Are you looking easy way to warm up Trader Joe’s tamales? Generally speaking, tamales are steamed, but it also super easy to reheat tamales in a microwave.
Trader Joe’s tamales are fully cooked and have been frozen to make them easy to reheat and sustain the shelf life. The microwave does its work of heating tamales to perfection, though the tamale may come out messy if it dries out too much.
How do you microwave Trader Joe’s tamales? Remove the original plastic package, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 3 to 4 minutes on high power.
To make the tamale moist and avoid from drying out the edges, wrap in a wet paper towel and then cover with plastic wrap. This will act like a protective layer to keep the moisture trapped inside while microwaving.
When the tamales are fully reheated, remove the inedible wrapper or corn husk before serving.
Due to microwave temperature may vary from brand and wattage of microwave, adjust the heating times as needed for best results.
Trader Joe’s tamales comes in various flavors including chicken tamales, beef tamales, and vegetable tamales for vegans. Initially, they were steamed, but nowadays the microwave has made it quick, cheap, economical, and less time-consuming to prepare.
In this article, we share how to microwave Trader Joe’s tamales for the best results. Answered below are frequently asked questions about reheating Trader Joe’s tamales in the microwave.
Can you microwave Trader Joe’s tamales?
Yes, you can microwave Trader Joe’s tamales. In fact, it is advisable to microwave previously cooked tamales before consuming them instead of eating cold.
Fully reheating to an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit helps to minimize the risk of potential food borne bacteria.
These tamales can be microwaved even when frozen though it might take a bt extra time as it requires thawing before heating.
Is it safe to microwave Trader Joe’s tamales?
Yes, it is very safe to microwave tamales from Trader Joe’s. As long as the fully cooked tamales are heated to an internal temperature of 74℃ or 165℉, then they are safe to consume.
Tamales are considered to be a perishable food that must be stored and cooked properly. As a result, it is recommended by the USDA to fully reheat tamales to the proper internal temperature to avoid the risk of potentially harmful food borne bacteria.
How do you microwave Trader Joe’s tamales?
Chicken, beef, or sweet corn tamales from Trader Joe’s are super simple and easy to warm up in microwave. When tamales are heated up in a microwave, they taste the same as freshly made and steamed in the first place.
When microwaving the Trader Joe’s tamales, the procedure is short and precise.
Place the tamales on a microwave-safe plate without removing the husk, cover with a wet paper towel and start microwaving for a minute. It is essential to turn the tamale to ensure even distribution of heat, then continue nuking for another minute and flip once more.
The tamales should be ready within a span of 3 to 4 minutes. When Trader Joe’s tamales are frozen, it will take more time, but that is to be expected.
After the tamales are fully reheated, carefully remove the outer corn husk before serving.
How long do you microwave Trader Joe’s tamales?
Trader Joe’s tamales take between 3 to 4 minutes to fully reheat in a 1200 watt microwave oven. However, the time taken for complete microwaving depends on the wattage of the microwave, number of tamales and the starting temperature of the food.
Frozen tamales usually take 8 to 10 minutes, while food at room temperature takes much less time to warm up.
Tips to microwaved Trader Joe’s tamales
There are some key factors that everyone should do to ensure that Trader Joe’s tamales remain in excellent taste and appearance when heating:
- Make sure that the microwave-safe containers are covered with a well vented lid as this will trap steam to help heat more evenly and prevent the tamales from drying out.
- No need to remove the husk when microwaving. When microwaving the tamales is very vital to regulate the heat and flip or rotate the tamales to heat all the sides. The husk or dry banana leaf protects the masa from becoming dried out and holding its shape.
- Do not microwave the plastic packaging as it is not microwave safe.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the tamales moist when microwaving.
- When microwaving fully cooked tamales, ensure the internal temperature reaches 74 degrees Celsius or165 degree Fahrenheit so it is safe to consume.
Best way to microwave Trader Joe’s tamales
Perfectly steamed tamales are soft, buttery, and extra delicious. Best way to warm up Trader Joe’s tamales is to heat in microwave to save time.
These tamales are already precooked and require defrosting and reheating so they are safe and enjoyable to eat.
Several things will ensure that the tamale are heated well and that the husk remains intact after microwaving.
One of the keys it to turn the tamales from time to time ensure that the internal contents are properly heated all the way through.
Take out the tamales from the original plastic bag and place the desired amount of tamales on microwave-safe plate. Do not remove the husk, this will keep the flavor and moisture intact.
For extra moist tamales, wrap in a wet paper towel and cover with microwave safe plastic wrap. Then, place them in a microwave steamer for best results.
Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes. Check the tamales to ensure it is heated fully on all sides by using a meat thermometer to verify the temperature reaches 74℃ or 165℉.
Once the tamales are fully reheated, remove the corn husk and transfer on separate plate to enjoy.
Microwaving Trader Joe’s Tamales: Conclusion
Whether you are fond of meat or vegetarian tamales, Trader Joes has you covered. The best part is that each tamales flavor reheats the exact same way.
There are two ways to cook tamales: microwave and stove. Stovetop require steamer and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. On the other hand, microwave takes about 3 to 4 minutes to get fully reheated frozen tamales.
Microwaving tamales from Trader Joe’s saves time and energy to revive the original taste and flavor without sacrifice.
In order to warm up tamales in microwave, keep the husk in place put them on a microwave-safe dish. It is also advisable to keep the husk as it can act as a plate and prevent the tamale contents from spilling out.
For best results, wrap the frozen tamale in a wet paper towel followed by microwavable plastic wrap on the outside. Then, place the prepared tamale in a microwave steamer to steam to perfection.
Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes for tamales get fully heated inside and outside. After heating process, remove the husk and enjoy your hot steamy tamales.
Microwaving Trader Joe’s tamales is quick and easy. Serve them up as an appetizer, snack or main course to your meal. Enjoy!