How To Cook Tamales In The Oven

How To Cook Tamales In The Oven

If you’re a fan of delicious Mexican cuisine, then there’s a good chance that you’ve tasted the mouthwatering delight of tamales. Traditionally, tamales are made by steaming them, but did you know that you can also cook them in the oven? In this article, we’ll show you how to easily prepare tamales in the oven, giving them a unique twist without sacrificing that authentic taste.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tamales (homemade or store-bought)
• Foil
• Baking dish
• Water

Step 1: Preparing the Tamales

Before baking your tamales, you need to ensure that they are properly wrapped. If you’re using store-bought tamales, they usually come in corn husks already. But if you’re making them from scratch, you’ll need to individually wrap each tamale in foil.

Pro tip: To add a burst of flavor, you can sprinkle some grated cheese or a dollop of salsa on top of each tamale before wrapping them up. This will give your tamales an extra kick!

Step 2: Preheating the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, place your wrapped tamales in a baking dish, making sure they are standing upright. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together.

Step 3: Adding Water

Now it’s time to add some moisture to the baking process. Fill the baking dish with about half an inch of water. This will create steam inside the oven, ensuring that the tamales stay moist and tender.

Step 4: Baking the Tamales

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap the steam inside. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the tamales bake for 45-60 minutes. Check on them occasionally to make sure the water hasn’t evaporated completely. If needed, add more water to the baking dish.

Step 5: Checking for Doneness

To check if the tamales are fully cooked, carefully unwrap one of them and insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, then your tamales are ready to be devoured!

Note: Depending on the size and thickness of the tamales, the cooking time may vary. Adjust accordingly and use your judgment to achieve the desired consistency.

Once your tamales are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before unwrapping and serving. These oven-baked tamales are a fantastic alternative to the traditional steamed version, giving them a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

In conclusion, cooking tamales in the oven opens up a whole new world of possibilities for enjoying this classic Mexican dish. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply want to indulge in some tasty comfort food, give this oven-baked method a try. Your taste buds will thank you!