How To Steam Tamales Without a Steamer

Do you want to know how to steam tamales without a steamer? If you are interested in knowing more aabout this, here is something that might catch your attention. So, just read on.

Well, let me begin by asking one question: do you like to travel? If the answer is yes, you should also know that traveling around the world will allow you to get in touch with many societies and cultures. You will also learn about different types of cuisines and how to prepare them. If you visit Mexico, for example, you can try one of the most common dishes there, which is known as tamales. It is such a delightful food that it tastes heavenly. And it is also rich in nutrients and minerals. What more do you want?

Proper preparation is crucial, because you won’t like tamales that are half-cooked or overcooked. A half-cooked tamale is sticky and pale and can cause food-borne illness. You can make a tamale from a dough or masa, so you can either boil it or even steam it.

Many people steam tamales because they retain so much moisture. The main reason people steam tamales is to make them tender and moist. To get the masa fully cooked, you need to steam the tamales for 30 to 60 minutes. If you bought the tamales frozen at the store, steam them for only 15-30 minutes. The time depends on whether they are hot, cold or even frozen. While steaming, do not let the tamales come in direct contact with water, or they will become sticky. Considering the possibility that you have no steamer, what would you do and how would you steam them?

Here is a step- by-step instruction for steaming tamales without a steamer

Aluminum foil

If you don’t have a steamer, you can make one from aluminum foil. Start by crumpling the foil into a piece two inches wide and tall. When you are done with the main ball, make two more of similar size. Arrange the three in a triangular shape in a large pot. The pot should be large enough to hold a plate, and should also have a lid. That is, when you put the plate in the pot, there should be a one-inch hole left. Make sure that the balls are well-pressed against the edge of the pan, so that the plate is completely held.

Remember that the plate to be used should be heat-resistant, as some plates will liquefy if they get too hot. A ceramic plate or a plate made of thick glass is fine. Pour some water into the pot, an inch below the plate. This will keep your tamales from getting wet when the water bubbles. Check that the plate is level and make the necessary changes if it is not. Now you will have to take the tamales and spread them evenly on your plate. Make sure the open side is facing up. If you are preparing several tamales, you can stack them on top of each other.

Place the pot carefully on your oven without shaking it. Cover it with a lid to let the water bubble. When bubbles appear, you will have to reduce the heat to a bare minimum. The top of the pan will retain moisture and heat, promoting steaming. The tamale should be prepared in 60 minutes, and you should have a timer. When the water has evaporated before 60 minutes, add a little more water, according to one inch under the plate.

Check the tamales an hour later and use tongs to remove them from the pan and place them on a plate. They are usually exceptionally hot, so you should let them sit for about five minutes before eating them. Be sure to open the corn or plantains before eating them. Some people prefer to use a fork and knife, while others just grab it and enjoy the delicious flavor. There is no limit to the most skillful method of enjoying tamales. You can eat it alone or accompany it with different luxury products.

Metal sieve

You can use a mesh sieve or even a metal strainer. Unlike the sieve, the metal one can be more difficult to use. Heat up some water and hang the sieve/strainer over it. The top of your pan may not fit snugly over the handles of your strainer. This means that some heat will be lost and you will have to add extra minutes to your cooking time.

The most effective way to steam tamales without a steamer

Bowls and chopstick

Heat water in a saucepan, then take a bowl slightly smaller than the circumference of the pan. Place the bowl in the bottom part of your pot. Place 3-4 chopsticks on the bottom of the bowl. Along with these chopsticks, master your tamales without stacking them.

Steaming in an oven

You will need a Dutch oven and a casserole dish with a lid. Make sure the temperature of the stove is on the lowest setting. This is to make sure the water in your makeshift steamer will not dry up easily as it will cook or dry your tamale. Watch your formula carefully and adjust your tamale if necessary. Open the dutch oven and place a steam rack. Relax if your home does not have a Dutch oven. A large casserole dish with a lid may be another option.

Now you need to put the steam rack in it. At the top of your steam rack, orchestrate your tamales and make sure the folded end is facing down. Take some bubbly water and pour it into your Dutch oven/goulash dish, depending on which one you’re using. At this point, place a lid on your Dutch oven.

Put the Dutch oven in the cooker and let it steam for 40 minutes without raising the temperature. The heat from the cooker will allow the water to evaporate while your tamales stay warm. Remove your tamales from the cooker. Finally, gently remove the lid to allow the steam to escape.

Arranging the Tamales

There are two different ways to master your tamales. You can lay them down and stack them if that suits you. You can lay them vertically, so that the beginning points up. If you can lay them evenly, you will have to make sure the opening of the corn husk is pointing up. Remember that tamales are cooked faster at the end than in the middle. So check them regularly to make sure they are not overcooked.

Step-by-step instructions: How to steam tamales without a steamer

Wrapping up

There is no denying that you have an assortment of choices for steaming tamales without a steamer. You can steam in a grill, a metal colander, a heat-proof plate or bowl and a chopstick. Tamales are rich in supplements that contribute to healthy body function. Do not try to put the tamales in water. Use whatever technique you prefer to steam them. Hopefully, everything will go fine. And when you have the delicious tamales ready, you can enjoy the exotic food with your whole family.