How to Reheat Tamales in the Instant Pot
Learn how to reheat tamales the easy way, by steaming them in your Instant Pot!
Did you know you can reheat tamales in the Instant Pot? It’s a cinch to do it, and the result is tender and moist tamales! Keep reading to get the tips and tricks for using this method.
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It doesn’t take long to realize just how versatile the Instant Pot is. It is one of the most useful appliances in my kitchen, for sure!
One of the most little-known uses for the Instant Pot is the fact that you can reheat leftovers in the Instant Pot!
Today, I’m sharing how to reheat tamales in the Instant Pot, whether they’re frozen or thawed, and you’ll be amazed at just how simple it is.
Warming Tamales without an Oven or Microwave
Warming food in the Instant Pot is particularly useful if you don’t have a microwave, or for those foods that can sometimes have a tendency to dry out in the microwave, such as tamales.
Not only that, but you can also keep food warm in the Instant Pot, which is great if you’re cooking now but won’t be eating it until a little later.
Related Articles:
- How to Reheat Soup in the Instant Pot
- How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the Instant Pot
- How to Reheat Pulled Pork in the Instant Pot
- How to Reheat Rice in the Instant Pot
- How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot
The Best Way to Reheat Tamales
I don’t actually make homemade tamales myself, but every Christmas season, I order a dozen homemade tamales from a woman in my church who makes them, and they are amazing!
So when it’s time for us to eat them, I want to reheat them the best possible way, which is steaming!
Because let’s be honest–if you or someone else took the time to make delicious homemade tamales, you certainly want to reheat them the best way.
When you reheat tamales in the Instant Pot, the moist steaming environment helps to keep the tamales nice and tender, exactly as they should be!
I admit, I used to just reheat them in the microwave, and the fact is–that’s the fastest way to do it if you’re in a hurry.
But, I think using the Instant Pot is the best way to reheat tamales, because steaming them preserves their texture so well.
How to Steam Tamales in the Instant Pot
These are the tips and tricks I find useful when reheating tamales.
(Printable instructions are available below)
Add Water to the Instant Pot
First up, you’ll add some water to the insert pot of the Instant Pot. This is necessary to create the steamy environment.
Use a Steamer Basket
To steam tamales in your Instant Pot, I recommend using a steamer basket.
Since we added water to the Instant Pot, we need a way to keep the tamales out of the water, and a steamer basket works perfectly for that.
I have this steamer basket and it works great for this purpose.
- ⭐️ Instant Pot Compatible - The 717 Steamer Basket is compatible with 6 and 8 quart Instant Pots, as well as many other Pots and Pressure Cookers. The 717 Steamer Basket is perfect for Eggs, Meats, and Veggies
Stand the Tamales Upright if Possible
While you can stack the tamales on top of each other, I find they reheat more evenly if you stand them upright on their ends.
This positioning exposes more surface area, which allows the steam to circulate more around each tamale.
Use the Steam Function
If your tamales are cold (but not frozen), start with a 5 minute steam time. I’ve found this is the perfect amount of time for reheating tamales, but this is just a starting point.
If your Instant Pot is crammed full of tamales, you may need to increase the steam time by a minute or two. Likewise, if your tamales are large and have a lot of filling, they may need additional steam time.
How to Reheat Frozen Tamales in the Instant Pot
Heating frozen tamales is a cinch with your Instant Pot! If you’re wanting to warm up some frozen tamales, whether they are homemade or store-bought, this is the best way to reheat them!
Keep in mind, these tamales were already cooked before being frozen, so we’re basically just heating the tamales using the steam function of the Instant Pot.
How Long to Steam Frozen Tamales
If your tamales are frozen, all you have to do is increase the steam time to 15 minutes. This worked great for my fairly large tamales.
If your tamales are smaller, you will likely be able to get by with less time–you could try a steam time of 10 minutes.
After the steam time is complete, do a quick release and carefully open the lid to lift out the basket.
What if I Don’t Have a Steamer Basket?
If you need to reheat tamales but don’t have a steamer basket, you can try standing the tamales up on the trivet that came with your Instant Pot. It can be a little tricky to balance them this way, but it can still be done!
Alternatively, you can lay the tamales flat on the trivet and steam them that way.
If you’re stacking several tamales, I’d increase the steam time by a couple of minutes. But if you’re just laying a few on the trivet, the 5 minute recommendation should work just fine.
Either way, enjoy your perfectly reheated tamales! I love serving mine with some Instant Pot Spanish rice or Instant Pot yellow rice as a quick and easy side item.
How to Reheat Tamales in the Instant Pot
Learn how to reheat tamales in your Instant Pot, steaming them to perfection!
Ingredients
- 4 Pre-cooked tamales (or however many you want to reheat)
Instructions
- Add 1 cup of water to the insert pot of the Instant Pot. Set a steamer basket in place.
- Add tamales to the steamer basket, standing them up on their ends if possible.
- Close lid and set vent to the sealed position. Use the Steam button to select a steam time of 5 minutes for thawed tamales, and 15 minutes for frozen tamales.
- After the steam time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure, then carefully remove the lid.
- Remove the steamer basket carefully and serve the tamales. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you don't have a steamer basket, you can lay the tamales flat across the trivet that came with your Instant Pot or try standing them up on the trivet. If you only have a few tamales laying on the trivet, stick with the 5 minute steam time. However, if you are stacking several this way, increase the steam time by a couple of minutes.
- This steam time is a starting point--depending on how large/cold your tamales are, you may need to add a couple of minutes. If you find the tamales aren't warmed through after the steam time, replace the lid and add 2-5 more minutes of steam time.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 247Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 672mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 10g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is not guaranteed for accuracy.
I did this last night, followed you directions exactly, but used something else in terms of equipment – I used my egg bites silicone mold. They were perfect. Thanks for the instructions.
Hi Riki! That’s a great idea–thanks for sharing that tip! 🙂
Great idea for 4 tamales, but what if I have 4 dozen?
Hi Shawn! That’s a great question! I’ve never reheated that many. You would have to work in batches if you were reheating them in the Instant Pot, but it would take quite a while to do that many. You could try warming some in a Crock Pot as well.
We are heating a half dozen tonight (valentines!) and I put a ramekin in the middle of the basket to help them all stand up.
Great idea, Brian–thanks for sharing! Hope you all enjoyed them! 🙂