If you’ve ever had tamales, then you know how delicious they are. But what do you do with leftovers? Can you freeze them? Read on to find out!
Quick Answer
Yes, you can freeze tamales. The impact on taste and texture may be minimal, but it is best to freeze them soon after they are made. They will last in the freezer for a few months.
Can You Freeze Tamales?
Tamales are a popular food during the holidays, but what happens if you have leftovers or don’t want to eat them all at once? Can you freeze tamales and how will it impact their taste and texture?
Tamales can be frozen, but their flavor and texture may be impacted. When freezing, make sure to tightly wrap the tamales in plastic wrap or foil. They can last in the freezer for up to two months.
How To Freeze Tamales?
One of the many great things about tamales is that they can be frozen and enjoyed at a later time. If you have leftover tamales or want to make a big batch to freeze, here are the steps you need to take:
1. Make sure the tamales are completely cool before freezing.
2. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours.
3. Once they are frozen, place them in a freezer bag or container and return them to the freezer.
4. To reheat, remove them from the freezer and place them in a pot of simmering water for 10-15 minutes.
Precautions to Take When Freezing Tamales
When freezing tamales, there are a few key things to keep in mind in order to ensure that they turn out well. First, make sure that the tamales are completely cooked before freezing them. If they are not fully cooked, they will not freeze properly and will not taste good when reheated. Secondly, it is important to freeze the tamales in an airtight container or bag so that they do not get freezer burn. Finally, be sure to label the container or bag with the date so that you know how long they have been frozen. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your tamales will stay fresh and delicious for months!
How To Thaw Frozen Tamales
You can thaw frozen Tamales in one of several ways:
In the refrigerator: Plan ahead and thaw the Tamales in the refrigerator overnight.
In cold water: Place the frozen Tamales in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until they are thawed.
In the microwave oven: Place them on a microwavable plate and defrost at half power for 3 to 5 minutes, or until thawed (defrosting time will vary depending on quantity). Do not overheat, or they will become dry.
How Long Does Tamales Last (Stays Fresh) Outside at Room Temperature?
Tamales are a cornmeal dough that is usually wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. They can be stored at room temperature for about two days or in the fridge for about four days.
If you want to store them for longer, they can be frozen. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them out and heat them up in the microwave or oven.
How Long Does Tamales Last (Stays Fresh) in the Fridge?
If stored in a sealed container in the fridge, they should be good for about 5-7 days.
However, if you’ve opened the tamales and exposed them to air, then they will only last for a day or two. So it’s best to store them in a sealed container if you’re not going to eat them all right away.
Tamales are usually made with cornmeal, so they don’t have a lot of preservatives in them. That’s why it’s important to store them in the fridge and eat them as soon as possible.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Tamales?
Ideas:
1. Tamale pie: layer tamales, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Tamale casserole: Similar to the above, but use corn tortillas instead of tamales.
3. Tamale soup: Add cooked diced chicken or beef to a pot of soup broth along with some chopped up tamales. Simmer until heated through.
4. Tamale taquitos: Soften leftover tamales in microwave and then wrap them up in warm tortillas with some shredded cheese and serve with salsa or sour cream on the side for dipping.
5. Tamale waffles: Place a few cooked tamales into your