Want to know how long do tamales last in the fridge and and also once frozen? Plus get tips for both cooked and uncooked tamales. You’ll learn everything you need to keep enjoying those delicious homemade Mexican tamales and keep them fresher longer.
How Long do Uncooked Tamales Last in The Fridge
Uncooked tamales can also be safely be refrigerated.
Once you have your homemade tamales made, lay them angled on sheet pan or standing up right in a large plastic container. This is so they keep their shape and avoid any spillage.
Raw tamales will keep fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. But my advice is to cook them within the next day or so to retain optimal freshness and prevent spoilage.
Again, note that meat based tamales should be ideally cooked the next day!
How Long do Tamales Last in The Fridge
Refrigerating your cooked tamales or raw tamales is a must for food safety reasons as well as extending their shelf life.
How to tell when tamales are done cooking
How long do tamales last?
Raw tamales should be cooked within 4-5 days of being placed in a refrigerator unless there is a use-by date that says otherwise. Previously cooked tamales can last for 7 days in a refrigerator. Recently thawed frozen tamales should be consumed or steamed within 4-5 days.
Do tamales need to be refrigerated?
Refrigerate cooked tamales for up to a week, and freeze uncooked tamales for up to 3 months. By following these best practices, you’ll maintain the freshness and prevent spoilage of your tamales, ensuring that they remain delicious and safe to eat. Temperature and humidity are essential factors to consider when storing tamales.
Can you freeze raw tamales?
If you have raw tamales that need to be cooked, it’s best to freeze them if they won’t be cooked within 1 to 2 days. Wrap each tamale individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen raw tamales can last for up to 6 months without significant loss of quality.
Do tamales go bad?
Even when stored properly, tamales can eventually go bad. Keep an eye out for these signs of spoilage: Off smell: If your tamales emit a strange or off odor, it’s a clear indication that they’ve gone bad. Mold: Visible mold growth on the tamales or the husks is a definite sign of spoilage. Discard them immediately if you notice any mold.