Tamales are a popular Mexican food, especially around the holidays. These cornmeal pastries filled with meat, vegetables, or sweet fillings are a popular food for celebrations, so they are a common offering during the holiday season. At El Tapatio, we serve tamales year-round, so you can dig into one whenever you’re in a celebratory mood. However, many diners don’t know the proper way to eat a tamale, primarily because of the corn husk it is cooked inside.
Learn to eat Mexican food like a pro with our quick tamale tutorial. Then you can dig in and enjoy!
Step 1: The Husk
Tamales are unique, even among Mexican food, because of their distinctive cooking method. After the cornmeal dough is loaded with sweet or savory fillings, the tamale is wrapped in a corn husk. The husk is secured shut and then steamed to cook the tamale. This cooking method keeps the cornmeal dough from drying out but can pose a challenge when it’s time to eat. The good news is that it’s actually quite simple. Although the tamale is served still inside the husk, you’re not supposed to eat it. Unwrap the husk and let the tamale cool for a moment before eating.
Step 2: Hands or Fork?
Tamales had their start as a portable snack that you can eat with your hands. However, if you want to add sauces like mole or salsa, that can get a bit messy. There’s nothing wrong with eating a tamale with a knife and fork. The cornmeal pastry can also be a little crumbly, so many people find it easier to use cutlery.
Step 3: Reheat and Repeat
If you end up with leftover tamales at the end of your meal, take them home! Tamales reheat well and make for a great snack or even lunch on a work-from-home day. To preserve the soft, tender texture, steam them in a pot with boiling water and a steamer basket. If you like a crispy finish, fry them in a pan with some oil or pop them in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes. You can also microwave them if you don’t have another option. Put a glass or small dish of water in the microwave with the tamales to keep them from drying out.