How to Warm Up Frozen Tamales Quickly and Easily

How to Warm Up Frozen Tamales Quickly and Easily

Hey there! So, you got some frozen tamales sittin in your freezer? First of all, good choice. Tamales are like little bundles of happiness wrapped in corn husks. But here’s the thing—they’re frozen. Yikes! You can’t just let them wait forever like that kid who always hogs the swing at the park. You gotta warm ’em up fast so you can munch down on those delicious lil’ babies.

But don’t worry! I got you covered with a super easy guide on how to get your tamales warm and tasty in no time. Grab some snacks, put your feet up and let’s dive into this!

Step 1: Assess Your Tamale Situation
Okay, first things first. You gotta dig through your freezer and find those tamales. They might be hiding behind some frozen veggies or that mystery meat you bought two months ago and still don’t know what it is. Check for both steamed and unsteamed ones cause they warm up differently, ya know?

Step 2: The Microwave Dance-Off
So here’s the deal—microwaves are like wizards when it comes to warming food fast! Put a couple of tamales on a microwave-safe plate (you don’t wanna melt anything). Cover ‘em with a damp paper towel so they don’t turn into dry little bricks. Hit that nuke button for about 1-2 minutes. But keep an eye on them. You want hot tamales not an explosion!

Step 3: Steaming Magic
If you wanna do it old school, steam those babies! Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil then place your tamales in a steamer basket ALL nice and snugly together (not too snug though), cover ‘em up and let steam for about 15-20 minutes. It’s kinda like giving them a spa treatment but without the cucumber slices.

Step 4: Oven Time Baby
Feeling fancy? Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Wrap each tamale in foil (like you’re gifting them) and bake for like 25-30 minutes or until they’re warmer than my mom’s hugs after school! Just make sure not to forget them cause nobody likes burnt gifts.

Step 5: Hot Water Bath Party
If you don’t want to bother with pots or ovens, try this method! Boil enough water in a saucepan that can fit your tamale pack inside if it has an outer bag or just plop in individual ones carefully ’cause we are not looking for any waterlogged tamales—it’s not that kind of party! Let those float around for about 10-15 minutes till they’re warm.

Step 6: The Sizzle Show
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, throw ’em on a skillet after heating through any other way first (just make sure they’re cooked!). This will give them crispy edges while keeping the insides soft like marshmallows at a campfire! Put ‘em on medium heat for about 5 mins per side but don’t go crazy flipping; treat these guys gently.

Step 7: The Taste Test
Finally, take ‘em out all proud like you’ve just graduated college or something. Give one a little taste test—be careful though; you don’t wanna burn off your taste buds. Maybe add some salsa or cheese on top if you’re feelin wild because life is too short for plain tamales!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I defrost my tamales before cooking?
Answer: Sure thing—just remember not to leave them out too long unless you want your kitchen smelling like questionable friendship!

Question: What if I only have one leftover tamale?
Answer: That lonely tamale deserves love too! Just use the microwave method and give it some extra time if needed.

Question: Helps, I forgot my paper towel!
Answer: No worries… just use another plate upside down over the tamale instead!

Question: How do I know when it’s done?
Answer: If it feels warmer than your ex’s heart during an apology text… it’s done!

Question: What should I serve with my tamales?
Answer: Anything from sour cream to guac cause everything is better when dipped into good times!

Question: Is it okay to eat cold tamales?
Answer: You could but then why not just eat ice cream instead?

Question: Can leftovers be refrozen?
Answer: If only life was as easy as refreezing leftovers… best idea is to eat ‘em while they’re freshy fresh!

So there ya have it! With these steps, you’ll warm up those frozen treasures quick as lightning and be living the good life munching away in no time flat. Now go conquer that freezer of yours—those tasty treats aren’t gonna eat themselves!