How long do tamales take to cook is here. How to steam fresh or frozen tamales in a pot, Dutch Oven or pressure cooker. Reheating perfectly too.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Course: Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: steaming, tamales
Servings: 12
Author: Justine
Equipment
1 steamer basket
1 pressure cooker or pot with lid for stovetop
Ingredients
6-12tamalesalready made
2-3cwater
Instructions
Pressure cooker: Fill the electric pressure cooker with 1.5 cups of water. Set a steamer basket into the bottom. Stand the tamales vertically in the basket with the open end facing up. Seal the lid and steam valve. Set pressure cook to high for 10 minutes. Perform a quick release of the pressure. Let the tamales rest inside the pot for an additional 10 minutes. Lift lid, take out, check to ensure masa is cooked and enjoy.
Stovetop: Fill a large pot with 1-2 inches of water and put your steamer basket at the bottom. Arrange the amount you want to cook upright, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let them steam until masa dough has firmed and cooked, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check periodically to ensure there is enough water in the pot, add more if necessary. Test dough if is completely done before eating.
Video
Notes
Cooking Frozen Tamales
Steam uncooked frozen tamales for 60 minutes and cooked frozen tamales for 35-40 minutes on the stove. I feel like slower is better than under high pressure to give them time to thaw before cooking