Stovetop
BEST METHOD
Place unfrozen tamales into steamer. Make sure there is enough water in the bottom but not so much it’s touching the bottom of the tamales. Place tamales with husk upright if possible. Place a clean dish cloth on top tamales and cover pot with lid. Steam for 20 minutes.
Oven
Preheat oven to 350. Place steam rack on the bottom of a roasting pan. Add water to bottom roasting pan. Please tamales on their sides on the rack then cover roasting pan with lid or tin foil. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
Microwave
Place tamales on a plate. Sprinkle with some water over tamales. Cover with a clean damp cloth (or paper towel). Microwave on high for 5-10 minutes, depending on quantity. (Best if heated in batches of 2-3)
Tamale Heating Instructions
When reheating the goal is to retain moisture. Leave the corn husks ON while reheating, but take them off right before eating.
Cook times may vary. They should be moist and soft to the touch.