Deep Fry Tamales: A Step-by-Step Guide and Tips

Deep frying tamales can add a deliciously crispy texture to this traditional dish. This guide will walk you through the process, from preparation to serving. You can use store-bought or homemade tamales, and the final result is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Cooked tamales (store-bought or homemade) Cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil) Optional seasonings or batter for coating

Equipment

Deep fryer or a large heavy pot Slotted spoon or tongs Paper towels for draining

Instructions

Prepare the Oil

Fill your deep fryer or pot with oil ensuring there is enough to fully submerge the tamales (about 2-3 inches deep). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, ensuring the oil is at the right temperature.

Prepare the Tamales

If your tamales are cold or refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature to ensure even heating. Optionally, dip the tamales in a light batter or sprinkle with seasonings for extra flavor.

Fry the Tamales

Carefully lower 2-3 tamales into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Avoid overcrowding the pot to prevent the oil temperature from dropping. Fry for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.

Drain and Serve

Once cooked, remove the tamales from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Tips

Safety First

Be cautious when working with hot oil to avoid burns or splatters. Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough.

Serving Suggestions

Deep-fried tamales can be served as a snack or appetizer and pair well with various dips. They also make a fun twist on a traditional tamales dish!

Alternative Approaches

Baking tamales using an air fryer is also an option. The air fryer can be used to warm the tamales up the next day, although a wet paper towel and a microwave might work faster.

Enjoy your crispy tamales!

Additional Tips and Variations

For those new to making tamales, the process can be quite time-consuming. Here are a few tips to make the process easier:

The masa for tamales is made from corn masa, water/broth, and lard. Shortening can be used instead of lard, but lard has a better flavor. You can also season the masa with salt, spices, or enchilada sauce as per your preference. Spread the masa into corn husks, fill with your preferred filling (shredded beef, pork, or chicken), and wrap in the husk. Repeat the process until you have wrapped as many tamales as you want. Steam the tamales using a veggie steamer or the traditional method. You can also consider using a larger veggie steamer, as mentioned in the article.

Conclusion

Deep frying tamales is a delightful way to add a crispy texture to this traditional dish. Whether you opt for a homemade masa or store-bought tamales, the process is straightforward. Remember to be cautious with hot oil, and enjoy the crispy, delicious result.