How To Cook Tamales Without A Steamer: Kitchen Hacks

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Cooking tamales without a steamer might seem tricky, but it's totally doable with some clever kitchen hacks. You don't need fancy equipment to enjoy these delicious treats. Let's dive into how you can make tamales without a steamer.

Introduction to Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made from masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients like meats, cheeses, vegetables, and chilies. The dough is wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed to perfection. Making tamales involves several steps: preparing the dough, filling it with your desired ingredients, wrapping it in corn husks or leaves, and finally steaming it. But what if you don't have a steamer? No worries, there are several ways to get around that.

Why Use a Steamer?

A tamale steamer is designed to cook tamales evenly and efficiently. It usually consists of a large pot with a rack or basket that allows steam to circulate around the tamales. This ensures that they cook evenly and stay moist. However, if you don't have a tamale steamer, you can still cook tamales using some creative methods.

Alternative Methods for Steaming Tamales

Using Aluminum Cans

One of the most creative methods for steaming tamales without a steamer involves using aluminum cans. This method was suggested by users on Reddit:

"You might be able to figure out some way to poke holes in aluminum cans, elevate them off the bottom of the pot and insert the tamales inside."

To use this method:

1. Prepare Your Tamales: Make sure your tamales are wrapped and ready for steaming.
2. Poke Holes: Poke holes in the bottom of an aluminum can to allow steam to pass through.
3. Elevate the Can: Place the can in a large pot or Dutch oven, ensuring it's elevated off the bottom by using a metal trivet or a small plate.
4. Add Water: Fill the pot with enough water to come up to about halfway up the side of the can.
5. Steam: Bring the water to a boil and then reduce heat to maintain a steady steam.
6. Cooking Time: Steam your tamales for about an hour, checking the water level every 15 minutes to ensure it doesn't run out.

Using a Metal Heat-Safe Bowl

Another method involves using a metal heat-safe bowl as a makeshift steamer basket:

"Place a metal heat-safe bowl inside the pot upside down, resting it on top of the rack. Steam the tamales for one hour, checking the water level every 15 minutes."

To use this method:

1. Prepare Your Pot: Choose a large pot that can accommodate both your bowl and tamales.
2. Invert the Bowl: Place a metal heat-safe bowl upside down inside your pot.
3. Add Tamales: Carefully place your wrapped tamales on top of the inverted bowl.
4. Add Water: Fill your pot with enough water to come up about halfway up the side of your bowl.
5. Steam: Bring the water to a boil and then reduce heat to maintain a steady steam.
6. Cooking Time: Steam your tamales for about an hour, checking the water level every 15 minutes.

Using a Regular Pot

If you don't have any specialized equipment or makeshift steamer baskets, you can still cook tamales using a regular pot:

"If you don't have a Mexican tamalera to cook your tamales in, don't worry you can use a regular pot."

To use this method:

1. Prepare Your Pot: Choose a large pot that can accommodate all your tamales.
2. Add Water: Fill your pot with enough water to come up about halfway up the side of your pot.
3. Create a Rack: If you have a metal trivet or a small plate, place it in the pot to elevate your tamales off the bottom.
4. Add Tamales: Carefully place your wrapped tamales on top of the rack or trivet.
5. Steam: Bring the water to a boil and then reduce heat to maintain a steady steam.
6. Cooking Time: Steam your tamales for about an hour, checking the water level every 15 minutes.

Tips for Steaming Tamales

Maintaining Steam

One of the most critical aspects of steaming tamales is maintaining a steady stream of steam. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

• Monitor Water Level: Always check the water level every 15 minutes to ensure it doesn't run out completely.
• Adjust Heat: If you notice that the steam is not coming out steadily, adjust your heat accordingly. A gentle simmer is usually best for maintaining consistent steam.
• Cover Pot: Covering your pot helps trap steam inside and ensures even cooking.

Ensuring Even Cooking

To ensure that your tamales are cooked evenly without any hot spots:

• Rotate Tamales: Rotate your tamales halfway through cooking time to ensure they are steamed evenly on both sides.
• Use Multiple Layers: If you have multiple layers of tamales, make sure they are not stacked too high in the pot. This can lead to uneven cooking.

Preventing Overcooking

Overcooking can make your tamales dry and hard. Here’s how you can prevent it:

• Check for Moisture: After an hour of steaming, check one of your tamales by unwrapping it slightly. If it feels moist but firm, it’s done. If it’s still soft or mushy, continue steaming for another 15 minutes and check again.
• Use a Thermometer: If you have a thermometer, use it to check the internal temperature of your tamale. The ideal temperature should be around 180°F (82°C).

Conclusion

Cooking tamales without a steamer requires some creativity and patience but is definitely possible with the right techniques. By using aluminum cans, metal heat-safe bowls, or regular pots as makeshift steamers, you can enjoy delicious homemade tamales even without specialized equipment. Remember to maintain steady steam by monitoring water levels and adjusting heat as needed. With these kitchen hacks and tips for even cooking and preventing overcooking, you'll be able to make perfect tamales every time.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these methods will help you achieve that authentic tamale flavor without breaking the bank or needing specialized gear. So go ahead and give these hacks a try; your taste buds will thank you.