Tamales are a delicious, traditional dish enjoyed by many cultures. Whether they’re savory or sweet, tamales typically feature a corn-based dough (masa) filled with meats, cheeses, or other goodies, all wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf.
Because the ingredients in tamales can spoil, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh and safe to eat. After all, Americans waste an estimated 30–40 percent of the food supply, so it’s important to reduce waste as much as possible!
This article will tell you how long tamales last in the fridge, freezer, and at room temperature, and it will also offer some tips for reheating them safely.
Understanding tamale spoilage and food safety
Tamales spoil because of their ingredients and moisture content. These things make them vulnerable to bacteria growth, especially when they’re not stored at the right temperature.
Here’s what to look for to know if a tamale has gone bad:
- A sour smell or taste
- A slimy texture
- Visible mold
If you notice any of these things, throw the tamales away. Food safety is critical, especially when you’re storing and reheating food.
How long do tamales last at room temperature?
Don’t leave your tamales out on the counter for longer than two hours. Bacteria love to grow in temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. This temperature range is often called the “danger zone,” as bacteria multiply rapidly within it.
If you don’t plan to eat your tamales right away, put them in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible.
Refrigerating Tamales: Extending Freshness
So, you’ve got some leftover tamales. The good news is that you can refrigerate them to enjoy later!
Optimal Refrigeration Time
When properly stored, tamales can last in the refrigerator for up to four days. This timeframe ensures you’re eating them at their freshest and minimizes the risk of spoilage.
If you store your tamales in airtight containers, bags, or wrapped well, they can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Best Practices for Refrigerating Tamales
Follow these tips to keep your tamales fresher, longer:
- Allow tamales to cool completely before refrigerating. Cooling prevents condensation buildup, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
- Store tamales in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. This helps prevent them from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
- Consider wrapping individual tamales in plastic wrap before placing them in a container. This provides an extra layer of protection and helps maintain their moisture.
Freezing Tamales: Long-Term Storage Solutions
Want to keep those delicious tamales around longer? Freezing is your friend. You can freeze tamales either before or after cooking them, but freezing them after cooking is usually easier since they’re ready to reheat whenever you want them.
How to Freeze Cooked Tamales
- Let the tamales cool completely. You don’t want to trap any heat or moisture in the wrapping.
- Wrap each tamale individually in plastic wrap or foil. This gives them an extra layer of protection.
- Put the wrapped tamales in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps keep them organized and prevents freezer burn.
- Label the bag or container with the date. Future you will thank you.
How Long Do Frozen Tamales Last?
In a traditional freezer bag, frozen tamales will last for about 6 months. If you vacuum seal them, they can last a year or even longer! Vacuum sealing really does extend the shelf life of food, sometimes by as much as 3 to 5 times.
For the best flavor and texture, try to eat your frozen tamales within 8 months. After that, they might start to lose some of their deliciousness.
Preventing Freezer Burn
Freezer burn is the enemy of good tamales. It can mess with the texture and flavor, making them dry and not-so-appetizing. The best way to prevent freezer burn is to wrap them well and store them in airtight containers.
Reheating Tamales: Restoring Flavor and Texture
No one wants a dry, crumbly tamale! Here’s how to reheat them to bring back that delicious flavor and texture.
Thawing Frozen Tamales
For best results, thaw frozen tamales in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can thaw them in the microwave, but watch them closely so they don’t overheat and dry out.
Reheating Methods
There are several ways to reheat tamales, each with its own pros and cons:
- Steaming: This is generally the best way to reheat tamales because it keeps them moist. Steam frozen tamales for 30-45 minutes, or thawed tamales for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Quick and easy, but tamales can dry out. From frozen, microwave for 3 minutes, flip, then microwave for another 2 minutes. If thawed, microwave for 1 ½ minutes, flip, then microwave for another minute.
- Oven: This also works, but you’ll need to add moisture to prevent the tamales from drying out. Wrap them in foil with a little water or broth. Bake frozen tamales at 300 degrees for 25-35 minutes, or thawed tamales for 15-20 minutes.
- Other methods: You can also use a pot with a steamer insert (30-45 minutes frozen, 20 minutes thawed), a rice cooker (20-30 minutes frozen, 15-20 minutes thawed), an Instant Pot or pressure cooker (15 minutes frozen, 10 minutes thawed), or even a pot with boiling water (10-15 minutes frozen, 8-10 minutes thawed).
Reheating Tips
Here are a few tricks to ensure your tamales come out perfectly:
- Wrap tamales in a damp paper towel before microwaving to help them retain moisture.
- Add a little water to your steaming pot to keep the tamales from drying out.
- Before serving, check the internal temperature of the tamales to ensure they’re heated through.
What to do about common tamale problems
Sometimes, even with the best planning, your tamales might not turn out quite right. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Dry tamales: Reheat them by steaming them again. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel while reheating.
- Soggy tamales: Drain as much excess moisture as you can. Pat them down with paper towels. Then, bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Stuck tamales: Make sure you wrap them well in corn husks or parchment paper. This will keep them from sticking during cooking and storage.
In Closing
Properly stored, tamales will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to reheat them thoroughly using your preferred method: steaming, baking, microwaving, or pan-frying.
Following food safety guidelines is essential to prevent foodborne illness, so be sure to use your leftovers promptly.
Experiment with different reheating methods to see which one you like best.