5 Ways To Reheat Tamales - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Reheat Tamales PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Using a Stove 2 Heating the Tamales in the Oven 3 Utilizing the Microwave 4 Heating Tamales With a Steamer or Pot 5 Using a Deep Fryer for Crispy but Greasy Tamales + Show 2 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Randall Chambers

Last Updated: August 3, 2025 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Randall Chambers. Randall (Randy) Chambers is a Personal Chef and the Owner of Luxury Meals From Home based in Arvada, Colorado. He has more than 16 years of commercial kitchen experience, five years of sous chef experience, and two years of experience as an executive chef. Chef Randy draws inspiration from his half Bolivian background and his forte is South American cuisine. He holds an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 182,157 times.

Mexican in origin, tamales are made with a corn-based dough and is filled with beef, chili, beans, and vegetables. If you have leftover tamales or purchase pre-cooked frozen tamales, there are various ways that you can reheat them. If you follow the right steps, you can reheat tamales with a steamer, a stove, in the oven, with a microwave, or by using a deep fryer.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 5:

Using a Stove

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  1. Step 1 Reheat with a stove to get crispy tamales. 1 Reheat with a stove to get crispy tamales. Using the stove and a pan will give you crispy tamales without the additional fat and calories from a deep fryer. Use this method if you have the time to watch the tamales as they get reheated.[1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 2 Remove the husks from the tamales. Peel the husks from the tamale and discard them in the trash. When cooking the tamales on the stovetop, you cannot cook them with the husks on. Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 3 Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a pan. Pour a teaspoon of olive oil into the pan and heat it up for two to three minutes on medium heat. When the oil is hot enough, it will start to smoke slightly.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 4 Place the tamales in the pan and cover it with a lid. Carefully place the tamales in the pan so that the oil doesn't splatter. Cover the tamales with a lid to help them cook faster.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 5 Flip the tamales every 2-3 minutes. Continue cooking the tamales and flip them over every 2-3 minutes.[2]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 6 Continue to cook the tamales until they are crispy. The tamales are finished when the exterior is browned and crispy. Total cooking time for the tamales should be somewhere between 5-10 minutes.[3]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 5:

Heating the Tamales in the Oven

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  1. Step 1 Use the oven to get evenly reheated tamales. 1 Use the oven to get evenly reheated tamales.[4] The oven will most evenly cook your tamales but takes longer than other methods. Using this method also brings out the flavor inside of the tamales.[5]
  2. Step 2 Preheat the oven for 425°F (218.3°C). 2 Preheat the oven for 425°F (218.3°C). Turn the oven to 425°F (218.3°C) and allow your oven to heat up before you cook your tamales. This will ensure an even cook throughout the dish. Heating tamales in the oven takes the most time out of all the methods.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 3 Wrap the tamales in tin foil. Wrap each of their tamales with foil three to four times. Squeeze the bundles to push any air that may be in them out.
    • You can also try a double boiler-style method. Set the tamales in a small pan, which you place in a larger pan filled with water. Then, put foil over the stacked pans.[6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 4 Place the tamales on an oven-safe dish or tray. Place the wrapped tamales into the bottom of a tray or dish. Space out the tamales one to two inches (2.54 to 5.08cm) apart from one another.[7]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 5 Cook the tamales for 20 minutes. Flip the tamales after 10 minutes. This will help heat the tamale evenly.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 5:

Utilizing the Microwave

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  1. Step 1 Use the microwave for a quick and easy option. 1 Use the microwave for a quick and easy option.[8] Heating the tamales in the microwave is the easiest and quickest option, but won't give them a crispy brown coating. Use this method if you're short on time and need to reheat them quickly.[9]
  2. Step 2 Defrost the tamales. 2 Defrost the tamales. Keep the tamales in the refrigerator for one day if they are frozen. This will defrost them and get them ready for the microwave.[10] Do not try to microwave frozen tamales because the center of the tamale will remain cold.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 3 Wrap the tamales in a damp paper towel. Wet down a piece of paper towel under your kitchen faucet and wrap it around the tamale. This will prevent it from drying out while it cooks.[11] [12]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 4 Cook the tamales for 15 seconds. Put the tamales in the microwave and cook them on high heat for 15 seconds. Once the microwave stops, pull the tamale out and unwrap the paper towel.
    • When heating tamales in the microwave, don’t heat more than two at a time.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 5 Wrap the tamale in another wet paper towel and flip it over. The paper towel should be dry when you remove the tamale from the microwave. Get another paper towel, wet it, and wrap the tamale again. Then flip the tamale over so and put it back into your microwave.[13]
  6. Step 6 Cook the tamales for another 15 seconds. 6 Cook the tamales for another 15 seconds. Once you’re finished cooking the tamales, pull them out and remove the outer husk. Feel over the surface and make sure it’s been heated evenly. If it’s still not hot enough, you can rewrap it with a wet paper towel and cook it for another 15 seconds.[14]
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Method 4 Method 4 of 5:

Heating Tamales With a Steamer or Pot

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  1. Step 1 Heat the tamales with a steamer or pot for ease. 1 Heat the tamales with a steamer or pot for ease. The easiest part of reheating your tamales with a steamer or a pot is that you don't need to monitor them while they heat up. Use this option if you have time to cook them, but can't watch them.
  2. Step 2 Fill your steamer ¼ of the way with water. 2 Fill your steamer ¼ of the way with water. Fill your steamer up with water ¼ of the way. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a pot with a steaming rack. You'll need a rack to keep your tamales suspended over the water.[15]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 3 Set the heat to medium. Set the heat on your steamer or stovetop to medium. Leave the heat on medium for ten minutes and let the water heat up.
  4. Step 4 Arrange the tamales onto the rack. 4 Arrange the tamales onto the rack. Place the tamales on top of the rack, making sure that they aren’t submerged in the water. Position the tamales so that the end of the tamales are facing towards the bottom of the pot.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 5 Steam the tamales. Heat the tamales 15-20 minutes if they are chilled and for 20-30 minutes if they are frozen. Cover the pot or steamer and heat the tamales. You can use a cooking thermometer to check if the tamales are warm enough. The internal temperature of the tamales should be 165°F.[16]
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Method 5 Method 5 of 5:

Using a Deep Fryer for Crispy but Greasy Tamales

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  1. Step 1 Use a deep fryer for the crispiest tamales. 1 Use a deep fryer for the crispiest tamales. Deep frying the tamales will give it the thickest and crispiest exterior coating but will also add additional fat and calories to the dish. Use this method if you want the crispiest possible tamales and don't mind the extra calories.[17]
  2. Step 2 Defrost the tamales. 2 Defrost the tamales. Leave the tamales in the refrigerator for a day and make sure they are no longer frozen. Frozen tamales will cause the deep fryer oil to bubble and pop. Deep frying tamales will give them a crispy brown coating but also contain more calories and fat.
  3. Step 3 Set the deep fryer to medium. 3 Set the deep fryer to medium. Set the fryer to medium heat and let it completely preheat before moving onto the next step. Cold oil will make your tamales limp and soggy.[18]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 4 Remove the husk and pat down the tamale with a paper towel. Patting down the tamales will remove any excess moisture which could cause the oil to pop and bubble.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 5 Lower the tamales slowly into the deep fryer. Use metal tongs to slowly submerge the tamales into the deep fryer oil. Do not drop the tamales into the deep fryer or the oil will splash back and could burn you. Be careful not to touch the hot deep fryer or oil.[19]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Reheat Tamales 6 Cook the tamales for two to three minutes. Let the tamales fry in the deep fryer for 2-3 minutes. At the end of the cook, the tamales should be golden brown with a nice fried coating.[20]
  7. Step 7 Remove the tamales from the oil and let them cool. 7 Remove the tamales from the oil and let them cool. Carefully remove the tamales from the deep fryer with metal tongs. Place the tamales on a plate with a paper towel and allow them to cool before serving them.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question Can tamales be heated in a crock pot? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. You can also use a stovetop steamer or an electric steamer to re-heat tamales. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 9
  • Question How long can you keep tamales in the refrigerator? Community Answer Community Answer You can keep tamales in the fridge for up to 1 week. They will last a lot longer in the freezer, however; up to 4 months! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question How long should I cook frozen tamales in an air fryer? Chef Jeff Chef Jeff Community Answer Cook frozen tamales in an air fryer for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through. Adjust the time based on how frozen they are, starting with 10-minute intervals. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

  • Steamer or pot with a steaming rack
  • Microwave
  • Deep fryer
  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Water
  • Oil
  • Tinfoil
  • Paper towels
  • Oven-safe dish
  • Tongs
  • Pan

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References

  1. ↑ http://homemade-tamales.com/reheating_instructions.htm
  2. ↑ http://homemade-tamales.com/reheating_instructions.htm
  3. ↑ http://homemade-tamales.com/reheating_instructions.htm
  4. ↑ Randall Chambers. Personal Chef. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ http://homemade-tamales.com/reheating_instructions.htm
  6. ↑ Randall Chambers. Personal Chef. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ http://cuisinebank.com/how-to-reheat-tamales/
  8. ↑ Randall Chambers. Personal Chef. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ http://homemade-tamales.com/reheating_instructions.htm
More References (11)
  1. ↑ https://www.lamesatortillas.com/tortilla-and-tamale-instructions
  2. ↑ https://www.quickeasycook.com/how-to-reheat-tamales/
  3. ↑ Randall Chambers. Personal Chef. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://cookthestone.com/how-to-heat-up-tamales/
  5. ↑ https://www.quickeasycook.com/how-to-reheat-tamales/
  6. ↑ http://homemade-tamales.com/reheating_instructions.htm
  7. ↑ https://cookthestone.com/how-to-heat-up-tamales/
  8. ↑ http://homemade-tamales.com/reheating_instructions.htm
  9. ↑ https://tasteinsight.com/how-to-reheat-tamales/
  10. ↑ http://homemade-tamales.com/reheating_instructions.htm
  11. ↑ http://homemade-tamales.com/reheating_instructions.htm

About This Article

Randall Chambers Co-authored by: Randall Chambers Personal Chef This article was co-authored by Randall Chambers. Randall (Randy) Chambers is a Personal Chef and the Owner of Luxury Meals From Home based in Arvada, Colorado. He has more than 16 years of commercial kitchen experience, five years of sous chef experience, and two years of experience as an executive chef. Chef Randy draws inspiration from his half Bolivian background and his forte is South American cuisine. He holds an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute. This article has been viewed 182,157 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 10 Updated: August 3, 2025 Views: 182,157 Categories: Central and South American Cuisine Article SummaryX

The easiest way to reheat tamales is in your microwave! Defrost them first, then wrap 1-2 tamales at a time in a damp paper towel. Put the tamales in the microwave and cook them on high for 15 seconds. Once the microwave stops, pull them out and unwrap the paper towel. Dampen another paper towel, wrap them up again, and zap them for another 15 seconds. Pull them out, remove the outer husk, and enjoy! If you want extra crispy tamales, try deep frying them in hot oil for 2-3 minutes. If you want to learn how to reheat your tamales on the stove or in the oven, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Marci Zimmer

    Marci Zimmer

    Jan 30, 2020

    "Always heated tamales in the microwave, but could only do two at a time. Steaming them on stove top allowed me to..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Randall Chambers Co-authored by: Randall Chambers Personal Chef Co-authors: 10 Updated: August 3, 2025 Views: 182,157 100% of voters found this recipe helpful. 2 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Marci Zimmer

Marci Zimmer

Jan 30, 2020

"Always heated tamales in the microwave, but could only do two at a time. Steaming them on stove top allowed me to..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jan 19, 2018

"Haven't tried it yet, but know it will be the best form of warming. Thanks." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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