Yes, tamales can be baked in the oven. While steaming is the traditional method for cooking tamales, baking them can be a viable alternative. Baking tamales can be a convenient option when you don’t have a steamer or when you want to cook a large batch of tamales.
How to Bake Tamales in the Oven
To bake tamales in the oven, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a baking dish.
- Arrange the tamales in the prepared baking dish.
- Cover the tamales with foil.
- Bake the tamales for 20-30 minutes, or until they are heated through and the masa dough is cooked.
Tips for Baking Tamales in the Oven
- To prevent the tamales from drying out, wrap them individually in foil before baking.
- If you are baking a large batch of tamales, you may need to bake them in batches.
- To check if the tamales are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one of the tamales. If the toothpick comes out clean, the tamales are done.
Benefits of Baking Tamales in the Oven
There are several benefits to baking tamales in the oven, including:
- Convenience: Baking tamales in the oven is a convenient option when you don’t have a steamer.
- Time-saving: Baking tamales in the oven can be a time-saving option, especially if you are cooking a large batch of tamales.
- Even cooking: Baking tamales in the oven can help to ensure that the tamales are cooked evenly.
Baking tamales in the oven is a viable alternative to steaming them. By following the steps outlined above, you can bake tamales that are moist, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.
How to Make Vegan Baked Tamales
Some tamale recipes call for pork, beef or chicken. However, since corn is one of the main ingredients, making tamales vegan is simple.
If you can’t find vegan tamales at a restaurant, don’t give up because you can still prepare your own using vegetarian ingredients.
To make baked vegan tamales, you may add onions and chili peppers for extra flavor to the corn masa filling. A recipe from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) suggests using Anaheim chilies and corn in your vegan baked tamales recipe.
Sometimes the corn masa mixture for tamales made with animal products contains lard or butter. This additional fat can give your filling more flavor and moisture. Add some olive oil if your vegan tamales seem dry. Olive oil fat functions similarly to animal fat found in butter or lard.
STOP Before You Make Tamales, WATCH This Video so YOU CAN HAVE THE BEST MASA, Perfect EVERY TIME!
FAQ
Can I bake tamales instead of steaming them?
Can you put tamales in the oven?
How long does it take to bake tamales?
Can you put tamales in the oven with husk?
How long do you cook tamales in the oven?
Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the tamales bake for 45-60 minutes. Check on them occasionally to make sure the water hasn’t evaporated completely. If needed, add more water to the baking dish. To check if the tamales are fully cooked, carefully unwrap one of them and insert a toothpick into the center.
How do you cook tamales in a Dutch oven?
Cooking Tamales in the Oven. Arrange a steam rack or steam basket inside a Dutch oven or a deep casserole dish with a lid. Add the tamales with the open end facing up. Add water to just below the rack or basket. Set the oven at a medium temperature at about 250 degrees. Bake for 40-60 minutes. Pro Tip.
Can you cook tamales if you overcook them?
Yes, if you steam them, when overcooked, they can become soggy. To remove the excess moisture, try and drain off any excess moisture and blot with a paper towel. Then bake in an oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you overcook your tamales in the oven or air fryer, the edges can become brown and crispy.
Can vegan tamales be baked?
If you find that your vegan tamales are dry, add olive oil. The fat in olive oil has a similar effect as the animal fat in butter or lard. You can bake tamales in the oven if you don’t have a steamer.