How Long to Boil Tamales
Tamales take 30 to 40 minutes to cook in a pot with boiling water, but you don't boil them: You steam them. To cook tamales, add a couple of cups of water to a large pot and bring it to a boil. Place your tamales in a pot small enough to fit inside the first pot or in a steamer basket, if you have one. Then, put the tamales into the big pot and put a lid on the pot. Turn the heat down to a simmer and let your tamales cook. When the husks pull away from the masa easily, they're done and ready to eat.