Cooking Instructions

One question many of our customers have is "How do I cook my tamales?". Here are the cooking instructions for the three varieties we sell on our site.

TIP: Keep tamales frozen until ready to cook!

MANUEL'S FROZEN COOKED TAMALES
Ready to heat and serve!

• Remove twist tie from package.
• Add approx 1 oz water to the opened package.
• Loosely twist open end of package so water cannot escape
  (do not use twist tie!).
• Place bag in microwave oven for approx 2 minutes.
• Check tamales to make sure they are thoroughly heated
  (no cold spots) Remember: Steam heats the tamales!
• Remove tamales from bag by letting them slide out the opening. Be careful not to burn your hands with the steam while opening bag.

MANUEL'S FROZEN RAW PORK TAMALES
Ready to cook and serve!

• Remove tamales from plastic bag.
• Place Manuel’s Tamales in an electric steamer or double boiler.
• Add water according to electric steamer instructions. It usually takes 40-45 minutes to cook 1 dozen tamales. Add more time if the masa, (the outer layer of corn dough) is still raw.
• If using double boiler, place Manuel’s Tamales in a circular pattern with the folded part of the corn husk facing outward. Pour water over the tamales (You want to get them wet!) to just below the bottom of the tamales. Cover pot.
• Bring to a rolling boil, then lower heat enough to continue to create steam.
• Check 1 tamale after 45 minutes. Continue cooking if the masa ( the outer layer of corn dough) is still raw. Repeat this step every 15 minutes until tamales are cooked.

MANUEL'S FROZEN VACUUM PACKED PORK TAMALES
Vacuum Packed in Boilable Pouch. Ready to Heat and Serve

• Place the unopened frozen, vacuum package or packages in pot of rapidly boiling water ( medium high heat) . When the water begins to boil again, set timer to 35 minutes. Remove the packages using tongs. Cut package with scissors being careful not to let the steam from the pouch burn your fingers. The tamales should easily slide out of the pouch unto your awaiting serving dish.
• Tip: Wait until your side dishes are prepared before you cut the pouches. Tamales are best served HOT!