Tamales are delicious and versatile bundles of flavor that can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal. Steaming tamales is a traditional Mexican cooking technique that results in perfectly cooked and flavorful tamales. If you’re new to tamale making, here is the best way to steam tamales.
Why Steam Tamales?
Steaming is a traditional method of cooking tamales that has been used for generations. Steaming allows the tamales to cook evenly and retain their flavor and texture. The steam penetrates the masa and the filling, cooking them to perfection. Steaming also helps keep the tamales moist and prevents them from drying out.
How Do I Steam Tamales Without a Steamer?
While it’s best to use a steamer, you can also steam tamales without one. Here’s how:
1. Use a large pot with a lid. You want a pot that is big enough to hold your tamales without crowding them.
2. Add water to the pot. You want to add enough water so that it comes to just below the steaming basket or rack.
3. Place a steaming basket or rack into the pot. If you don’t have one, you can use a plate or a steaming tray.
4. Place the tamales onto the steaming basket or rack. Make sure they’re not touching the water or each other.
5. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the tamales steam for about an hour or until cooked.
How Long Should You Steam Tamales?
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your tamales and the quantity you’re cooking. Generally, you should steam tamales for 45 minutes to an hour. To test if your tamales are ready, you can open one and check to see if the masa is cooked through.
What Are the Different Ways to Steam Tamales?
There are a few different ways to steam tamales, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
1. Traditional steamer: A traditional steamer is the best tool for steaming tamales. The steamer has a large pot with a lid and a steaming basket or rack that sits inside the pot. The tamales are placed onto the steaming basket, and the lid is closed to create a seal. The tamales are then steamed for about an hour.
2. Instant Pot: You can also use an Instant Pot to steam tamales. Place a cup of water in the bottom of the Instant Pot and add the trivet that came with it. Place the tamales on top of the trivet, close the lid, and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes.
3. Stovetop: As mentioned earlier, you can use a pot with a lid and a steaming basket or rack on your stovetop to steam tamales.
Can You Fry Tamales Instead of Steaming Them?
Yes, you can, but it’s not traditional. Frying tamales gives them a crispy texture and a unique flavor, but it’s not as healthy as steaming them. To fry tamales, heat some oil in a pan and fry the tamales until they’re golden brown on all sides.
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings
1. Crowding the Tamales: To ensure even cooking, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pot or the steaming basket. Crowding the tamales can result in uneven cooking.
2. Not Using Enough Water: Make sure you add enough water to the pot so that it comes up to just below the steaming basket or rack. This will create enough steam to cook the tamales properly.
3. Not Checking for Doneness: Always check your tamales for doneness by opening one and checking if the masa is cooked through. This will help you avoid serving undercooked tamales.
4. Not Resting the Tamales: After you steam your tamales, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help them set and become easier to handle.
Tips and Advice
1. Soak the Husks: Soak the husks in water for at least an hour before using them to wrap the tamales. This will make them more pliable and easier to use.
2. Keep Them Moist: As tamales cook, they can dry out. To keep them moist, you can add a damp kitchen towel to the pot before steaming.
3. Use Enough Filling: Make sure you use enough filling for each tamale. Not enough filling can result in a bland tamale.
4. Get Creative: Tamales are versatile, and you can experiment with different fillings and spices. Get creative and try new things!
Conclusion
Steaming tamales is a traditional Mexican cooking technique that results in perfectly cooked and flavorful tamales. Whether you use a traditional steamer, an Instant Pot, or a stovetop pot, make sure you follow the guidelines outlined above.
Avoid common mistakes and misunderstandings, and use the tips and advice provided to ensure your tamales come out perfectly every time. With a little practice and experimentation, you’ll be mastering the art of steaming tamales in no time!
FAQs
Q: What equipment do I need to steam tamales?
A: To steam tamales, you will need a large pot with a steamer basket that can fit inside. Ideally, the pot should be tall enough to allow the tamales to stand upright, but if not, you can lay them on their sides. Additionally, you will need a lid for the pot and enough water to create steam.
Q: How much water should I use to steam tamales?
A: The amount of water you need will depend on the size of your pot and steamer basket, but a general rule of thumb is to fill the pot with enough water to come just below the level of the steamer basket. Avoid adding too much water, as it can submerge the tamales and make them soggy.
Q: How long does it take to steam tamales?
A: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your tamales and the heat of your stove, but it typically takes around 1-1.5 hours to steam tamales. To ensure they are fully cooked, you can test them by opening one up and checking that the masa is fully cooked and not sticky.
Q: How do I know when the tamales are fully cooked?
A: To tell if tamales are fully cooked, check that the masa (dough) is fully cooked, not sticky or runny, and that it pulls away from the corn husk easily. You can also check the temperature of the tamales with a meat thermometer – they should reach at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe to eat.
Q: Do I need to soak the corn husks before using them?
A: Yes, you will need to soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes before using them to wrap tamales. This helps soften them and prevent them from tearing.
Q: How should I handle the masa, filling, and wrapping when making tamales?
A: When working with masa, it’s important to keep it moist and workable, so cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap while you work. Spread a thin layer of masa onto each husk, leaving enough room at the top and bottom to fold and tie the tamale.
Add your filling in the center of the masa, then fold the sides over to enclose the filling and fold the bottom of the husk up to the center. Tie the tamale with a strip of husk or kitchen twine.
Q: What are some tips for making the perfect tamales?
A: To make the perfect tamales, be sure to spread the masa evenly onto each husk, leaving enough room for the filling. Use moist, flavorful fillings like shredded meats, cheese, or vegetables. Wrap the tamales tightly to prevent filling from escaping during steaming.
Keep an eye on the water level in the pot and add more as needed to prevent it from drying out. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique and delicious tamales!