How To Cook Store Bought Tamales

Unlock the Deliciousness: Cooking Store Bought Tamales Like a Pro

So, you’ve decided to indulge in the flavors of Mexico and treat yourself to some store-bought tamales. Smart choice! These delectable corn husk-wrapped bundles of joy are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a beginner cook, we’ve got you covered with some simple yet effective tips to make your store bought tamales taste as good as homemade.

Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s ensure you have everything you need:

• Store bought tamales of your choice
• A large pot with a steamer insert or a dedicated tamale steamer
• Enough water to fill the pot
• Optional: additional flavorings such as salsa, hot sauce, or fresh cilantro for serving

Steaming Tamales to Perfection

Steaming is the traditional and best way to cook tamales, preserving their moisture and flavors. Follow these step-by-step instructions for scrumptious results:

1. Fill the pot with water, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom of the steamer insert. You want the tamales to steam, not boil.
2. Place the steamer insert or steamer basket into the pot.
3. Arrange the tamales upright in the steamer, ensuring they are tightly packed but not squeezed together. Avoid overcrowding if you have more tamales than can fit in one layer; it’s better to steam them in batches.
4. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and cover it with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Allow the tamales to steam for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. During this time, resist the temptation to peek, as this could release valuable steam.
6. After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the tamales from the steamer using tongs or a spatula.
7. Let the tamales rest for a few minutes to allow them to firm up before unwrapping.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Twists

Congratulations on successfully cooking your store-bought tamales! Now, let’s explore some exciting serving ideas and flavor enhancements:

• Unwrap the tamale and serve it on a plate, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing twist.
• Accompany your tamales with traditional Mexican sides such as rice, beans, or a crisp salad to create a complete and satisfying meal.
• For a spicy kick, drizzle your tamales with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
• If you prefer a cheesy indulgence, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the tamales before steaming. The steam will melt the cheese, adding a gooey and savory element to your tamales.

Cooking store-bought tamales is a breeze, and the end result is a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick weekday dinner or serving them up for a gathering with friends, tamales are sure to impress. So, go ahead, bring the flavors of Mexico into your kitchen, and savor the goodness of these authentic delights!