How To Stack Tamales In Steamer

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

Tamales are a delicious and traditional Mexican dish made with masa, a dough made from corn, and filled with various savory or sweet fillings. One of the key elements of making tamales is steaming them to perfection. Steaming not only cooks the tamales thoroughly but also imparts a moist and tender texture. In this article, we will guide you on how to stack tamales in a steamer for optimal cooking results.

Stacking tamales properly in the steamer is essential to ensure even heat distribution and prevent them from falling apart during the cooking process. Additionally, it allows you to maximize the steaming capacity and cook a larger quantity of tamales at once.

Before we dive into the stacking process, let’s first discuss choosing the right steamer for making tamales.

Choosing the Right Steamer

When it comes to choosing the right steamer for cooking tamales, there are a few options to consider. The most common types of steamers used for making tamales are stovetop steamers and electric steamers. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a steamer:

1. Size: Choose a steamer that can accommodate the number of tamales you plan to cook. Tamales should be stacked vertically in the steamer, so make sure there is enough space between layers.
2. Material: Opt for a steamer made of stainless steel or aluminum. These materials distribute heat evenly and are easy to clean.
3. Features: Look for a steamer with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and maintain consistent heat. Some steamers come with multiple compartments, which can be useful if you want to steam different types of tamales simultaneously.
4. Ease of use: Consider a steamer with a removable insert or trays for easy loading and unloading of tamales.
5. Budget: Steamer prices can vary, so determine your budget and choose a steamer that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

Once you have chosen the right steamer, it’s time to prepare the tamales for steaming.

Preparing the Tamales

Before stacking the tamales in the steamer, it’s important to properly prepare them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare tamales for steaming:

1. Soak the corn husks: If you’re using dried corn husks, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them. Make sure to separate and discard any damaged or torn husks.
2. Prepare the masa: In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina (corn flour), baking powder, salt, and any other desired seasonings. Gradually add warm water or broth and mix until a soft and pliable dough forms. The masa should hold together without being too dry or too wet.
3. Prepare the filling: Depending on your preference, you can choose from a variety of fillings, such as shredded chicken, pork, cheese, or beans. Make sure the filling is cooked and seasoned before assembling the tamales.
4. Assemble the tamales: Take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of masa dough on the flat side of the husk, leaving a border around the edges. Spoon a small amount of filling in the center of the dough. Fold one side of the husk over the filling, followed by the other side. Press the edges together to seal the tamale.
5. Repeat the process: Continue assembling tamales with the remaining corn husks, masa dough, and filling. Make sure to pack the tamales tightly, but leave enough room for the dough to expand as it cooks.

Now that the tamales are prepared, let’s move on to setting up the steamer for cooking.

Setting up the Steamer

Setting up the steamer properly is crucial to ensure the tamales cook evenly and thoroughly. Follow these steps to set up your steamer:

1. Add water: Fill the bottom of the steamer with water, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom of the steamer tray or baskets. The water level should be below the bottom layer of tamales.
2. Place a barrier: To prevent direct contact between the tamales and the water, you can place a heatproof barrier, such as a steamer rack or a layer of corn husks, in the bottom of the steamer. This helps create steam without sogging the tamales.
3. Arrange the steamer trays/baskets: If your steamer has multiple trays or baskets, stack them on top of each other. Make sure to leave enough space between each layer to allow steam circulation.
4. Preheat the steamer: Cover the steamer and turn on the heat. Allow the water to come to a boil and create a steady stream of steam.

Now that the steamer is set up, it’s time to stack the tamales for steaming.

Stacking the Tamales

Properly stacking the tamales in the steamer is essential for even cooking and efficient use of space. Follow these steps to stack your tamales:

1. Arrange the tamales: Start by placing a layer of tamales vertically in the steamer tray or basket. Stand them upright, with the folded side facing down and the open end facing up. Pack them closely together, but make sure they’re not too tightly packed to allow the steam to circulate.
2. Add another layer: If you have more tamales to cook, place another layer of tamales on top of the first layer. Again, make sure to arrange them vertically and tightly pack them. You can stagger the tamales in the second layer to create stability.
3. Continue stacking: Repeat the process and stack additional layers of tamales until the steamer is full, leaving enough space between the top layer of tamales and the lid.
4. Steamer tray adjustments: If your steamer has adjustable trays or baskets, you can raise or lower them to create more space between the layers of tamales.

By stacking the tamales vertically and tightly, you maximize the steaming capacity and ensure that they cook evenly. Now that the tamales are stacked, it’s time to start the steaming process.

When stacking tamales in a steamer, make sure to place them upright with the open end facing up to prevent the filling from spilling out. Also, leave some space between each tamale to allow the steam to circulate evenly.

Steaming the Tamales

Once the tamales are properly stacked in the steamer, it’s time to start the steaming process. Follow these steps to steam your tamales:

1. Cover the steamer: Place the lid securely on the steamer to create a tight seal. This helps trap the steam and cook the tamales thoroughly.
2. Steam the tamales: Set the heat to medium or medium-high and allow the tamales to steam for about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the tamales. Avoid opening the lid frequently as this can release the steam and prolong the cooking time.
3. Monitor the water level: Check the water level periodically and refill if necessary. You want to ensure that there’s enough steam to cook the tamales but not so much that it boils over and submerges them.
4. Adjust the heat: If the water is boiling rapidly and producing too much steam, reduce the heat slightly. Likewise, if the water isn’t simmering enough, increase the heat slightly. The goal is to maintain a steady stream of steam throughout the cooking process.

Steaming the tamales allows the masa dough to cook and become firm while infusing the flavors of the filling. The steam also helps keep the tamales moist and prevents them from drying out. Once the tamales are steamed to perfection, it’s time to check for doneness.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure that your tamales are fully cooked, it’s important to check for doneness before removing them from the steamer. Here’s how to determine if the tamales are done:

1. Visual inspection: Carefully open the lid of the steamer and visually inspect the tamales. The masa dough should be firm and cooked through, with no raw or doughy spots. If you notice any uncooked areas, close the lid and continue steaming for a few more minutes.
2. Texture and firmness: Gently press your finger on the masa dough. It should have a slightly springy and firm texture. If the dough feels mushy or doughy, continue steaming the tamales for a bit longer until they firm up.
3. Temperature check: You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tamales. Insert the thermometer into the center of a tamale, making sure it doesn’t touch the filling. The temperature should read around 165°F (74°C) or higher, indicating that the tamales are fully cooked.
4. Taste test: Lastly, take a small bite of one of the tamales to check for flavor and doneness. The masa should be cooked and have a pleasant taste, and the filling should be hot and fully cooked.

It’s important to note that cooking times may vary based on factors such as the size of the tamales, the thickness of the masa dough, and the heat of your steamer. It’s always better to check for doneness using multiple methods to ensure that your tamales are cooked to perfection.

Once you’re confident that the tamales are fully cooked, it’s time to remove them from the steamer and serve them to eager diners.

Removing and Serving the Tamales

Now that your tamales are perfectly steamed and ready to be enjoyed, follow these steps to remove them from the steamer and serve them:

1. Turn off the heat: First, switch off the heat source and carefully remove the lid of the steamer. Use oven mitts or kitchen towels to protect your hands from the hot steam.
2. Remove the tamales: Using tongs or a spatula, carefully lift the tamales out of the steamer. Take caution as the steam can still be hot. Place them on a platter or serving dish, arranging them neatly.
3. Let them cool: Allow the tamales to cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the masa dough a chance to set and ensures that they’re easier to handle.
4. Unwrap and serve: To serve the tamales, gently peel back the corn husks or wrappers. If you encounter any resistance, you can use a knife or your fingers to help separate the husks from the masa. Arrange the unwrapped tamales on a plate or platter, ready to be enjoyed.

Tamales can be served as a standalone dish or accompanied by various side dishes and toppings. Some popular serving suggestions include salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or a side of Mexican rice and beans.

Remember, tamales are best enjoyed fresh and hot. If there are any leftover tamales, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them later. To reheat, steam the tamales for a few minutes until they’re heated through.

Now that you know how to remove and serve the tamales, it’s time to put these skills into practice and enjoy this traditional and delicious Mexican dish with your family and friends.

Conclusion

Learning how to stack tamales in a steamer is an essential skill for anyone who wants to enjoy these traditional Mexican delicacies. With the right techniques and equipment, you can create perfectly steamed tamales that are moist, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

Choosing the right steamer is the first step in the process. Consider factors such as size, material, features, ease of use, and your budget when selecting a steamer. Once you have the steamer, it’s important to prepare the tamales properly. Soak the corn husks, prepare the masa dough and filling, and assemble the tamales with care.

Setting up the steamer correctly ensures that the tamales cook evenly and retain their moisture. Adding water, using a heatproof barrier, and arranging the steamer trays or baskets are all important steps in the setup process.

When it’s time to stack the tamales, do so vertically and tightly, making sure to leave space between each layer. This allows for even heat distribution and efficient use of space. Steam the tamales for the recommended cooking time, checking for doneness using visual inspection, texture, temperature, and taste testing.

After ensuring that the tamales are fully cooked, remove them from the steamer and let them cool slightly before unwrapping and serving. Tamales are best enjoyed fresh and hot, and they can be accompanied by various side dishes and toppings.

Mastering the art of stacking tamales in a steamer opens up a world of flavors and possibilities. Whether you’re making savory tamales filled with meats or vegetarian options, or exploring diverse sweet fillings, this culinary adventure will surely delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on the delightful journey of making and stacking tamales in a steamer. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll soon become a master at creating these beloved Mexican treats.