Tamales
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
If the tamales will be eaten within four or five days, place them in an airtight container (plastic container or zip-type plastic bag) and refrigerate. To reheat, steam them for 15 minutes on the stovetop.
If you wish to microwave them, place them in an unsealed plastic bag, pour in 1 tablespoon to 1/4 cup of water, depending on the number of tamales you are reheating, and microwave on high for 1 minute per tamale.
To store tamales for up to a week, place in freezer bags or airtight containers to protect them from freezer burn, preserve their taste, and retain their moistness.
To reheat frozen tamales, steam them for 25 minutes on the stovetop or microwave on high for 1.5 minutes per tamales in a plastic bag with a splash of water for steaming. There is no need to defrost the tamales prior to heating.
Do not dry heat the tamales as the heat sucks the moisture out of them. Steaming tamales in the oven is fine, as long as you use a covered pan with 1.5 inches of water at the bottom. Heat the oven to 375 degrees and steam them for the same amount of time required for steaming on the stovetop.
If taking tamales on road trips, simply wrap them in plastic or place in a plastic bags and store in a ice-packed cooler. (Make sure you wrap them well in case the ice melts!) Keep cool, tamales can travel for up to 18 hours.