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How Long Do Tamales Last in the Fridge? (raw & cooked)

Imagine biting into a warm, delicious tamale, filled with perfectly seasoned meat or vegetables, wrapped in a soft corn masa dough, and steamed to perfection, but discovering they have gone bad. So how long are tamales good for?

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.

Ensure proper storage in airtight containers or sealed bags to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.

Don’t let this happen to you! In this blog post, we will answer the pressing question: how long are tamales good for in the fridge? We’ll cover raw, cooked, and frozen.

As you read on, you’ll learn the importance of proper storage and reheating methods, ensuring that you can savor every bite of these traditional Mexican delights without worrying.

Short Summary

  • Tamales are a beloved traditional Mexican dish featuring diverse fillings, wrapped in a corn husk or a banana leaf, and steamed/boiled.
  • Cooked tamales can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. Uncooked ones last 4 days when frozen properly.
  • Proper storage is necessary to prevent spoilage and food poisoning: airtight containers, secure wrapping & labeling, optimal temperature & humidity.

Tamales: A Brief Overview

Tamales are traditional Mexican cuisine, typically consisting of corn masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients.

It’s important to note that while similar, corn masa and corn flour are not quite the same though. So if you’re making tamales from scratch and you have one of those and not the other, make sure to click that link to read about the differences in a recent article on my website.

But I do cover how to substitute one for the other.

Tamale fillings can include seasoned meat, vegetables, cheese, dried fruits, and olives. They are wrapped in corn husk wrappers or banana leaves and then steamed or boiled, giving them their distinct shape and texture.

With vegan and vegetarian tamales also gaining popularity, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

From chicken and pork to corn and peppers, tamales offer a diverse range of fillings to suit every palate. These scrumptious morsels can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or even a dessert when filled with sweet ingredients.

No wonder tamales have become a beloved food across the world!

You can see lots of great store-bought tamales at the grocery store. But, of course, there’s no better way to enjoy tamales than to make them yourself or get some from a well-regarded Mexican restaurant.

Made correctly, tamales can be a great choice for someone who is gluten-free.

But are tamales ALWAYS gluten-free? While corn itself is naturally gluten-free, store-bought tamales may not be. There are a few additional ingredients to be on the lookout for, as well as some best practices if you are making them at home.

Click that link to read it on my site.

Shelf Life of Tamales: Cooked vs. Uncooked

It’s crucial to understand that the shelf life of cooked and uncooked tamales differs significantly. Cooked tamales can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Uncooked tamales only have a shelf life of 4 days.

Freezing can effectively extend the shelf life of both cooked and uncooked tamales. Proper storage is vital to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage, which could lead to food poisoning or wasted, delicious food.

If you have corn masa by itself in the fridge, or masa harina in the pantry, just be aware that corn masa also has a shelf life. Just click that link to dive in deeper in a recent article on my website.

Cooked Tamales

Tamales that are already cooked can be stored in the fridge for up to seven days.

It’s advised to keep them in an air-tight container to retain their moisture and taste. However, over time, their quality may gradually deteriorate, leading to a hard and unpalatable texture. To avoid these issues, it’s essential to store cooked tamales properly.

On the other hand, when storing cooked tamales in the freezer, it’s crucial to prevent freezer burn. Freezer burn can ruin the taste and texture of tamales, so it’s essential to wrap them securely in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bags. Label the containers with the name and date of freezing to maintain a first-in, first-out rotation system.

Uncooked Tamales

Uncooked tamales have a shorter shelf life in the fridge, lasting only up to 4 days. To keep uncooked tamales fresh for a longer period, it’s recommended to store them in the freezer. Freezing uncooked tamales not only extends their shelf life, but also ensures that they retain their flavor and texture when cooked.

When it’s time to cook your frozen uncooked tamales, the optimal method involves steaming them in a steamer basket. Steaming ensures that the tamales cook evenly and retain their moisture, resulting in a delicious, perfectly prepared dish.

Storing Tamales: Best Practices

To store fresh tamales properly, the best way is to use airtight containers or bags, stack them with napkins to absorb any excess moisture, and wrap them if needed. 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. Keeping them in a cool, dry location with low humidity can significantly extend their shelf life and prevent the growth of bacteria. By carefully controlling the storage environment, you’ll be able to enjoy your tamales at their best for as long as possible.

Proper Containers

Using airtight containers for storing tamales is essential to preserve their freshness and safety. Airtight containers block air and moisture, which are the main culprits causing spoilage.

If an airtight container is not available, you can also use high-grade polyethylene plastic bags to store your tamales in the fridge. Remember, proper storage is key to enjoying your tamales to the fullest.

Freezing Tamales: A Longer Storage Option

Freezing tamales is the best option if you want to keep them for a long time, but it’s important to note that microwaving them after freezing can affect their texture. To maintain the quality of your tamales, it’s crucial to follow the proper steps for freezing both cooked and uncooked tamales.

By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy your tamales at their best, even after an extended period in the freezer.

Freezing Cooked Tamales

Before freezing cooked tamales, it’s essential to cool them adequately to preserve their texture and flavor.

Wrap each tamale securely in aluminum foil, ensuring that they are well-protected from air exposure in the freezer. Store the wrapped tamales in an airtight container or resealable freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain their freshness. Don’t forget to label the containers with the name and date of freezing, so you know when it’s time to enjoy them.

When it’s time to reheat your cooked, frozen tamales, you can use the steaming method mentioned earlier, or opt for oven reheating. Preheat your oven to 425°, place the foil-wrapped tamales on a baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes if thawed, or 25 minutes if frozen.

This will ensure that your tamales are heated evenly and maintain their delicious taste and texture.

Freezing Uncooked Tamales

Freezing uncooked tamales requires a slightly different approach.

To ensure optimal freshness, wrap the masa filling in cling film before placing it in a Ziplock bag (make sure to get the freeze bags). While it’s possible to freeze uncooked tamales, it’s not recommended, as freezing may adversely affect the taste and texture of the masa and other ingredients.

However, if done correctly, uncooked tamales can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When it’s time to cook your frozen uncooked tamales, the optimal method involves steaming them in a steamer basket. Steaming ensures that the tamales cook evenly and retain their moisture, resulting in a delicious, perfectly prepared dish.

Reheating Tamales: Bringing Back the Flavor

Reheating tamales is essential to restore their flavor and texture, making them taste as if they were freshly made.

There are various methods for reheating tamales, including using steamers, ovens, microwaves, and air fryers. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, but all will help bring back the delicious taste and texture of your tamales.

Steaming

Steaming is a popular method for reheating tamales, as it yields the best results, helps retain their moisture, and prevents them from becoming soggy. To steam tamales, place them in a steamer basket and then place the basket in a pot with a few inches of water. Cover the pot and steam the tamales for 60-90 minutes.

This method ensures even heating and maintains the delicious taste and texture of your tamales. However, it does take the longest. So for that reason, I’ve given you some alternatives here below.

If you have a steamer, rice cooker, or Instant Pot, those work for steaming also.

Oven

Another effective method for reheating tamales is using an oven. Preheat your oven to 425°, wrap each tamale in aluminum foil, and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake the tamales for 15-20 minutes if thawed, and 20-25 minutes if frozen. This method also ensures even heating and maintains the delicious taste and texture of your tamales.

Microwave

For a quick and easy reheating option, microwaving tamales can be an efficient method. Wrap tamales in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30-60 seconds. The damp paper towel will help prevent the tamales from drying out during the reheating process.

While microwaving may not provide the same crispy exterior as other methods, it is a convenient option when you’re short on time.

Air Fryer

To reheat previously cooked tamales in an air fryer, start by preheating it to 350°F (175°C).

If refrigerated, place the tamales directly in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. If frozen, it’s recommended to thaw them first in the refrigerator overnight.

Once thawed, cook them in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, turning once. Always ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. The air fryer method results in a crispy exterior and warm, delicious filling. Enjoy your reheated tamales!

Identifying Spoiled Tamales: Signs to Watch Out For

It’s essential to be able to identify spoiled tamales to prevent food poisoning or wasted food. Spoiled tamales can easily be identified by their sour odor, mold growth, and discoloration.

Consuming spoiled tamales can lead to severe food poisoning, so it’s crucial to store them properly and cover them thoroughly to prevent contamination.

Appearance

Visual signs of spoiled tamales can include discoloration, such as a pink or orange color, and mold growth. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the tamale and not risk consumption. Eating spoiled tamales can lead to food poisoning.

Smell

The smell of spoiled tamales is usually sour, stinky, or rotten. If you notice any of these odors, it’s best to discard the tamale and not risk consumption.

Eating spoiled tamales can lead to food poisoning.

Texture

Changes in texture can also signify spoilage in tamales. Spoiled tamales may have a soft texture and may exude a sour liquid. Additionally, mold growth and a pungent odor may be present.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the tamale and not risk consumption, as eating spoiled tamales can lead to food poisoning.

Summary

In conclusion, proper storage and reheating methods are crucial to maintaining the freshness and safety of homemade tamales (or store-bought).

By following the best practices outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your tamales last longer in the fridge and retain their delicious taste and texture. Remember to watch out for signs of spoilage, such as sour odor, mold growth, and discoloration, to prevent food poisoning and wasted food. With this knowledge in hand, you’re now ready to enjoy your tamales responsibly and savor every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if tamales have gone bad?

If you are unsure if your tamales have gone bad, it is best to pay attention to the texture, smell, and expiration date. Tamales should have a soft texture with no sour smell; if either of these is present, it is likely that the tamales have gone bad.

Additionally, checking the expiration date can also help determine if they have gone bad.

Can you eat two-week-old tamales?

You can generally eat two-week-old tamales provided they have been stored properly in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed plastic bag. Tamales will stay fresh and edible for up to seven days when refrigerated or up to six months when frozen. However, their taste and texture may not be as good as freshly cooked tamales.

How long are tamales good for left out?

In general, cooked tamales will keep at room temperature for up to two days, so if you plan on eating them within that time frame, they should be safe.

However, if you won’t eat them within two days, it’s better to store them in the fridge to avoid bacteria growth.

Are tamales good leftovers?

Tamales are a great option for leftovers as they can be stored in the fridge for up to one week or frozen for up to two months. Just make sure to steam them before eating to ensure that they stay moist and delicious!

April 27 is National Tamale Day, so why not celebrate by making a batch of tamales?

It’s a great way to use up leftovers and make something delicious. Plus, with proper storage, tamales can last for up to two months in the freezer or one week in the fridge. So, make sure to steam them before eating to ensure that they stay moist and flavorful!


Image by Lawrence Montoya from Pixabay

Jeff Campbell