Yes, hot tamales can be refrigerated but should cool to room temperature first to prevent sogginess and bacterial growth.
Can You Put Hot Tamales In The Refrigerator?
Yes, you can absolutely put hot tamales in the refrigerator. However, there’s a catch – you need to let them cool down a bit first. Tamales straight out of the steamer or oven are way too hot to go directly into the fridge. Putting them in while still steaming does two not-so-great things:
- Condensation: That hot steam will turn into water droplets inside the container or bag, making your tamales soggy and potentially ruining that delicious masa texture.
- Food Safety: Hot food can raise the overall temperature of your refrigerator, creating a cozy environment where bacteria can thrive.
So, how do you safely refrigerate those tamales? Let’s break it down.
How to Refrigerate Hot Tamales: Step-by-Step
- Let them cool down: Spread your hot tamales out on a baking sheet or plate to cool. You don’t want them to be completely cold, just cool enough that they’re no longer steaming. Aim for room temperature.
- Choose your storage method: Got a lot of tamales? Go for freezer bags. A smaller batch? Airtight containers are a great option.
- Wrap them up: If you’re using airtight containers, you can usually skip this step. If you opt for freezer bags, loosely wrap each tamale in wax paper or parchment paper before putting them in the bag. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Label and refrigerate: Throw a label on your container or bag with the date and type of tamale. Pop them in the refrigerator, where they will stay tasty for up to a week.
Important Note: If your tamales have meat filling, it’s especially important to cool them down quickly for food safety reasons.
How Long Can You Keep Tamales in the Refrigerator?
| Tamale Type | Refrigerator Storage Time |
| Meat Tamales | Up to 4-5 days |
| Vegetarian Tamales | Up to 7 days |
How to Tell if Refrigerated Tamales Have Gone Bad
Before you dig into those leftover tamales, give them a quick inspection:
- Smell: If they smell sour, off, or just plain weird, toss them out.
- Appearance: Any signs of mold, discoloration, or sliminess, and it’s straight to the trash can.
- Texture: If the masa feels overly mushy or slimy, it’s time to say goodbye.
How to Reheat Refrigerated Tamales
There’s more than one way to reheat those chilled tamales. Here are a couple of popular methods:
- Steaming: This is my favorite way to reheat tamales. It keeps them moist and delicious. Wrap the tamales in a damp paper towel and steam for about 15-20 minutes.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the tamales in foil and bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
Freezing Tamales: A Long-Term Storage Option
Got more tamales than you can eat in a week? No problem! Tamales freeze beautifully. Here’s how:
- Cool completely: Just like with refrigerating, tamales need to cool down completely before freezing.
- Wrap them individually: Wrap each tamale tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper. This prevents freezer burn and helps them stay separate.
- Freeze in airtight bags: Pop the wrapped tamales in freezer-safe bags, squeeze out as much air as possible, and seal tightly.
- Label and freeze: Label the bag with the date and type of tamale. Frozen tamales can last for several months!
How to Reheat Frozen Tamales
The best way to reheat frozen tamales is by steaming.
- Straight from frozen: No need to thaw! Just unwrap the frozen tamales, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and steam for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
A Word on Room Temperature Tamales
What if you’ve got leftover tamales that have been sitting out at room temperature for a while? How long is too long? Unfortunately, there’s a bit of a gray area here. Here’s a basic guideline:
- 2-Hour Rule: If they’ve been out for less than two hours, they’re generally safe to refrigerate.
- When in Doubt, Throw It Out: If you’re unsure, or the tamales have been at room temperature for more than two hours (especially in warmer climates), don’t take the risk. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Can You Put Hot Tamales in the Refrigerator? The Verdict
So, to recap: Yes, you can put hot tamales in the refrigerator, but only after letting them cool down slightly. Follow those simple steps, and you’ll ensure your tamales stay safe and delicious for future enjoyment.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tamales
Want to take your tamale game to the next level? Here are some extra tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t overstuff your tamales: Overstuffed tamales won’t cook evenly and can end up with a mushy texture.
- Choose the right fat: Lard is traditional, but vegetable shortening or even butter can work in a pinch.
- Steam, don’t boil: Steaming tamales keeps them moist and prevents the masa from becoming waterlogged.
- Experiment with fillings: From classic pork and chicken to vegetarian options like sweet potato or black bean, the possibilities are endless.
- Make a big batch: Tamales freeze well, so consider making a big batch and freezing some for later!
Tamale Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions
Even the most experienced tamale makers run into the occasional snag. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Problem: My tamales are dry.
- Solution: There are a few possible culprits here. Try adding a little more fat to your masa dough, make sure you’re steaming them long enough, and don’t overcook them.
Problem: My tamales are falling apart.
- Solution: This usually means the masa isn’t hydrated enough or your dough wasn’t kneaded long enough. Add a touch more liquid to the masa and make sure to knead it well.
Problem: My tamales are mushy.
- Solution: Overcooked tamales are the likely culprit of mushiness. Reduce the steaming time, and make sure the tamales aren’t too tightly packed in the steamer.
Conclusion- Can You Put Hot Tamales In The Refrigerator?
Yes, you can definitely put those hot tamales in the refrigerator! Letting them cool down slightly will ensure they stay delicious and safe to eat. And remember, with the right techniques, you can freeze, store, and reheat tamales to enjoy their delightful flavors for days or even weeks to come.