Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. They are made from masa, which is a dough made from corn, and are filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat, cheese, or vegetables. Tamales are steamed in corn husks and can be enjoyed as a meal or a snack. However, if you have leftovers or want to store tamales for later use, it’s important to know how to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat.
Tasty Tamales
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (a corn dough) that is filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, vegetables, or chili peppers. The mixture is then wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf and steamed until cooked. Tamales are a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed as a main dish, snack, or even dessert.
Tamales have a long history dating back to the pre-Columbian era in Mexico. The Aztecs and Mayans are believed to have eaten tamales as a portable and convenient food for warriors and travelers. Today, tamales are still a popular food in Mexico and many other Latin American countries, as well as in the United States and other parts of the world. They are a traditional dish for special occasions like Dia de los Muertos, Christmas, and Dia de la Candelaria.
When it comes to storing tamales, it’s important to keep them fresh and safe to eat. Whether you have cooked or uncooked tamales, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they stay fresh and delicious.
Here are some tips for storing tamales:
- Store cooked tamales in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
- Freeze cooked tamales in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag for up to six months.
- Allow tamales to cool down before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
- If you have uncooked tamales, store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to cook them.
- When reheating tamales, make sure they are heated all the way through to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your tamales for days or even months after they are made. Whether you’re making tamales for a special occasion or just because, storing them properly will help ensure they stay fresh and delicious until you’re ready to eat them.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When it comes to storing homemade tamales, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. The quality of the ingredients can affect the texture, flavor, and overall quality of the tamales. Here are some tips for selecting the right ingredients:
Masa Harina
Masa harina is a type of flour made from dried corn that has been treated with lime. It is the main ingredient in the masa dough used for tamales and is responsible for their unique texture and flavor. When selecting masa harina, look for a brand that is labeled “masa harina para tamales” or “masa harina for tamales”. These brands are specifically formulated for making tamales and will produce the best results.
Filling
The filling is what gives tamales their flavor and can be made with a variety of ingredients, including meat, cheese, vegetables, and beans. When selecting ingredients for the filling, choose high-quality, fresh ingredients. Avoid using canned or processed foods, as they can affect the flavor and texture of the tamales.
Corn Husks
Corn husks are used to wrap the tamales and give them their distinctive shape. When selecting corn husks, look for ones that are clean and free from mold or mildew. Soak the corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes before using them to make the tamales. This will make them pliable and easier to work with.
By choosing the right ingredients, you can ensure that your tamales are delicious and will store well.
Preparation Before Storage
Before storing tamales, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that they stay fresh and safe to eat. This section will cover the two main steps to prepare tamales for storage: cooling and packaging.
Cooling Tamales
After cooking tamales, it’s important to let them cool down before storing them. This helps prevent bacteria growth and ensures that the tamales maintain their texture and preserves the flavor of the tamales. To cool tamales, follow these steps:
- Remove the tamales from the steamer or pot and place them on a plate or baking sheet.
- Let the tamales cool down to room temperature. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and thickness of the tamales.
- Once the tamales have cooled down, you can proceed to the next step: packaging.
Packaging Tamales
Packaging leftover tamales properly is essential to keeping them fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips for packaging tamales:
- Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to wrap each tamale individually. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the tamales from drying out.
- Label each package with the date and type of tamales (e.g. chicken, pork, vegetarian).
- Place the wrapped tamales in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Store the tamales in the freezer or refrigerator, depending on how long you plan to keep them.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your tamales stay fresh and delicious for a long time.
Methods of Storage
When it comes to storing tamales, there are two main methods: refrigeration and freezing. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
We do not recommend testing how long tamales last unrefrigerated. Especially because they contain meat, bad tamales can make one quite ill.
Refrigeration
Refrigeration is the best method for storing tamales if you plan to eat them within a few days. Here are the steps to follow:
- Wrap the tamales in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Label the container with the date you stored the tamales.
Tamales stored in the refrigerator can last for up to five days. Make sure to reheat them thoroughly before eating.
Freezing
Freezing is the best method for storing tamales if you want to keep them for a longer period of time. Here are the steps to follow:
- Wrap the tamales in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a resealable plastic bag.
- Label the bag with the date you stored the tamales.
Tamales stored in the freezer can last for up to six months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them thoroughly before serving.
Note that freezing can affect the texture of the tamales, so it’s best to only freeze them if you know you won’t be eating them within a few days.
Reheating Stored Tamales
When it comes to reheating tamales, there are several methods that can be used, depending on the available resources and personal preference. The following are some of the most common ways to reheat stored tamales:
Steaming
Steaming is the most recommended method for reheating tamales, as it helps retain the original flavor and texture of the tamale. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Allow frozen tamales to thaw first. Once the water is boiling, place the tamales in a steamer basket and put the basket in the pot, ensuring that the water does not touch the tamales. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the tamales to steam for 15 to 20 minutes. If the tamales are still cold after 20 minutes, steam them for an additional 10 minutes.
Microwave
Microwaving is a quick and easy way to reheat tamales, but it can make the tamale soggy. To microwave tamales, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat the tamales for 1 to 2 minutes on high heat. Check the tamales after 1 minute to ensure that they are not overheating.
Oven
Oven reheating is another reheating process for tamales, but it takes longer than steaming or microwaving. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Wrap the tamales in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the tamales for 20 to 30 minutes or until they are heated through. Check the tamales after 20 minutes to ensure that they are not overheating.
Conclusion
Reheating stored tamales can be done using several methods, but steaming is the most recommended option. Microwaving and oven reheating are also viable options, but they may affect the texture of the tamale. Regardless of the method used, it is important to ensure that the tamales are heated through and safe to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can cooked tamales be stored in the fridge?
Cooked tamales can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-7 days. It is important to let the tamales cool down before storing them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. It is recommended to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent moisture buildup.
What is the best way to store tamales in the freezer?
To store tamales in the freezer, wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It is important to remove as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag. Cooked tamales can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
How to properly reheat tamales?
To reheat tamales, place them in a steamer basket or on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Steam them for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and heating them for 1-2 minutes.
What is the recommended way to store and reheat tamales?
The recommended way to store tamales is to let them cool down, then wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container or in ziploc bags. To reheat tamales, place them in a steamer basket or on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Steam them for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Do fresh tamales need to be refrigerated?
Fresh tamales should be refrigerated if they are not going to be consumed immediately. It is recommended to store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag and consume them within 3-4 days.
How long can fresh tamales sit out at room temperature?
Fresh tamales should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. It is important to refrigerate them as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth.