How To Cook Tamales In Microwave

How To Cook Tamales In the Microwave: Quick and Easy Guide

Are you craving the delicious taste of homemade tamales but don’t have hours to spend steaming them on the stovetop? No worries! We’ve got you covered with a quick and easy method to cook tamales in the microwave. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy steaming hot tamales in no time. Follow this guide to elevate your microwave cooking skills and satisfy your cravings for this traditional Mexican dish.

What You’ll Need

1. Tamales: Either make your own or purchase pre-made tamales from your local store.
2. Microwave-safe dish: Choose a dish that is large enough to hold your tamales. Make sure it has a lid or can be covered with microwave-safe plastic wrap.
3. Water: You’ll need water to create steam in the microwave.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the dish: Place a small amount of water in the bottom of the microwave-safe dish. This will help create steam to cook the tamales.
2. Arrange the tamales: Stand the tamales upright in the dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave enough space between each tamale to allow for even cooking.
3. Cover the dish: Either use a lid that fits securely or cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Make sure to leave a small vent for steam to escape.
4. Microwave on high: Set your microwave to high power and cook the tamales for 3-5 minutes per tamale. For example, if you have four tamales, cook them for 12-20 minutes total.
5. Rotate halfway: Midway through the cooking time, pause the microwave and carefully rotate the tamales. This will help ensure even heating.
6. Check for doneness: After the recommended cooking time, remove one tamale from the microwave and carefully unwrap it. Check if it’s heated through. If it’s not fully heated, return it to the microwave for an additional minute or two.
7. Serve and enjoy: Once the tamales are fully heated, carefully remove them from the microwave and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Additional Tips and Variations

• For extra moisture, you can brush the tamales with a little water or broth before microwaving.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, unwrap the tamales after microwaving and place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes until they are crispy and golden.
• Experiment with different fillings: Whether you like traditional pork tamales or want to try vegetarian or seafood options, the microwave method works well for all types of tamales.
• Don’t forget to let the tamales rest for a few minutes before enjoying them. This allows the flavors to meld and the fillings to set.

Now that you know how to cook tamales in the microwave, you can enjoy this delightful dish at any time. Whether it’s a quick snack or a tasty meal, microwave-cooked tamales are a convenient and delicious choice. Impress your friends and family with your newfound microwave cooking skills!