Easy Steps: How to Cook Tamales That Are Frozen

The frozen corn steamed pork with flour is placed there. To cook it deliciously requires certain skills. Now lets share the specific operation methods and precautions for cooking frozen corn steamed pork with flour.

What is the best way to cook frozen tamales?

First, thaw it in the refrigerator's refrigeration compartment for 6 hours, and then steam it in a steamer on high heat for 10 minutes. The control of this time and heat is very crucial. Steaming for too long will cause the meat to become dry and the taste to deteriorate.

It is recommended to place the corn steamed pork with flour on a special steamer instead of steaming it directly on a plate. Because using a steamer can allow steam to fully contact all parts of the ingredients to ensure uniform heating, and at the same time prevent condensed water droplets from dripping onto the food and affecting the taste.

After steaming is completed, do not open the lid immediately. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to make the temperature uniform. When eating, you can dip an appropriate amount of vinegar or minced garlic. It tastes best when eaten while hot. If there is any remaining, it is recommended to store it in a fresh-keeping box and refrigerate it. Finish eating it within 24 hours. It is not recommended to freeze it a second time.

Is it OK to microwave frozen tamales?

It is possible to microwave frozen tamales, but the taste is not as good as steamed tamales.

To microwave, first thaw the frozen tamales to room temperature, then put them in a microwave-safe container, cover with plastic wrap, poke a few small holes in the plastic wrap, and heat over medium heat for 2 minutes. It is best to sprinkle some water on the surface of the food when heating so that it does not dry out too much.

If conditions permit, it is better to heat it in a steamer, which can preserve the original taste and nutrition to the greatest extent. It only takes 6 to 8 minutes to heat in a steamer, which is a little longer than microwave heating, but the quality of the finished product is much better.

How do you steam frozen tamales without a steamer?

When there is no steamer, frozen corn steamed pork with flour can also be steamed. 

Find a larger wok or soup pot. Place three porcelain bowls of the same size upside down. Then place a plate on the bowls. Add an appropriate amount of clear water. When the water covers the bottom of the bowls, you can start steaming. The heat and time are the same as when using a steamer.

When doing this, pay attention to several points. Don't add too much water to the pot. Otherwise, when it boils, it is easy to overflow and wet the food. The plate should be placed steadily on the bowls and must not be tilted. During the steaming process, check the amount of water in the pot from time to time. If there is too little water, add some hot water in due course.

Although this alternative method is not as convenient as a professional steamer, it can also have a very good effect in an emergency.

How do you know tamales are done?

Visual judgment: The pink color of the original raw meat will turn into the grayish-white color of cooked meat. The corn flour layer becomes transparent and shiny, and there will also be oil seeping out on the surface.

Physical test: When poking the meat with chopsticks, it can be easily inserted and there will be no blood flowing out. Pressing the meat piece, the feel is soft and glutinous rather than stiff. Cut the thickest part to check. The interior must be completely discolored and there cannot be any pink color.

Time reference: For corn steamed pork with flour of regular thickness (about 2-3 centimeters), it needs to be steamed for 20-25 minutes. If it is frozen, after thawing, the steaming time is about 25-30 minutes. First, boil the water over high heat, and then turn to medium-low heat for steaming.

Can you cook tamales in an air fryer?

It is best not to use an air fryer to heat tamales. Tamales need steam to maintain moisture and a good taste, but air fryers use the principle of dry baking. If you use it, the cornmeal layer will become dry and hard, and the meat will become woody.

The traditional steaming method allows the cornmeal to absorb enough moisture, become transparent and shiny, and the meat can be tender and juicy. This effect cannot be achieved in an air fryer.

What should I serve with tamales?

Vegetable combinations:

Lettuce: Wrapping steamed pork with flour in lettuce leaves can neutralize the greasiness of the meat and add a crisp texture.

Cucumber: Cut into strips and combine it. Its fresh taste can make the overall taste more abundant and taste refreshing and delicious.

Staple food combinations:

Rice: The salty and fragrant taste of steamed pork with flour combined with soft and glutinous rice is very appetizing.

Steamed buns: Putting steamed pork with flour between steamed buns has a unique flavor.

Beverage combinations:

Green tea: The fragrance of tea can dissolve the greasiness brought by the meat and make people eat more comfortably.

Juice: Sour and sweet juices such as orange juice and lemon juice can play a role in relieving greasiness and whetting the appetite and enhance the experience of eating steamed pork with flour.

Side dish combinations:

Cold dishes such as shredded cold potatoes and cold yuba can make this meal more diverse and satisfying to eat.