How to Cook Costco Tamales Perfectly

Costco sells pre-cooked tamales from brands like Del Real Foods and Texas Tamale Company. These come ready to heat in minutes.

The masa is already steamed. The filling is cooked. You just warm them up.

Most people grab these for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or party food. A single package feeds anywhere from 6 to 20 people depending on which product you buy.

This guide covers five cooking methods. Times range from 75 seconds (microwave) to 60 minutes (oven). Equipment needed varies from a simple plate to a stovetop steamer or Instant Pot.

Product Details

Product: Del Real Foods Pork Tamales in Red Sauce

Type: Fully cooked, refrigerated (found near the deli section)

Package Size: 90 oz (15 tamales in 3 pouches of 5)

Price: $16.79-$18.79 at Costco (prices vary by location)

Storage: Refrigerate until sell-by date. Freeze for up to 6 months.

Calories per Serving: 200-300 calories per tamale

Main Ingredients: Stone ground corn masa (nixtamalized corn, canola oil, rice flour, chicken bouillon, salt), pork filling with red chile sauce, jalapeno peppers, spices

Item Number: 100279554 (varies by warehouse)

Cooking Methods Comparison

Method	Time	Equipment	Result	Best For
Microwave	60-75 sec	Plate, paper towel	Soft, moist	Single servings, quick meals
Steamer	8-10 min	Pot, steamer basket	Traditional texture	Authentic taste, batch cooking
Instant Pot	15-20 min	Pressure cooker, trivet	Moist, tender	Frozen, hands-off cooking
Air Fryer	8-15 min	Air fryer basket	Slightly crispy	Different texture, small batches
Oven	45-60 min	Baking dish, foil	Even heating	Large batches, no monitoring

Recommended Method: Steamer for traditional soft masa texture and authentic results

Method 1: Stovetop Steamer (Recommended)

Steaming delivers the closest result to fresh homemade tamales. The masa stays soft and moist. Takes about 10 minutes total.

This traditional preparation method keeps the corn husk wrapper from drying out while heating the pork filling evenly throughout.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Tamales?

Keep the tamales in their sustainable wraps. Do not remove the outer covering before steaming.

Instructions:

1. Remove tamales from the plastic pouch
2. Leave the outer wrap intact on each tamale

Equipment: Large pot with steamer basket or vegetable steamer insert

Step 2: What Water Level and Time Do You Use?

Fill the pot with water just below the steamer basket. Water should never touch the tamales directly.

Instructions:

1. Add water to an inch below the steamer basket level
2. Bring water to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer
3. Steam for 8-10 minutes (add 2 minutes if frozen)

Temperature: Medium-high heat to maintain boiling water

Time: 8-10 minutes thawed, 10-12 minutes frozen

Step 3: How Do You Position the Tamales?

Stand them upright with the open end facing up. This prevents water from getting inside the masa.

Instructions:

1. Place tamales vertically in the steamer basket
2. Lean them against each other or the pot sides for support
3. Cover with a tight-fitting lid

Checkpoint: Check water level halfway through cooking

Step 4: How Do You Know When They’re Done?

The tamale should be hot throughout with steam rising when you cut it open.

Instructions:

1. Remove one tamale carefully with tongs
2. Let stand 1-2 minutes before unwrapping
3. Check that internal temperature reaches 165F

Target Temperature: 165F minimum internal temperature

Visual Indicator: Steam rises when wrapper is removed, masa pulls away cleanly from wrap

Method 2: Microwave

The fastest option by far. Works great for one or two tamales at lunch. Takes under 2 minutes.

The texture comes out softer than steaming. Some people actually prefer this. Your mileage may vary.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Microwave?

Wrap each tamale in a damp paper towel. This keeps moisture in during heating.

Instructions:

1. Keep tamale in its original wrap
2. Wet a paper towel and wring out excess water
3. Wrap the damp towel around each tamale

Equipment: Microwave-safe plate, paper towels

Step 2: What Power Level and Time?

High power works fine for most microwaves. Timing depends on how many you cook at once.

Instructions:

1. Place wrapped tamales on a microwave-safe plate
2. Leave space between each one
3. Microwave on HIGH for 60-75 seconds

Power Level: HIGH (100%)

Time: 60-75 seconds for thawed, add 1 minute if frozen

Step 3: When Do You Check Progress?

Check after the initial time. Microwaves vary in power output.

Instructions:

1. Check temperature after initial heating time
2. Add 15-30 second intervals if needed

Checkpoint: After 60 seconds for single tamale

Step 4: How Do You Know When Done?

The center should be hot, not lukewarm. Let it rest briefly before eating.

Instructions:

1. Let stand 1 minute after microwaving
2. Carefully remove wrap (contents will be hot)
3. Check that filling is steaming

Target Temperature: 165F throughout

Visual Indicator: Steam escapes when opened, filling is hot

Method 3: Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker

Great for cooking straight from frozen without thawing. Hands-off once you set it. Takes about 15-20 minutes at pressure plus release time.

I use this method when I forget to thaw tamales ahead of time. Works every single time.

Step 1: How Do You Set Up the Instant Pot?

You need water and the trivet that came with your pot.

Instructions:

1. Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot inner pot
2. Place the metal trivet or steamer rack inside

Equipment: Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, trivet

Step 2: What Pressure Setting and Time?

High pressure works best. Time varies based on frozen or thawed state.

Instructions:

1. Arrange tamales upright with open end facing up
2. Close lid and set valve to Sealing
3. Press Pressure Cook/Manual and set to HIGH
4. Set time for 15-20 minutes

Pressure: High pressure

Time: 15 minutes thawed, 20 minutes frozen

Step 3: How Do You Release Pressure?

Natural release gives the best results. Takes about 10-15 minutes after cooking.

Instructions:

1. When timer ends, let pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes
2. Quick release any remaining pressure

Checkpoint: Wait for pressure indicator to drop

Step 4: How Do You Know When Done?

Tamales need a few minutes to set after pressure cooking.

Instructions:

1. Remove tamales with tongs (they’re hot)
2. Let rest 5 minutes before unwrapping
3. Masa should pull away cleanly from wrap

Target Temperature: 165F internal

Visual Indicator: Masa is firm, not mushy. Pulls away from wrap easily.

Method 4: Air Fryer

Creates a slightly different texture with crispy edges. Some people love it, others prefer traditional steaming. Worth trying at least once.

The main downside? They can dry out if you’re not careful. Oil helps prevent this.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Air Frying?

Keep the husks on. Add a light coating of oil to prevent drying.

Instructions:

1. Leave tamales in their wraps
2. Lightly spray or brush with vegetable oil
3. Arrange in air fryer basket in single layer

Equipment: Air fryer, cooking spray or oil

Step 2: What Temperature and Time?

Lower temperature takes longer but reduces drying. Higher temperature is faster but riskier.

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 325-375F
2. Place tamales in basket without overcrowding
3. Cook for 8-15 minutes depending on temperature

Temperature: 325F for 15 minutes or 375F for 8-10 minutes

Time: 8-15 minutes (longer for frozen)

Step 3: When Do You Flip?

Halfway through cooking. This ensures even heating on all sides.

Instructions:

1. Flip tamales at the halfway point
2. Add more oil spray if husks look dry

Checkpoint: 4-7 minutes depending on total cook time

Step 4: How Do You Know When Done?

Husks should be slightly golden. Interior should be steaming hot.

Instructions:

1. Check one tamale for doneness
2. Add 2-3 minutes if center is cold
3. Let rest 2 minutes before serving

Target Temperature: 165F internal

Visual Indicator: Husk slightly golden, steam when opened

Method 5: Oven

Best for large batches when you’re feeding a crowd. Takes longer but requires minimal attention.

The key is wrapping in foil and adding water to prevent drying out.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare for Oven?

Wrap tamales in foil with a splash of water for moisture.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. Remove tamales from plastic pouch (keep in wrap)
3. Wrap each tamale tightly in aluminum foil

Equipment: Baking sheet or dish, aluminum foil

Step 2: What Temperature and Time?

Low and slow prevents the masa from drying out.

Instructions:

1. Place foil-wrapped tamales on baking sheet
2. Add 1/4 cup water to the baking dish
3. Cover entire dish with foil
4. Bake at 350F for 45-60 minutes

Temperature: 350F

Time: 45-60 minutes (thaw first if frozen)

Step 3: When Do You Check?

Around the 45 minute mark for thawed tamales.

Instructions:

1. Check one tamale at 45 minutes
2. Use meat thermometer to verify temperature

Checkpoint: 45 minutes into cooking

Step 4: How Do You Know When Done?

Internal temperature tells the real story with oven method.

Instructions:

1. Internal temp should reach 165F
2. Let rest in foil for 5 minutes
3. Carefully unwrap and serve

Target Temperature: 165F internal

Visual Indicator: Foil slightly puffed, steam when opened

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety:

• Internal Temperature: 165F minimum
• Steam Check: Product should steam when cut open
• Thawing: Can cook from frozen (add extra time) or thaw in refrigerator overnight

Quality Indicators (Done Properly):

• Color: Masa is light golden, filling is rich red-brown
• Texture: Masa is soft and moist, pulls away from wrap cleanly
• Temperature: Hot throughout, steaming when opened
• Appearance: No dry spots, filling is evenly distributed

Signs of Overcooking:

• Masa is dry or crumbly at edges
• Filling appears dried out
• Corn masa sticking hard to wrap

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 2 tamales per person (6-7 servings per 15-count package)

Serving Ideas:

• Top with salsa verde or red chili sauce
• Add a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro
• Serve alongside refried beans and Spanish rice

Pairing Recommendations:

• Mexican street corn (elote)
• Fresh guacamole with tortilla chips
• Cold Mexican beer or agua fresca

For a complete Mexican-inspired meal, pair your tamales with some Costco jasmine rice or serve alongside Costco frozen vegetables.

Planning a bigger spread? Try adding Costco street tacos or Costco taquitos to the menu.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight container with wraps intact
• Consume within 3-5 days
• Freeze for up to 6 months (wrap individually in plastic wrap, then freezer bag)

Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: 45-60 seconds wrapped in damp paper towel
• Steamer: 5-8 minutes over simmering water
• Target Temperature: 165F throughout

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Masa is dry and crumbly

Cause: Overcooked or not enough moisture during cooking

Solution: Reduce cooking time. Add damp paper towel for microwave method. Add water to pan for oven method. Check water level when steaming.

Issue: Tamales are unevenly heated

Cause: Overcrowding or not positioned correctly

Solution: Leave space between tamales. Stand upright in steamer. Flip halfway through in air fryer. Cook in smaller batches.

Issue: Masa sticks to wrap

Cause: Not fully cooked or didn’t rest long enough

Solution: Cook additional 2-3 minutes. Let tamales rest 2-5 minutes before unwrapping. The masa firms up as it cools slightly.

Issue: Center is still cold

Cause: Started from frozen without adjusting time

Solution: Add 2 minutes for steaming, 1 minute for microwave, 5 minutes for Instant Pot when cooking from frozen.

Product Variations and Related Items

Del Real Foods Tamale Varieties at Costco:

• Pork in Red Sauce – classic flavor, most popular
• Chicken in Red Sauce – lighter option
• Chicken in Green Sauce – tangy salsa verde filling
• Cheese and Green Chile – vegetarian option with Monterey Jack
• Beef in Red Sauce – hearty alternative

Texas Tamale Company (Online/Seasonal):

• Pork Tamales – 72 count bulk package
• Beef Tamales – ground beef filling
• Chicken Tamales – shredded chicken
• Hatch Chile Tamales – vegetarian with Hatch peppers and cheese

Cooking Time Adjustments: All varieties use similar timing. Cheese tamales may need slightly less time as there’s no meat to heat through.

Looking for more Mexican-inspired Costco items? Check out how to prepare Costco enchiladas, Costco burritos, or Costco quesadillas for your next family dinner or party food spread.

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Tamales

Can You Cook Costco Tamales in the Microwave?

Yes. Wrap each tamale in a damp paper towel and place on a microwave-safe plate.

Heat on HIGH for 60-75 seconds. Add one extra minute if cooking from frozen.

Let stand one minute before unwrapping. The masa should be hot throughout.

How Long Do You Steam Costco Tamales?

Steam for 8-10 minutes over boiling water. Frozen tamales need 10-12 minutes.

Stand them upright with the open end facing up. Keep the water level below the steamer basket.

This traditional preparation delivers the authentic texture most people prefer.

Do You Need to Thaw Frozen Tamales Before Cooking?

No. Costco tamales cook fine straight from frozen.

Just add extra time. About 2 minutes more for steaming, 1 minute for microwave, 5 minutes for Instant Pot.

Thawing overnight in the refrigerator works too if you plan ahead.

Can You Cook Tamales in an Air Fryer?

Yes. Preheat to 375F and cook for 8-15 minutes. Flip halfway through.

Spray the corn husk wrapper with oil first. This prevents the masa from drying out.

The texture comes out slightly crispy. Different from steaming but still good.

How Do You Know When Tamales Are Done?

Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. It should reach 165F.

The masa pulls away cleanly from the sustainable wrap when fully heated. Steam should rise when you open one.

If it sticks, cook a few more minutes.

Can You Cook Costco Tamales in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely. Add 1 cup water and place tamales upright on the trivet.

Pressure cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.

Great for cooking frozen tamales without thawing first.

Should You Remove the Corn Husk Before Cooking?

No. Keep the wrapper on during cooking.

The corn husk or sustainable wrap protects the masa and keeps moisture in. Remove it only after heating.

Del Real Foods uses plant-based wraps. Texas Tamale Company uses traditional husks.

How Do You Reheat Leftover Tamales?

Microwave works fastest. Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat 45-60 seconds.

Steaming takes 5-8 minutes but gives better texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freeze extras for up to 6 months.

What Internal Temperature Should Tamales Reach?

The FDA recommends 165F for all reheated foods containing meat.

Use a meat thermometer to check the pork filling or chicken filling in the center. Both Del Real and Texas Tamale products are fully cooked, so you’re just reheating.

Can You Cook Tamales in the Oven?

Yes. Wrap each tamale in aluminum foil and bake at 350F for 45-60 minutes.

Add 1/4 cup water to the baking dish to prevent drying. Cover the entire dish with foil.

Best method for feeding a crowd at holiday gatherings or party food spreads.

Conclusion

Learning how to cook Costco tamales takes minutes. Pick your method based on time and texture preference.

Steaming delivers authentic taste. Microwave wins for speed. The Instant Pot handles frozen tamales without thawing.

Del Real Foods and Texas Tamale Company both make solid products for quick dinners and meal prep. The bulk packaging means you’ll have enough for weeknight meals or holiday gatherings.

Keep that 165F internal temperature target in mind. Store leftovers properly. And don’t forget the salsa verde on top.