored and turned regularly.

5. Grill Method

If you’re looking to add a bit of smoky flavor to your tamales, then the grill method is perfect. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Unwrap the tamales from the husks and wrap them in foil.
3. Place the wrapped tamales on the grill and close the lid.
4. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning once in between.

Pros: This method adds a smoky flavor to the tamales, and the crispy edges add a nice texture.

Cons: It can be challenging to maintain consistent heat, and the tamales can easily become overcooked.

The Ultimate Guide to Reheating Tamales: Tips and Tricks

Now that we’ve covered the best methods for reheating tamales, here are some general tips and tricks you can use when reheating tamales no matter which method you choose.

– Always remove the husks from the tamales before reheating.
– To keep the tamales moist, add a little water, broth or salsa to the skillet or baking dish. But not too much to avoid soaking the tortilla.
– Avoid overheating your tamales, or they’ll become dry and rubbery.
– Using steam as one of the reheating methods can keep the tamales moister.
– After reheating the tamales, let them sit for a few minutes to avoid steam or juice from scalding your tongue.

Microwave, Oven, or Stovetop? The Best Ways to Reheat Tamales

Wondering which method to use? Here’s a comparison of each of them to help you decide.

– Microwave: Best for heating one or two tamales quickly.
– Steaming: Best for heating a large number of tamales and keeping them moist.
– Oven: Best for achieving crispy edges and a consistent heating method.
– Stovetop: Best if you need to reheat tamales and there’s no oven available.
– Grill: Best if you want to add a smoky flavor and grill some other food at the same time.

Revive Your Leftover Tamales: Reheat Them Like a Pro!

Leftover tamales can be transformed into something new and delicious with some creative thinking. Here are some of our favorite ways to repurpose leftover tamales:

– Tamale pie: Crumble the leftover tamales into a baking dish and mix them with eggs, cheese, and other ingredients. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
– Tamale casserole: Layer leftover tamales with beans, cheese, and veggies to create a casserole. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
– Tamale soup: Cut the leftover tamales into small pieces and add them to a pot of boiled broth or soup.
– Tamale quesadillas: Slice the leftover tamales and use them as a filling for quesadillas. Saute them until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.

Say Goodbye to Dry Tamales: Reheating Techniques That Will Keep Them Moist

Nothing is worse than dry reheated tamales, but there are some easy ways to keep them moist in the reheating process. Here are some tips to keep them moist:

– Add a tablespoon of water to the skillet or baking dish before adding the tamales.
– Add a teaspoon of butter or oil to the skillet or baking dish before adding the tamales.
– Spoon a tablespoon of salsa over each tamale before reheating.

Conclusion

Reheating tamales doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With our ultimate guide, you now know five easy methods to reheat tamales, some tricks and tips to keep them moist, the best ways to compare each of the methods, and how to repurpose leftover tamales. Now you can impress your guests and enjoy delicious tamales any time.