Tamales are a delicious Latin American dish typically made with masa dough stuffed with seasoned meat, cheese, or other fillings, then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed. While best when fresh, tamales also freeze and reheat wonderfully when done properly. Here is a step-by-step guide to freezing and reheating tamales to help keep this tasty food around to enjoy for months.
Can You Freeze Tamales?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze tamales for long-term storage. Freezing is a great way to make a large batch of tamales and then enjoy them gradually over time.
Properly frozen tamales will maintain their texture and flavor for up to 3 months in the freezer. The masa dough and fillings freeze well without compromising quality.
Some tips when freezing tamales:
- Make sure tamales are completely cooled before freezing
- Wrap each tamale individually in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn
- Place wrapped tamales in freezer bags or airtight containers
- Remove as much air from bags/containers as possible
- Freeze tamales as soon as possible after wrapping
Following these steps will help frozen tamales retain moisture and prevent ice crystals from forming and damaging texture.
How Long Do Tamales Last in the Freezer?
Properly frozen and stored tamales will last 3 to 4 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline.
Here are some tips for maximizing freezer life:
- Use high-quality, fresh ingredients when making the tamales
- Wrap tamales tightly in 2 layers of plastic wrap or foil
- Exclude as much air as possible from freezer bags/containers
- Freeze tamales as quickly as possible after making them
- Avoid freezing tamales more than once (thawing and re-freezing)
- Store tamales consistently at 0°F or below
- Place tamales in a deep freezer if storing longer than 2 months
Following the above guidelines will help tamales stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Be sure to label bags/containers with the freeze date so you know how long they’ve been stored.
What Is the Best Way to Freeze Tamales?
Here are some recommended methods for successfully freezing tamales:
Individually Wrapped
The best way to freeze tamales is to individually wrap each one first in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Remove as much air as possible before tightly sealing each tamale. This prevents them from sticking together and guards against freezer burn.
Vacuum Sealed Bags
After wrapping tamales individually, place them in vacuum sealed freezer bags. Suck out as much excess air as possible before sealing the bags. This adds an extra layer of protection against ice crystals and freezer burn.
Airtight Plastic Freezer Containers
Plastic freezer containers with tight fitting lids create an airtight environment for frozen tamales. Make sure to wrap tamales individually first before placing in containers. Clear containers also let you easily identify tamale fillings.
Even Portioning
Ensure tamales are portioned evenly in size before freezing. This allows them to freeze and reheat evenly for consistent results.
Freezer Paper Lining
Lining freezer bags or containers with freezer paper provides additional moisture and vapor barrier protection.
Freeze Immediately
Freeze tamales as soon as possible after preparing and wrapping. Leaving them to sit unfrozen encourages ice crystal formation.
How to Thaw Tamales
Here are some safe methods for properly thawing frozen tamales:
Refrigerator Thawing
For slower thawing, place frozen tamales in the refrigerator. Wrap bags or containers in a bowl or pan to catch condensation drips. Allow tamales to thaw over 24-36 hours in the fridge.
Cold Water Bath
Submerge tamale freezer bags/container in a bowl or sink filled with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to speed thawing. Tamales should be thawed in 1-2 hours.
Microwave Thawing
Microwaving is the quickest thaw method but can lead to uneven heating. Unwrap tamales and place 1-2 at a time on a microwave-safe dish. Microwave at 50% power in 30 second bursts, checking often.
Countertop Thawing
Let wrapped frozen tamales sit on the counter for 1-2 hours until thawed. Only recommended for smaller amounts, as leaving many tamales out too long risks bacterial growth.
Avoid Refreezing
Only thaw the number of tamales you plan to eat. Refreezing thawed tamales negatively impacts texture and taste.
How to Reheat Tamales
Tamales should be thoroughly reheated before serving to prevent foodborne illness. Here are some good reheating methods:
Oven Reheating
Place unwrapped tamales directly on an oven rack or baking sheet. Reheat at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout.
Microwave Reheating
Microwave individual unwrapped tamales on a microwave-safe dish for 60-90 seconds until hot. Rotate tamales and check often to prevent overheating.
Steam Reheating
A steamer basket is the ideal way to reheat tamales and keep them moist. Place tamales in a single layer in the basket and steam for 15-20 minutes over gently boiling water.
Slow Cooker
Add frozen tamales to a slow cooker with 1/2 cup of water. Cover and cook on Low setting for 3-4 hours until heated through.
Simmering
Submerge tamales in gently simmering water for 20-30 minutes, making sure they are fully submerged. Rotate tamales and add more hot water as needed.
Fry or Grill
For a crispy texture, fry or grill thawed tamales over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side until hot and slightly charred.
Always reheat tamales to an internal temperature of 165°F. Check temperature with a food thermometer inserted into the center. Now your tamales are ready to enjoy!
Can You Refreeze Tamales?
It is not recommended to refreeze tamales after they have been thawed. Refreezing causes the texture to become grainy and mushy and diminishes the flavor.
The safest practice is to only thaw the number of frozen tamales you know you will consume right away. Refreezing and repeated thawing deteriorates quality and increases risk of bacteria growth.
If you do need to refreeze leftover thawed tamales, follow these precautions:
- Only refreeze tamales once
- Consume refrozen tamales within 1 month
- Ensure tamales were kept consistently chilled while thawed
- Fully reheat and consume immediately after thawing again
While not ideal, properly handled tamales can be refrozen once in a pinch. But for best quality, aim to thaw and eat just what you need.
Reheating Leftover Tamales
To safely reheat leftover tamales that were previously cooked:
Refrigerate Promptly
Leftover tamales should be refrigerated within 2 hours after cooking. Split larger batches into shallow containers for fast chilling.
Use Within 3-4 Days
For optimal taste and food safety, leftovers should be reheated and eaten within 3 to 4 days. Discard any uneaten tamales after that.
Reheat Thoroughly
Leftovers must be fully reheated to 165°F until steamy and hot. Bring sauces/salsas to a boil too.
Choose a Reheating Method
Use your preferred reheating method from those listed above – oven, steamer, slow cooker etc. Reheat thoroughly until no cold spots remain.
Only Reheat Once
Avoid repeatedly reheating leftovers. Reheat only the portion you will immediately serve and consume. Then discard any remaining leftovers.
Proper refrigeration and reheating are important when dealing with tamale leftovers. Use common sense and don’t take risks when handling food safely.
Can You Make Tamales Ahead of Time?
Yes, tamales can absolutely be assembled ahead of time and frozen uncooked for later steaming. Here are some tips for make-ahead tamales:
- Assemble uncooked tamales up to 2 days before freezing
- Individually wrap tamales in corn husks or banana leaves
- Place wrapped raw tamales in freezer bags or airtight containers
- Exclude as much air as possible and seal
- Freeze raw tamales for up to 3 months
- Thaw tamales completely before steaming
- Add 5-10 minutes to the steaming time for frozen tamales
Assembled uncooked tamales are perfect to have on hand for easy steaming later on. They freeze well and taste freshly made once steamed.
You can also partially cook tamales before freezing:
- Steam par-cooked tamales for 25-30 minutes
- Immediately cool and freeze tamales for later use
- Thaw completely when ready to eat
- Finish steaming thawed par-cooked tamales 15-20 minutes until hot
Both options let you enjoy delicious homemade tamales quickly at your convenience.
Tamale Freezing Tips
Follow these handy tips for best freezing and thawing results when storing tamales:
- Use fresh masa dough and quality fillings
- Wrap each tamale tightly in 2 layers of plastic wrap
- Exclude as much air as possible from wrapping
- Freeze tamales within 2 hours of making them
- Spread tamales in single layer in freezer to quick-freeze initially
- Once frozen solid, group tamales closer together in bags/containers
- Label bags/containers with freeze date and contents
- Freeze tamales for up to 3 months at 0°F or below
- Thaw slowly in fridge or with cold water method
- Avoid refreezing thawed tamales if possible
- Always reheat thoroughly until steaming hot throughout
Follow proper food safety guidelines when freezing, thawing and reheating tamales. Taking care in the process lets you safely enjoy these tasty treats for months to come!
Troubleshooting Freezing Tamales
Here are some common problems and solutions when freezing tamales:
Tamales Sticking Together
– Wrap each tamale individually before freezing
– Use freezer paper or foil to separate tamales
Tamales Develop Freezer Burn
– Double wrap tamales in plastic wrap and foil
– Exclude all excess air from wrapping
– Use vacuum sealed bags to freeze
Tamales Lose Moisture
– Use fresh masa and fillings
– Wrap tightly to prevent moisture loss
– Thaw using refrigerator method, not microwave
Tamales Absorb Freezer Odors
– Seal tamales in airtight freezer bags or containers
– Avoid overpacking freezer to allow air circulation
– Place crumpled freezer paper in freezer to absorb odors
Thawed Tamales Are Dry
– Wrap tamales tightly before freezing
– Limit time tamales are frozen to 2-3 months
– After thawing, add tamales to steamer with sauce/broth
Taking precautions when freezing and proper thawing methods help prevent common tamale freezing troubles.
Tamale Freezer Meal Prep Tips
Freezing tamales lends itself well to meal prepping. Consider these tips:
Assemble Raw Tamales in Advance
Make tamales up to 2 days before freezing so they are ready to steam whenever needed.
Freeze Tamales in Individual Portions
Wrap single servings so you can defrost only what you need each time.
Include Sauce Packets
Portion out sauce into small freezer bags to pull out and reheat with tamales.
Prep Fillings for Variety
Make different tamale fillings like chicken, beef, bean, cheese etc. and freeze separately.
Label Tamales Clearly
Identify fillings and freeze dates on bags so you know what’s inside and for how long.
Create Balanced Meals
Round out tamale meals by freezing rice, beans, vegetables etc. in single portions to accompany.
With some advance planning, tamales make for easy and delicious freezer meals perfect for your busy lifestyle.
Best Practices for Freezing Tamales
Here is a summary of the optimal practices for freezing and thawing tamales:
Freezing:
– Individually wrap each tamale in plastic wrap or foil
– Exclude as much air as possible when wrapping
– Place wrapped tamales in vacuum sealed bags
– Freeze tamales within 2 hours of assembling
– Quick-freeze tamales in a single layer on trays before grouping
– Store frozen tamales at 0°F or below
Thawing:
– Thaw tamales in the refrigerator over 24-36 hours
– Can also thaw in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes
– Microwave defrost carefully on 50% power in short bursts
– Defrost only the number of tamales being consumed
Reheating:
– Use steam, oven, slow cooker etc. to reheat thoroughly
– Bring tamales to an internal temperature of 165°F
– Discard any leftovers after 3-4 days in fridge
Following these freezing, thawing and reheating best practices will yield safe, delicious tamales to enjoy for months on end!
Common FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about freezing tamales:
Should you freeze tamales with or without husks?
Tamales should be frozen in their corn husks or banana leaf wrappings. The husks provide an additional protective barrier and help retain moisture during freezing.
How do you thicken tamales that get watery when frozen?
Avoid over-wrapping tamales or freezing too long. When reheating watery tamales, remove husks and place directly on an oven rack at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to dehydrate slightly.
Can you freeze tamales with fillings like cheese, rice or vegetables?
Yes, tamales with any fillings can be frozen successfully. Vegetables or rice may get slightly mushier after freezing but will still taste good.
Is it better to freeze tamales cooked or uncooked?
Fully cooked tamales freeze best to preserve the masa texture. Raw assembled tamales are fine to freeze as well but may need a few extra minutes of steaming.
How do you prevent a skin from forming on frozen tamales?
Tightly wrapping each tamale in plastic wrap or foil before freezing prevents ice crystals from forming and ruining the texture.
Conclusion
Tamales are a wonderfully freezer-friendly food perfect for meal prepping. Follow the recommendations in this guide for optimal freezing, storage, thawing and reheating results. With proper handling, homemade tamales can be enjoyed months after cooking. So go ahead and make a big batch to freeze! Just be sure to use best practices when freezing, thawing and reheating this tasty dish.