We’ve made plenty of tamales and have made enough mistakes to know what really works. Let’s learn how long to steam tamales so they come out tender and moist!Instant pot, stove top, and slow cooker instructions included.
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Post last updated November 10, 2026.
Let’s learn the best way to steam tamales because there is nothing worse than spending hours creating a beautiful tamal to under or over cook it, right?!
How Long to Steam Tamales: Quick Reference
Steam uncooked tamales for 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours in a tamalera or large pot, 15 minutes on high pressure plus a 20-minute natural release in an Instant Pot, or 3 to 6 hours on HIGH in a slow cooker. They’re done when the husk pulls away from the masa without sticking. Let them rest 30 minutes before serving.
METHODHOW LONGNOTESTamalera/ Steamer Pot45 min to 1 1/2 hoursMedium heat. Start checking at 45 minutes.Dutch Oven Or Large Pot45 min to 1 1/2 hoursFoil under the lid. Medium-low once steaming.Instant Pot15 min high pressure, 20 min natural releaseThen quick release.Slow cooker3 to 6 hr on HIGHDishtowel under the lid.
For all methods, rest the tamales 30 minutes. The times above are for raw tamales, not frozen ones.
This traditional Mexican dish is cooked through a steaming process and for best results you want to cook them low and slow so they turn out tender and soft and not sad soggy tamales.
So let’s talk about how long that takes and a couple different ways to do it.
The best and easiest way to steam tamales is in a pot specifically made for cooking tamales called a tamalera. However, over the past few years, I’ve tested multiple different ways to steam tamales including in a pressure cooker, in a regular large pot with a steamer basket, even in the slow cooker.
I’ve made plenty of tamales—in plenty of ways—and I’m really excited to share the most successful steaming process with you today.
All the methods below are for cooking raw tamales not frozen tamales. Let’s learn how long to steam tamales so they come out perfectly delicious every time!
*Making tamales for Christmas Eve? Steam them a day or two ahead, refrigerate, and reheat!
How Long To Steam Tamales In A Tamales Steaming Pot
This cooking process is the best method for making a large batch of tamales. You can find inexpensive tamales steaming pots at most Mexican grocery stores but I really like this tamalera that allows you to add water on the side of the pot. Find all my favorite tamales-making supplies.
Step 1: Fill the corn husks with masa dough and pork filling or whichever filling you are using. You can use this method for sweet tamales as well as banana leaf tamales. See the tamales Oaxaqueños post to see how to stack tamales wrapped in banana leaves.
Step 2: Add water to the bottom of the tamales steamer pot. The water level should be up to the steamer insert. Place the steamer insert in the pot and line the bottom of the pot with corn husks that were too small for wrapping.
Step 3: Place the lid on top and place over high heat until the water comes to a boil.
Step 4: Once the pot is producing lots of steam, place the tamales vertically in the steamer, open side up. Stack them so they are not falling over.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium, cover and steam. Most tamales take at least 45 minutes but can take up to 1 1/2 hours depending on how large they are and how much filling. Start checking after 45 minutes.
Step 6: Remove a tamal and unwrap. If the corn husks easily pull away from the masa without sticking it is ready.
Step 7: If serving right away, remove the tamales to a platter and cover with a clean kitchen towel for 30 minutes to rest. They need this time to finish cooking all the way. Don’t worry, they will still be hot when you serve them.
Step 8: Serve tamales or let cool completely and refrigerate or freeze.
How Long To Steam Tamales In An Instant Pot
Follow these simple steps for (almost) instant tamales. The cooking time will be shorter but the assembly still takes a bit of time.
Step 1: Assemble the tamales with corn dough and filling (follow instructions for my braised beef tamales for example). I find it is easier to fold the tamales like a package and tie with a string or piece of corn husk when making them in an Instant Pot. That way I can stack them in the pot instead of steaming them upright. My Instant Pot is not tall enough to steam them standing up.
Step 2: Fill the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water. Place the steam rack or trivet that came with the pot on top of the water.
Step 3: Place the tamales in the Instant Pot, stacking them in concentric circles so there is space for the steam to move around them.
Step 4: Close the lid, seal the steam valve, and pressure cook set to high pressure for 15 minutes followed by natural pressure release for at least 20 minutes before a quick release.
Step 5: Remove a tamal and unwrap. They will seem squishy but they firm up as they cool. If the corn husks easily pull away from the masa without sticking it is ready.
Step 6: If serving right away, remove the tamales to a platter and cover with a clean kitchen towel for 30 minutes to rest. They need this time to finish cooking all the way. Don’t worry, they will still be hot when you serve them.
Step 7: Serve tamales or let cool completely and refrigerate or freeze.
How Long To Steam Tamales In A Dutch Oven Or Large Pot
The cook time for this method is similar to making them in a tamalera but with the added bonus of not having to buy a new piece of kitchen equipment.
Step 1: Assemble the tamales with tamale dough and filling (follow instructions for my tahini potato and kale tamales for a vegan version).
I find it is easier to fold the tamales like a package and tie with a string or piece of corn husk when making them in a Dutch oven. That way I can stack them in the pot instead of steaming them upright.
Step 2: Add enough water to cover the bottom by 2 inches. Place a steaming basket inside the pot. Stack the tamales on top of the steaming basket.
Step 3: Cover the top of the pot with aluminum foil to prevent too much moisture from escaping. Poke a small hole in the foil then place the lid on top. Place over medium-high heat. Once it is really steaming, reduce heat to medium-low.
Step 4: Steam for at least 45 minutes but some can take up to 1 1/2 hours depending on how large they are and how much filling. Start checking after 45 minutes.
Step 5: Remove a tamal and unwrap. If the corn husks easily pull away from the masa without sticking it is ready.
Step 6: If serving right away, remove the tamales to a platter and cover with a clean kitchen towel for 30 minutes to rest. They need this time to finish cooking all the way. Don’t worry, they will still be hot when you serve them.
Step 7: Serve tamales or let cool completely and refrigerate or freeze.
How Long To Steam Tamales In A Slow Cooker
This is a great option if you aren’t in a rush. An advantage of using a slow cooker to cook tamales is that the moisture stays in the pot making them super moist and fluffy.
Step 1: Fill, wrap and fold tamales (try my chicken with pumpkin mole tamales!) Just like with the Dutch oven method, I find it is easier to fold the tamales like a package and tie with a string or piece of corn husk. That way I can stack them in the pot instead of steaming them upright.
Step 2: Place a rack in the slow cooker. Add water until it reaches just below the surface of the rack. If you don’t have a rack, line the bottom with leftover corn husks. Use enough so they are above the level of the water. Stack the tamales in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Place a dishtowel under the lid to absorb water that condenses on the lid. Cover and cook on HIGH for about 3-6 hours.
Step 4: Remove a tamal and unwrap. If the corn husks easily pull away from the masa without sticking it is ready.
Step 5: If serving right away, remove the tamales to a platter and cover with a clean kitchen towel for 30 minutes to rest. They need this time to finish cooking all the way. Don’t worry, they will still be hot when you serve them.
Step 6: Serve tamales or let cool completely and refrigerate or freeze.
How Do You Tell If Tamales Are Done Steaming?
An easy way to tell if tamales are ready is by unwrapping one. If the husk easily pulls away from the dough without sticking it is done.
Even if the dough still looks squishy or undercooked they will finish cooking and firm up as they cool. If serving right away, remove the tamales from the pot and place on a serving platter. Cover with a clean dishtowel and let sit for 30 minutes to finish cooking.
If you are not serving the tamales right away, you can turn the heat off of the pot once they are done cooking. Cover the pot with a clean dish towel and then the lid. Leave in the pot for up to an hour and then serve.
Success Tips
- Make sure you are starting with the best masa. Learn how to make the fluffiest masa whether you are using masa harina or fresh masa quebrada.
- For the best flavor, start with fresh ingredients like fresh lard (not the shelf-stable stuff), homemade fillings, and chile sauce.
- Store leftover tamales in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheat covered in damp paper towels in the microwave until warm.
- Have a plan for how many you are going to make. Figure out how many you need with this method.
- Better yet, throw a tamalada or tamales-making party and invite your friends and family over to help.
FAQs
How long does it take to steam tamales?
Most tamales take 45 minutes to 1½ hours in a tamalera or large pot, depending on their size and how much filling they have. In an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for at least 20 minutes before a quick release. In a slow cooker, cook on HIGH for 3 to 6 hours.
How do you tell if tamales are done?
Unwrap one. If the husk pulls away easily from the masa without sticking, the tamales are done. The masa may still look squishy, but it firms up as the tamales cool.
Do tamales need to rest after steaming?
Yes. Move them to a platter, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rest for 30 minutes so they finish cooking. They will still be hot when you serve them. If you’re not serving right away, turn off the heat, cover the pot with a clean dish towel and then the lid, and leave them in the pot for up to an hour.
Can you steam tamales without a tamalera?
Yes. Use a Dutch oven or large pot with a steaming basket and enough water to cover the bottom by 2 inches. Cover the pot with foil with a small hole poked in it, then add the lid. You can also use an Instant Pot or a slow cooker.
Do you steam tamales standing up?
In a tamalera, stand them upright with the open side up. In a Dutch oven, Instant Pot, or slow cooker, it’s easier to fold them like a package, tie them with string or a strip of corn husk, and stack them.
Can you steam frozen tamales?
The times in this post are for raw tamales, not frozen ones. For cooked frozen tamales, see How to Reheat Tamales.
How do you store leftover tamales?
Let them cool completely, then keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them. Reheat covered in damp paper towels in the microwave until warm.
Can I steam tamales ahead for Christmas Eve?
Yes. Steam them as directed, let them cool completely, and refrigerate or freeze. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them using the steps in How to Reheat Tamales.
Can you overcook tamales?
Yes. It is important to pull them off the heat while they are slightly undercooked and let them finish cooking during the 30 minute rest time. Read more in Can You Overcook Tamales.
Top 5 Most Popular Tamales Recipes
- Pork Tamales with Red Mole Sauce
- Chicken Chili Verde Tamales
- Pork Salsa Verde Tamales
- Black Bean and Cheese Vegetarian Tamales
- Strawberry Tamales with Horchata Sauce
Now You Know How
To cook tamales in all the ways! Let me know when you make them by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating) ! Also, sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!