How to Steam Tamales in the Ninja Foodi in 30 Minutes

How To Steam Tamales In Ninja Foodi?

Tamales are a delicious and traditional Mexican dish that can be enjoyed at any time of year. They are typically made with corn masa dough that is filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and cheeses, and then steamed. If you have a Ninja Foodi, you can easily make tamales at home in just a few steps.

In this article, we will show you how to steam tamales in your Ninja Foodi. We will provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you make perfect tamales every time. So whether you are a seasoned tamale maker or you are new to the dish, read on for all the information you need to know!

Step Instructions
1 Preheat the Ninja Foodi to 230 degrees F on the Steam setting.
2 Place the tamales in a steamer basket inside the Ninja Foodi.
3 Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Ninja Foodi.
4 Close the lid and cook the tamales for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through.
5 Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

What are tamales?

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (a dough made from corn flour), which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf. They are often filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and can be served with a variety of sauces. Tamales are a popular dish for celebrations and special occasions, and they can be found in many Mexican restaurants.

What are the ingredients for tamales?

The basic ingredients for tamales include masa harina (corn flour), lard or vegetable shortening, salt, water, and fillings. You can use any type of filling you like, but some popular options include pork, chicken, beef, cheese, or vegetables. You will also need corn husks or banana leaves to wrap the tamales.

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make tamales:

  • Masa harina (corn flour)
  • Lard or vegetable shortening
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Fillings (such as pork, chicken, beef, cheese, or vegetables)
  • Corn husks or banana leaves

How to steam tamales in a Ninja Foodi

Steaming tamales in a Ninja Foodi is a quick and easy way to make this traditional Mexican dish. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the fillings. You can use any type of filling you like, but some popular options include pork, chicken, beef, cheese, or vegetables.
2. Prepare the masa dough. Mix together the masa harina, lard or vegetable shortening, salt, and water until the dough is smooth and pliable.
3. Assemble the tamales. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of a corn husk or banana leaf. Fold the husk or leaf over the filling and secure it with a toothpick.
4. Steam the tamales. Place the tamales in the Ninja Foodi liner and fill with water to the fill line. Cover the liner and set the Ninja Foodi to Steam for 20 minutes.
5. Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before serving.

Here are some tips for steaming tamales in a Ninja Foodi:

  • Use fresh corn husks or banana leaves. If you are using dried corn husks, soak them in hot water for 30 minutes before using them.
  • Make sure the tamales are sealed tightly. This will help to prevent them from leaking during steaming.
  • Check the tamales after 20 minutes of steaming. If they are not cooked through, steam them for a few more minutes.
  • Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help to prevent them from burning your mouth.

Steaming tamales in a Ninja Foodi is a great way to make this traditional Mexican dish at home. It is a quick and easy process that results in delicious tamales that everyone will enjoy.

3. How to steam tamales in Ninja Foodi?

Tamales are a delicious and traditional Mexican dish that can be difficult to make at home. However, with the Ninja Foodi, you can easily make perfect tamales without any hassle.

To steam tamales in the Ninja Foodi, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup masa harina
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 pound shredded chicken
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese
  • 12 corn husks

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, warm water, salt, and oil. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
3. Place a piece of dough in the center of a corn husk.
4. Top with 1/4 cup of chicken filling, 1 tablespoon of onion, 1 tablespoon of green bell pepper, 1 tablespoon of red bell pepper, 1 tablespoon of cilantro, 1 teaspoon of salsa, 1 teaspoon of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of cotija cheese.
5. Fold the husk over the filling and tuck in the sides.
6. Place the tamales in the Ninja Foodi liner.
7. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pot.
8. Cover the pot and set the pressure cook setting to high for 20 minutes.
9. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the lid.
10. Serve the tamales immediately with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, pico de gallo, or sour cream.

Tips for making perfect tamales:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
  • Make sure the masa harina is properly hydrated.
  • Don’t overfill the tamales.
  • Fold the husks tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
  • Steam the tamales for the correct amount of time.
  • Let the tamales rest for a few minutes before serving.

With these tips, you’ll be able to make perfect tamales every time.

4. Tips for making perfect tamales

Tamales are a delicious and traditional Mexican dish that can be difficult to make at home. However, with a few tips, you can easily make perfect tamales that everyone will love.

Here are a few tips for making perfect tamales:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The best tamales are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. This means using fresh masa harina, shredded chicken, and vegetables.
  • Don’t overfill the tamales. When filling the tamales, be careful not to overfill them. This can cause the tamales to burst open during cooking.
  • Fold the husks tightly. When folding the tamales, be sure to fold the husks tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
  • Steam the tamales for the correct amount of time. Tamales need to be steamed for the correct amount of time in order to cook through evenly.
  • Let the tamales rest for a few minutes before serving. After steaming the tamales, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the tamales to firm up.

With these tips, you’ll be able to make perfect tamales every time.

Tamales are a delicious and traditional Mexican dish that can be difficult to make at home. However, with the Ninja Foodi and a few tips, you can easily make perfect tamales that everyone will love. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

How do I steam tamales in a Ninja Foodi?

To steam tamales in a Ninja Foodi, you will need:

  • 6-8 corn husks, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
  • 1 pound of masa harina
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of lard or vegetable shortening, melted
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup of chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup of chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup of chopped tomato
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

1. Preheat the Ninja Foodi to the Steam setting.
2. Place the corn husks in the bottom of the pot.
3. In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, salt, lard, chicken broth, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, tomato, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Divide the masa mixture into 12 equal portions.
5. Place a portion of the masa mixture in the center of each corn husk. Fold the sides of the husk up over the masa, and then fold the top down.
6. Place the tamales in the pot, standing upright.
7. Pour the water into the pot, making sure that it comes halfway up the sides of the tamales.
8. Cover the pot and cook on the Steam setting for 45 minutes.
9. Let the tamales rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Can I use frozen tamales in the Ninja Foodi?

Yes, you can use frozen tamales in the Ninja Foodi. Simply follow the instructions above, but increase the cooking time to 60 minutes.

Can I make tamales with different fillings?

Yes, you can make tamales with any filling you like. Some popular fillings include chicken, pork, beef, beans, cheese, and vegetables.

How do I store tamales?

Tamales can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat tamales, wrap them in foil and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

What are some tips for making tamales?

Here are some tips for making tamales:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
  • Make sure the masa mixture is not too dry or too wet.
  • Fold the tamales tightly to prevent them from leaking.
  • Steam the tamales for the recommended amount of time.
  • Let the tamales rest for a few minutes before serving.

I’m having trouble steaming tamales in the Ninja Foodi. What can I do?

If you’re having trouble steaming tamales in the Ninja Foodi, here are a few things you can check:

  • Make sure the pot is filled with enough water.
  • Make sure the tamales are tightly sealed.
  • Make sure the tamales are cooked for the recommended amount of time.
  • If you’re still having trouble, you can try steaming the tamales in a different pot or using a different method of cooking.

    steaming tamales in a Ninja Foodi is a quick and easy way to enjoy this traditional Mexican dish. By following the steps in this guide, you can make perfectly steamed tamales that are flavorful and moist. So next time you’re craving tamales, don’t forget to give this method a try!

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.