Whether it’s the holiday season or just a regular day, there's something comforting about sitting down to enjoy a warm tamale. I’ve often found myself with leftover tamales from a big batch, and reheating them without losing that moist tamales texture can be tricky.
I’ve tried a lot of methods, from the microwave method to the steamer method, but the Instant Pot always wins when it comes to keeping tamales just the way they should be: soft, warm, and full of flavor.
In this article, I’m going to share my tips and tricks on how to reheat tamales in an Instant Pot. Whether you’re dealing with frozen tamales or cold tamales, this method will work for you. I'll also touch on a few alternative methods, like the air fryer basket and the steamer pot, in case you want to try something different. Let’s get into it!
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Why Reheat Tamales in an Instant Pot?
Before I jump into the Instant Pot reheating tamales method, let’s talk about why this method works so well. I love tamales, but reheating them the wrong way can lead to dry, overcooked masa or soggy filling. When I first learned how to reheat tamales in an Instant Pot, I was skeptical. I didn’t think a pressure cooker could work for delicate foods like tamales. But once I gave it a try, I was sold.
The Instant Pot helps for even heating and moisture retention, which is important when reheating tamales. Unlike using a microwave (which dries them out), or even boiling water in a large pot, the Instant Pot creates the right environment for steaming tamales. The high heat inside the Instant Pot is perfect for bringing them back to their hot tamales glory, while the moisture keeps the masa harina soft and the filling tender.
Whether you’re reheating leftover tamales from last night's dinner or frozen tamales that you’ve had in the freezer for a while, the Instant Pot does an excellent job of retaining the original flavor and texture. Plus, it’s fast, making it a great way to reheat tamales quickly when you're craving Mexican food.
How to Reheat Tamales in Instant Pot: Step-by-Step
Now that I’ve convinced you of how great the Instant Pot is for reheating tamales, let’s dive into the process.
1. Prep Your Tamales
The first thing you need to do is prepare your tamales. If they’re frozen tamales, it’s usually best to let them thaw tamales before reheating them. However, if you’re in a rush, you can steam frozen tamales straight from the freezer—no need to thaw them.
If you’re dealing with cold tamales or leftover tamales, just make sure they’re still wrapped in their corn husk (or banana leaf if you’re making Mexican tamales with a different twist).
If they're unwrapped, wrap them again in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to help lock in moisture.
2. Add Water to the Instant Pot
Next, pour about 1 cup of cold water into the Instant Pot’s inner pot. The water is necessary to create steam, which will gently heat the tamales without drying them out. If you’re reheating a larger batch of tamales, you may need to increase the water level slightly, but be careful not to add too much—just enough to steam tamales effectively.
3. Place Tamales Inside the Instant Pot
Here’s where it gets interesting. You can place the tamales standing up in a single layer inside the Instant Pot. I always use a steamer basket or trivet for this, as it allows the tamales to steam properly without touching the water directly. If you’re using the air fryer basket, that can also work well for reheating frozen tamales, but the steamer method has always been my go-to.
If you're cooking large batches of tamales, be sure not to overcrowd the pot. It’s important that steam can circulate around each tamale. If necessary, stack them, but only a few at a time, making sure you still have enough room for proper steam circulation.
4. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook
Once the tamales are in place, close the lid and set the pressure release valve to the sealing position. You want to make sure that the Instant Pot is sealed so it can build pressure and steam the tamales effectively.
Set the Instant Pot to manual or pressure cook on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re reheating frozen tamales, you may need to cook them for a little longer (up to 25 minutes), especially if they’re still wrapped tightly in corn husks.
5. Release the Pressure
Once the cooking time is complete, you can either let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure, or you can use the quick release method. For moist tamales, I recommend using natural pressure release as this helps to keep them tender and prevents any drying out.
If you're in a hurry and need to reheat tamales quickly, the quick release will work just fine. But be careful, as it might cause a little mess if there’s too much moisture in the tamales.
Alternative Methods for Reheating Tamales in the Instant Pot
Though the pressure cook method is my favorite, there are a few other ways you can reheat tamales in an Instant Pot that might work better depending on your preferences.
Using the Steam Function
For a gentler, slower reheat, you can use the steam function on the Instant Pot. For this method, you don’t need to set the pot to high pressure. Instead, add about 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and set the tamales inside the steamer basket or pot-in-pot setup. Steam on medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, depending on how many tamales you're reheating.
This method is perfect if you want your tamales to be soft and tender without the pressure of high heat.
Using the Pot-in-Pot Method
For those who like to keep things simple, the pot-in-pot method is a great way to reheat tamales in the Instant Pot without having them touch the water. Place the tamales inside a steamer pot or any heatproof dish, and set it on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot, and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. This method works well for leftover tamales that need to be steamed without getting soggy.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Even though reheating tamales in the Instant Pot is pretty straightforward, here are some common issues I’ve run into and how to solve them:
Tamales Are Too Dry
If your tamales come out dry, it’s usually because there wasn’t enough moisture during the reheating process. Make sure there’s enough water in the Instant Pot to steam tamales effectively. Also, try wrapping the tamales in a damp paper towel or aluminum foil to lock in more moisture.
Tamales Are Not Hot Enough
If your tamales aren’t hot enough after the initial cooking time, don’t panic! Just pop them back in the Instant Pot for another 5-10 minutes on high pressure, and they’ll be nice and hot in no time.
Tamales Are Overcooked or Soggy
To avoid soggy tamales, be mindful of the water level in the Instant Pot. Too much water can cause excess steam, leading to an overly soggy texture. Keep the water level around 1 cup for best results.
How to Store Leftover Tamales
If you have leftover tamales after reheating, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. For long-term storage, freeze the tamales in their leftover corn husks or banana leaves, and they’ll last for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat frozen tamales, simply follow the same instructions for reheat tamales from frozen in your Instant Pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
To microwave tamales, place the tamales inside a microwave safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Heat on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, depending on the number of tamales. For one tamal, reduce the time accordingly. Check the internal temperature to ensure they are heated through. If not, add 30-second intervals until they are hot.
Yes! To reheat tamales in a frying pan, heat it over medium heat. Add a small amount of water to the pan (just enough to create steam), then place the tamales inside. Cover with a lid and let them steam for 5-7 minutes. This method works great for leftover tamales, keeping them moist without drying out. If the tamales in the air start to get too crispy, add a bit more water and cover again.
To steam tamales, pour water into a large pot or Instant Pot and place a steamer basket inside. Arrange the tamales vertically in the basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cover the pot and heat on mid-range temperature until the tamales are hot. This steaming method is perfect for keeping tamales moist, especially when making tamales from scratch and reheating them later.
To ensure your tamales are fully reheated, check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. The ideal temperature should be around 165°F. If you're reheating them in a microwave, carefully remove one tamal and check that it’s hot all the way through. If not, add a little more time in the microwave or on the stove until it’s heated properly.
Yes, you can reheat tamales in the air fryer. To do so, add tamales to the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Set the temperature to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to make sure they’re hot. This method works great for reheating frozen tamales or leftover tamales, giving them a slightly crispy outside while keeping the inside moist.
Conclusion
Reheating tamales in the Instant Pot is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to enjoy these delicious Mexican treats. Whether you’re reheating leftover tamales or frozen tamales, the Instant Pot ensures they come out moist and flavorful every time.
With a few simple steps and a little patience, you’ll have perfectly reheated tamales that taste as good as when they were first made.
Whether you’re serving them for a quick meal or for a festive occasion, this method is the best way to enjoy tamales at their finest. Enjoy them with a side of sour cream, and don’t forget to dip them in your favorite salsa for an extra kick!
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