- Fill the pot with water up to the bottom of the steamer basket.early finder
- Turn on the heat to high and wait for the water to boil.
- Arrange the tamales in the steamer basket, standing upright with the folded end facing down.
- Cover the pot with the lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Steam the tamales for about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on their size and how many you cook. Check the water level in the pot periodically and add more hot water as needed to prevent the pot from boiling dry.
- Remove one from the steamer basket and unwrap it to check if the tamales are done. The masa should be firm, and the filling should be hot.
The cooking time may vary depending on the masa’s thickness and the filling amount. It’s always a good idea to start with a shorter cooking time and check the tamales periodically until they are cooked.
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Why are my tamales taking so long to cook
There could be several reasons why your tamales are taking longer than expected to cook:
- The tamales are too large: They will take longer to cook through if they are more significant than usual. Try making them smaller or reducing the filling.long to steam tamales
- The heat is too low: Tamales need to be steamed over high heat for the masa to cook through properly. If the heat is too low, it will take longer for the tamales to cook.
- The pot is too crowded: If you have too many tamales in the pot, they will take longer to cook because the steam won’t circulate properly. Make sure there is enough space between each tamale.
- The masa is too wet: If it is too wet, it will take longer to cook through. Make sure the masa has the right consistency before assembling the tamales.
- Altitude: Cooking times may vary depending on altitude. At higher altitudes, the boiling point of water is lower, so tamales may take longer to cook through.
Check to see if these factors could affect your tamales’ cooking time. If none of these factors applies, you may need to adjust the cooking time or temperature to achieve the desired result.
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How long to boil tamales in foil
The boiling time for tamales wrapped in foil can vary depending on the size and thickness of the tamales, as well as the altitude and type of stove being used. However, as a general rule, tamales in foil typically need to be boiled for about 60-90 minutes.
To boil tamales in foil, fill a large pot with enough water to cover the tamales. Place a steamer basket or a colander in the pot, ensuring it’s not touching the water. Arrange the tamales upright in the basket, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the tamales steam for 60-90 minutes until the masa is cooked and no longer sticky.
To check if the tamales are done, open one up and see if the masa has pulled away from the husk and is fully cooked. If it’s still sticky or raw, return the tamales to the pot and continue boiling for another 10-15 minutes, checking them occasionally until they’re fully cooked.
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Can you overcook tamales?
Yes, it is possible to overcook tamales. Tamales are traditionally made by steaming them in a corn husk, and if they are left in the steamer for too long, they can become mushy and lose their texture. Overcooking tamales can also cause them to become dry and tough. It’s essential to follow the recommended cooking time and temperature for tamales to ensure that they are cooked through but not overdone. If you’re not sure about the cooking time, you can always check the tamales periodically during the cooking process to make sure they’re not overcooked.
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