Yes, you can bake tamales instead of steaming them. While steaming is the traditional method for cooking tamales, baking can be a convenient alternative that still produces delicious results.
Here's how you can bake tamales:
Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the tamales: Arrange the tamales on a baking dish or a baking sheet. You can use corn husks or parchment paper to line the baking dish to prevent sticking.
Add moisture: To mimic the steaming process, you'll need to add some moisture to the baking process. You can do this by drizzling a little water or broth over the tamales. Alternatively, you can cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam.
Bake the tamales: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the tamales for about 45 to 60 minutes or until they are heated through and the masa dough is fully cooked.
Check for doneness: To check if the tamales are fully cooked, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of a tamale. If it comes out clean, the tamales are done.
Baking tamales can result in a slightly different texture compared to steaming. The exterior may be a bit firmer and less moist, but the flavor will still be delicious. Baking can be a great option when you don't have access to a large steamer or when you want to cook a larger batch of tamales at once.
Remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the tamales and the specific oven, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your baked tamales with your favorite salsa or sauce!