How Long Are Tamales Good for in the Fridge?

There’s nothing better than a fresh tamale, but if you have leftovers, you’re probably wondering what these delicious morsels do in the fridge. How long can you keep them until they’re not as good? There’s no doubt that Tamales are great fresh, but how long can they last in the fridge?

Tamales can last up to seven days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container ziplock bag and will last longer depending on the seal’s durability.

The quality of the tamales can shift depending on how they were made and the type of filling used, but it’s always important to use paper towels or another moisture reduction method to increase their shelf life.

If you are unsure how long your tamales will last, it is always best to check the expiration date on the package or ask the person who made them. When in doubt, throw them out!

With this being said, let’s take a second to review exactly how long tamales are good for in the fridge depending on the different storage methods, how you can store your tamales to help them last a little, and even take a look at other storage methods for tamales that will keep them fresh for longer.

What’s the Best Way to Store Tamales in the Fridge?

When you store your tamales in an airtight container, you’re creating a moisture-free environment for them. This means that they won’t dry out as quickly, and they’ll stay fresher for longer. The best way to store your tamales in the fridge is to wrap them individually in plastic wrap (or a paper towel) or place them in a zip-top bag before placing them in an airtight container.

You can also line the bottom of the container with paper towels to help absorb any moisture that may escape from the tamales. Doing this will help to prevent any issues you may have with mold or bacteria growth.

Once you’ve wrapped your tamales, be sure to label them with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored. This is a very crucial part of the storage process, as you don’t want to eat tamales that have been stored for too long and have gone bad.

It can be easy to forget how long you’ve had something stored in the fridge, so labeling them will help to ensure that you don’t accidentally eat tamales that are past their prime. Or you could consider having a color system associated with your Tupperware such as blue is always Monday night meals. 

Other than that, storing your tamales in the fridge is pretty straightforward. Just be sure to use an airtight container and label them with the date, and you’ll be good to go! Of course, you also have to try to resist the temptation to snack on your tamales throughout the day, but that’s on you.

Does Freezing Extend the Life of Tamales?

You may wonder if freezing your tamales is a reasonable way to extend their shelf life. The answer is yes! Freezing your tamales can help to extend their shelf life by months. Tamales can last up to six months when stored in a freezer as compared to the seven days of shelf life that refrigerated tamales offer.

When freezing tamales, it’s important to wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will help to prevent them from sticking together and will also help to keep them fresh for longer. Plus, there’s nothing better than having a stash of frozen tamales on hand for a quick and easy meal!

You don’t want to have to separate frozen tamales, as this can cause them to break apart and become dry. Once you’ve wrapped your tamales, be sure to label them with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

How to Reheat Tamales

Frozen tamales can be an easy go-to meal when you don’t want to take the time to really break out all the cooking necessities. When you’re ready to eat your frozen tamales, there are a few different ways that you can reheat them. The best way to reheat your tamales is in the oven, as this will help to ensure that they’re evenly heated and won’t dry out.

You can also reheat your tamales in the microwave, but this can cause them to dry out more easily. If you choose to reheat your tamales in the microwave, be sure to wrap them in a damp paper towel or place them on a plate with a little water so they don’t dry out.

Once your tamales are heated through, be sure to eat them right away as they won’t taste as good if they’re reheated more than once.

What if you have any leftover tamales that you don’t think you’ll be able to eat within the seven-day shelf life? Freezing tamales is a great way to extend their shelf life. Just be sure to wrap them individually in a plastic wrapper and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

How Many Times Can I Reheat Tamales?

You can reheat your tamales multiple times, but the quality will decrease each time you reheat them. This is why it’s always best to eat tamales while fresh or within the seven-day shelf life.

If you have to reheat your tamales more than once, wrap them in a damp paper towel or place them on a plate with a small amount of water to keep them from drying out. You can also reheat them in the oven, as this will help to ensure that they’re evenly heated and won’t dry out.

How To Tell When Tamales Have Gone Bad

When stored properly, tamales can last for seven days in the fridge. However, there are a few things you can look for to tell if your tamales have gone bad.

If you see any mold on your tamales, it’s best to throw them out. Mold can cause serious health problems, so it’s not worth the risk.

 A tamale in storage for longer than seven days may start to dry out and become hard. They may also develop an off-flavor or smell bad. If your tamales have any of these signs, it’s best to throw them out.

If you’re unsure if your tamales are still good, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw them out. It’s not worth the risk of eating tamales that have gone bad.

Summing It Up

How long tamales are good for in the fridge depends on how they’re stored. Correctly wrapped tamales and stored in an airtight container can last up to seven days. Despite this, the quality will decrease after the first few days.

No matter, there’s no question that tamales are great fresh, but there are plenty of great storage methods when you can’t eat every tamale you’ve made.

So why are you waiting? Enjoy your tamales if hungry, and store them in the fridge or freezer when done.

The joy of tamales isn’t going to diminish after time, no doubt about it.