Introduction
If you have ever had tamales, you know how delicious they can be. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even an afternoon snack, tamales are a beloved Mexican dish that satisfies cravings and fills you up. But, if you’re new to tamales, you might wonder how to steam them correctly. Fear not, we have got you covered! In this article, we explore how long to steam tamales. We provide a beginner’s guide to perfect tamales every time! This article targets anyone who wants to make tamales at home but needs guidance on steaming them correctly.
The Basics of Steaming Tamales
First things first, let’s start with the basics. Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that consists of seasoned meat, beans or vegetables wrapped in corn masa then steamed in a corn husk. Steaming tamales is crucial when you want them to turn out flavorful and moist. Steaming tamales might seem daunting, but it is relatively easy with the proper equipment. You will need a steamer basket or pot and a tight-fitting lid.
Recommended Steaming Time for Tamales
The pork tamales require a steaming time of 90 minutes, while chicken tamales take around 60 minutes and vegetarian tamales only require around 40 minutes. You might be wondering how to check if the tamales are done correctly. Follow these steps to check the doneness of the tamales:
– Remove a tamale from the pot or steamer.
– Let it cool down for a minute or two.
– If the masa (corn dough) doesn’t stick to the corn husk and it comes off easily, it’s probably done.
– Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tamale. It should read 160°F when inserted into the thickest part of the tamale.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Steaming Tamales
There are some common mistakes that you must avoid when steaming tamales. Here are a couple of key errors that you must avoid:
– Overcooking tamales: overcooking them can lead to dry and crumbly tamales. That is why it’s important to pay attention to the recommended steaming times.
– Undercooking tamales: undercooked tamales might be mushy and have a weird texture. That’s why it’s essential to check for doneness using the tips outlined above.
Alternative Methods for Steaming Tamales
If you don’t have a steamer basket or a pot, you can still steam tamales using a variety of other methods. These include using a rice cooker, microwave, or even a pot of boiling water. With the boiling water method, you only need to fill a pot with water until it reaches the bottom of the steaming rack. Place tamales in the pan, cover, and steam until done. You can also use a microwave-safe dish and cover it tightly with a piece of plastic wrap, pierce the wrap a few times, and microwave on high for six to seven minutes.
Expert Opinions on the Ideal Steaming Time for Tamales
Different tamales require different steaming times based on the filling. Therefore, it is essential to know how long to steam each type of tamale. Some experts recommend steaming tamales until they float freely in the steamer, while others believe in timing it precisely. For example, Diana Kennedy, a famous Mexican cuisine expert, suggests steaming pork tamales for three hours, which is an hour longer than the standard 90 minutes.
Tips and Tricks from Mexican Abuelas
We all know that the real wisdom comes from Mexican abuelas, the grandmothers who have cooked the dish for generations. Here are some of their tips and tricks:
– Rinse the corn husks: Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes, then rinse them to eliminate any dirt or debris.
– Spread the masa evenly: It would be best if you put an even layer of masa (corn dough) on the corn husk. This prevents the filling from leaking out while steaming.
– Steam the tamales with their open end up so they don’t lose their filling while cooking.
– Line the steamer basket or pot with leftover corn husks or a damp towel to prevent the tamales from sticking to the bottom and steer clear of the sizzling sound.
Conclusion
Tamales are a delicious and easy-to-make dish when you know how to steam them perfectly. We hope our article has been insightful into how long you should steam tamales. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in Mexican cuisine, we encourage you to use our tips and tricks to make the perfect tamales every time.