How to Steam Tamales in a Rice Cooker: 6 Easy Steps for 2024

Do you ever find yourself craving fluffy, delicious tamales, but dread the hassle of watching a pot on the stove? Well, I’ve got a game-changing solution for you: steaming them in a rice cooker! It’s a total game-changer, perfect for both beginners and tamale masters alike. This method is all about convenience and getting those tamales cooked just right.

So, let’s dive in together and learn how to transform your rice cooker into a tamale-steaming champion. Get ready, because we’re about to embark on a delicious cooking adventure!

Table of Contents

How to Steam Tamales in a Rice Cooker?

By now you know there are more positive sides than drawbacks to steaming tamales in a rice cooker. So, now you must be willing to know the proper process of steaming tamales in a rice cooker.

Here’s 06 step-by-step guide on how to steam tamales in a rice cooker:

First, get some water and fill the rice cooker’s inner pot. But make sure you don’t exceed the maximum fill line.
Now, place the tamales in the pot, standing them upright if possible.
After that, Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. Make sure to select the “steam” or “cook” setting, depending on your model.
Allow the tamales to steam for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are fully cooked. To check if they are done, you can carefully open the lid and poke a tamale with a toothpick or fork. If it goes in easily and comes out clean, they are ready.
When the tamales are done, carefully remove them from the pot with a slotted spoon. And then place them on a plate to cool.
You are done. Finally, serve the tamales hot, with your choice of sauce or topping.

Optional: To add more flavor to the tamales while they are steaming, you can add spices, herbs, or sliced vegetables to the water.

For example, you could add diced onions, garlic, or jalapeños to the water for a spicy kick.

Note: Always use caution when handling hot water or steam. It’s because it can cause burns or scalds. It’s a good idea to use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands when handling the rice cooker or tamales.

Besides, you can read the article “Rice Cooker Magic: How to Steam Sweet Potatoes in Minutes?

Pros and Cons of Steaming Tamales in Rice Cooker

In this segment, I’ll discuss the positive sides of steaming tamales in a rice cooker. So, keep on reading.

Easy to Cook

One of the main benefits of steaming tamales in a rice cooker is that it is a relatively easy and hassle-free process. Here all you need to do is just add water to wait for a certain time. No additional task is required

Time-Saving⏰

Another advantage of using a rice cooker to steam tamales is that it can save you time. It will take only 30-45 minutes to get the food done. So it’s comparatively less time-consuming.

Requires Less effort

Another great thing is steaming tamales in a rice cooker requires less effort. For example, if you were to steam tamales on the stovetop, you would need to bring a large pot of water to a boil. Then carefully place the tamales in the pot and maintain the heat for the duration of the cooking time.

This can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, particularly if you are cooking a large batch of tamales. Now, on the other hand, a rice cooker allows you to set it and forget it. It also makes you free to do other tasks while the tamales cook.

Drawbacks of Steaming Tamales in a Rice Cooker

Now let’s talk about the cons of steaming tamales in a rice cooker.

Unevenly Or Undercooked Tamales

One concern is that the rice cooker may not be able to generate enough steam to fully cook the tamales. Tamales are typically steamed for a longer period of time than rice. So the rice cooker may need to work harder to maintain the necessary level of steam.

This could potentially cause the rice cooker to overheat or shut off. And it may lead to undercooked or unevenly cooked tamales.

Can’t Cook a lot at once

Another potential issue is that the size of the rice cooker may limit the number of tamales that you can cook at once. If you are trying to feed a large group of people or are hosting a tamale-making party, you may need to cook the tamales in batches, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.

Consider these factors to make an informed decision based on your preferences and cooking needs. Happy tamale-making!

Can You Steam Frozen Tamales in Rice Cooker?

Yes, it is possible to steam frozen tamales in a rice cooker. To do this, fill the rice cooker with enough water to reach the steam tray. Then turn the rice cooker on. After that, place the frozen tamales in the steam tray and cover the rice cooker. Now let the tamales steam until they are heated through and fully cooked. This steaming process will take 30-45 minutes, depending on the size and quantity of the tamales.

Can I reheat tamales in a rice cooker?

Absolutely! Using a rice cooker is a fantastic way to steam tamales, leaving them soft and moist.

How do I reheat tamales in a rice cooker?

Prepare the rice cooker: Begin by adding around 1 cup of water to the pot of your rice cooker.

Arrange the tamales: If your rice cooker comes with a steamer basket, place it inside. Arrange the tamales in a single layer on the basket. If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can carefully stand the tamales upright on the rice cooker’s cooking plate.

Start steaming: Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to the “Steam” option if available, or the “Cook” setting.

Heating time: For thawed tamales, steam for 15-20 minutes. If your tamales are frozen, steam for 25-30 minutes.

Enjoy! Once the tamales are heated through, carefully remove them from the rice cooker and savor their deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I steam tamales directly in a rice cooker without any additional equipment?

Yes, you can steam tamales directly in a rice cooker without any additional equipment. Just fill the inner pot with water, place the tamales inside, and select the appropriate setting.

Are there any specific precautions I should take while using a rice cooker to steam tamales?

Yes, it’s important to be cautious when handling hot water and steam. Always use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands when handling the rice cooker or removing the tamales.

Can I add extra flavors to the tamales while steaming them in the rice cooker?

Absolutely, you can enhance the flavor of the tamales by adding spices, herbs, or sliced vegetables to the water in the rice cooker. For example, onions, garlic, or jalapeños can be added for a spicy twist.

What should I do if I need to cook a large quantity of tamales?

If you’re cooking for a large group, using a rice cooker might not be the most efficient method as it might limit the number of tamales cooked at once. Consider other methods like steaming in batches or using a larger steaming apparatus.

Can I steam frozen tamales directly in a rice cooker without thawing them first?

Yes, it is possible to steam frozen tamales directly in a rice cooker. Simply place them in the steam tray with enough water in the cooker and allow them to steam until heated through and fully cooked, which might take 30-45 minutes.

Final Verdict

By now I’ve covered everything on the topic – can you steam tamales in a rice cooker?

I would say it’s completely okay to cook tamales in a rice cooker. However, when you’re cooking for a large group of people then I would suggest not using a rice cooker.