how to cook frozen tamales in instant pot

If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, you've probably tasted tamales. They're a traditional dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, vegetables, or fruit, then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. However, not everyone has time or patience to make tamales from scratch. Fortunately, you can always find pre-made frozen tamales in your local grocery store. But what's the best way to cook frozen tamales quickly and efficiently? The answer is, of course, using your Instant Pot.

Why Instant Pot is the Best Way to Cook Frozen Tamales

An Instant Pot is a popular electric pressure cooker that combines several functions in one appliance, such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, and more. It's an incredibly versatile and efficient kitchen gadget that can save a lot of time and effort, especially when it comes to cooking frozen foods. Frozen tamales can take hours to thaw and cook, but with an Instant Pot, you can have them ready in less than an hour. Moreover, pressure cooking preserves the flavors and nutrients of the food, making it taste and look like it was freshly made.

Another advantage of using an Instant Pot to cook frozen tamales is that it eliminates the risk of overcooking or undercooking them. The pressure cooking function ensures that the tamales are evenly cooked and perfectly tender, without any dry or mushy spots. Additionally, the Instant Pot's keep-warm function allows you to keep the tamales hot and ready to serve for hours, without drying them out or losing their texture. Overall, using an Instant Pot to cook frozen tamales is a convenient, efficient, and foolproof way to enjoy this delicious Mexican dish.

What are Tamales and Why They're Worth Cooking in Instant Pot

Tamales are a significant part of Mexican cuisine and have been around for centuries. They're not only delicious, but they're also a symbol of community and cultural heritage. Tamales come in different variations from region to region, each with its unique filling, sauce, and texture. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, spicy or mild, there's a tamale for everyone. Cooking frozen tamales in the Instant Pot is worthwhile because it produces soft and tender tamales that are evenly cooked and flavorful.

Aside from being a tasty treat, tamales also have a rich history. They were originally created by the Aztecs as a portable food for warriors and travelers. The tradition of making tamales has been passed down through generations and is still a popular dish in many Mexican households today. In fact, making tamales is often a family affair, with multiple generations coming together to prepare and cook the dish.

Another reason why cooking tamales in an Instant Pot is a great idea is that it saves time. Traditional tamale-making can be a time-consuming process, involving soaking corn husks, preparing the filling, and steaming the tamales for hours. With an Instant Pot, you can cook frozen tamales in just a fraction of the time, without sacrificing flavor or texture. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you're craving tamales but don't have the time or energy to make them from scratch.

The Pros and Cons of Cooking Frozen Tamales in Instant Pot

Like any cooking method, the Instant Pot has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cooking frozen tamales. On the positive side, the Instant Pot saves time and energy, produces consistent results, and keeps the tamales moist and tender. On the negative side, using the Instant Pot may not be suitable for some people who prefer the traditional method of steaming tamales, as the texture and flavor can differ slightly. Additionally, the Instant Pot can only accommodate a limited number of tamales, depending on the size of the pot and the tamales.

How to Choose the Right Instant Pot for Cooking Frozen Tamales

Before you start cooking frozen tamales in your Instant Pot, you need to make sure you have the right model that suits your needs. There are various Instant Pot models available on the market, each with different sizes, features, and prices. If you're cooking for a small group of people, a 6-quart Instant Pot should be sufficient. However, if you have a big family or like to host parties, a larger capacity Instant Pot may be a better choice. Look for an Instant Pot that has a pressure cooking function, a steam release valve, and a warming feature.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Tamales in Instant Pot

Now that you have your Instant Pot ready let's go through the process of cooking frozen tamales in an Instant Pot step by step.

Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot
Insert a trivet into the inner pot of the Instant Pot
Place frozen tamales on top of the trivet, making sure they don't touch the water
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the steam vent is set to "sealing"
Set the manual/pressure cook button to high pressure and adjust the timer to 25 minutes
Let the Instant Pot come to pressure, and the timer starts counting down
Once the timer beeps, allow natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure
Carefully remove the tamales using tongs or a spatula, and let them cool for a few minutes before serving

Tips for Making Perfectly Cooked Frozen Tamales in Instant Pot

Getting the perfect texture and flavor when cooking frozen tamales in the Instant Pot depends on a few factors. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Don't overcrowd the Instant Pot with tamales
Make sure the tamales are stacked in a single layer and not touching the water
Check the water level to avoid burning or sticking
Experiment with different cooking times and pressure levels to suit your preferences
Once cooked, let the tamales rest for a few minutes before unwrapping them to prevent tearing
Drizzle some salsa, hot sauce, lime juice, or non-dairy cheese on top of the tamales for extra flavor

How to Flavor Your Frozen Tamales for Delicious Results with Instant Pot

Frozen tamales may lack some of the flavors and aromas of freshly made tamales, but you can always enhance them with some spices, herbs, and other seasonings. Here are some ideas to spice up your frozen tamales:

Add a pinch of cumin, chili powder, or paprika to the water when pressure cooking
Top the tamales with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes
Serve the tamales with a side of guacamole, black beans, or Spanish rice
Use different fillings such as chicken, pork, beef, cheese, or vegetables to diversify the flavors
Make your own salsa or hot sauce for dipping

Quick and Easy Sides to Serve with Your Instant Pot Cooked Frozen Tamales

What's a tamale without some side dishes to accompany it? Here are some quick and easy sides that go well with Instant Pot cooked frozen tamales:

Spanish rice (arroz rojo), made with tomato sauce and spices
Refried beans (frijoles refritos), made from pinto beans and flavored with garlic and cumin
Grilled corn (elote), topped with mayo, cheese, lime, and chili powder
Green salad, made with mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and avocado
Chips and salsa, made from fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, and lime juice

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Frozen Tamales in Instant Pot

To ensure the best results when cooking frozen tamales in an Instant Pot, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Not adding water or adding too much water
Placing the tamales directly into the water or not using a trivet
Not sealing the Instant Pot properly, leading to steam leaks or uneven cooking
Releasing the pressure too quickly, resulting in tough or undercooked tamales
Not letting the tamales rest before unwrapping them, causing them to fall apart

How to Store Leftover Cooked Frozen Tamales from Instant Pot

If you happen to have leftover tamales, don't throw them away. You can store them in the fridge or freezer for later. Here's how:

Let the tamales cool down to room temperature
Remove the husks and wrap the tamales in plastic wrap or aluminum foil
Label the package with the date and name of the filling
Store the wrapped tamales in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months
To reheat, steam the tamales in a steamer basket for 10-15 minutes or microwave them for 1-2 minutes

Conclusion

In conclusion, cooking frozen tamales in an Instant Pot is a practical and tasty option for those who love Mexican food but have little time or resources to invest. With the right Instant Pot model and following the step-by-step guide and tips mentioned above, you can enjoy soft, flavorful, and perfectly cooked tamales in less than an hour. Try different fillings and spice combinations to find your favorite tamale flavor, and don't forget to serve them with some delicious sides and sauces. Buen provecho!