How to cook a sweet potato in the microwave? Have you ever wanted to have a delicious, soft sweet potato for dinner but lacked the time? Well now, you can quickly and easily cook your sweet potatoes in the microwave instead of roasting them or baking them in an oven. This technique results in a perfectly cooked sweet potato with just the right texture. It’s both quick and easy- no longer do you need to take up valuable oven space or wait around while they roast! Learn how to master this simple cooking method so that you can enjoy perfectly cooked sweet potatoes without extra fuss today!
Can You Cook Sweet Potatoes In The Microwave?
You certainly can! In fact, sweet potatoes will keep more nutrients thanks to the shorter cooking time as these are sometimes lost during lengthy baking. With the exception of speed, it’s not much different from roasting a sweet potato in the oven.
Despite the fact that some people like the dry, crispy skin of oven-baked sweet potatoes, you can get a comparable finish by placing your microwaved sweet potato under the broiler for a few minutes after cooking.
How Do I Prep A Sweet Potato For The Microwave?
All you have to do is make a few little holes in the potato, which will allow the steam to escape. The potato should be pierced four to five times all over with a fork or thin knife.
You should also season the skins of the potatoes with salt, pepper, and olive oil if you intend to serve them whole. The vegetable’s skin and immediately beneath it contain a significant amount of fiber and minerals, and seasoning it improves its flavor. Although sweet potatoes are frequently sold in grocery stores shrink-wrapped, it is not essential to wrap the potatoes in wet paper towels or plastic wrap.
How Long Does A Microwaved Sweet Potato Take To Cook?
On 100% power, it takes 5- 10 minutes to cook 1 (8-ounce) sweet potato. Larger sweet potatoes will require more time; continue to microwave the potatoes in 1-minute intervals as necessary until they are fully cooked. When done, the potatoes should be readily poked through the center with a fork or paring knife.
Does A Microwaved Sweet Potato Have Crispy Skin?
Sweet potatoes cooked in the microwave have soft skins and tender flesh. The cooked sweet potatoes should be placed under the broiler until the skin is dry and crisp if you want the crisp skin of an oven-baked sweet potato.
Why This Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe Works
This recipe not only yields perfectly cooked sweet potatoes with a minimal amount of hands-on time, but it also preserves the nutritional value of the vegetables. Microwaving takes much less time than roasting or baking in an oven, so nutrients are not lost through long cooking times. Additionally, seasoning the potato’s skins helps to bring out its flavor. Finally, putting the potatoes under the broiler for a few minutes gives them that crispy skin texture you’d otherwise get from baking in an oven.
Bite Into A Wholesome Snack
It is noteworthy to notice the sweet potato’s unexpected health advantages. These tasty tubers are packed in beta carotene, an antioxidant, and fiber. Additionally, they contain a lot of potassium, one of the most vital nutrients for the body.
It aids in controlling nerve messages, muscular contractions, and fluid homeostasis. It has been suggested that a high-potassium diet can lower blood pressure and water retention, guard against stroke, and avoid kidney stones and osteoporosis.
Ingredients For Microwaved Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potato of your choice: Purple, Japanese, Garnett, Jewel (orange), Hannah (white).
- For seasoning, combine butter, salt, black pepper, and minced herbs (see below for more ideas)
What Kind Of Sweet Potatoes To Use?
- Jewel Sweet Potatoes – A deep orange flesh with an exterior that is slightly orange and slightly copper in hue. They have a light sweetness.
- Hannah Sweet Potatoes – A white-fleshed sweet potato with a mild flavor.
- Japanese Sweet Potatoes – Taste almost like candy with a deep purple color and creamy white flesh. They are also a bit drier than other sweet potatoes.
- Purple Sweet Potatoes – A unique potato with its light lavender skin and bright yellow to orange flesh. It is sweeter, creamier, and denser than the other varieties. Safe plat 100% power.
- Garnett Sweet Potatoes – Deep red, almost purple in color on the outside, and creamy orange flesh. These have a very sweet flavor and are often used in baking due to their sweetness.
How To Cook A Sweet Potato In The Microwave
If you don’t know how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave, then this recipe is for you. This method ensures a tender sweet potato with crisp skin and a nutty flavor.
1. Wash Your Sweet Potatoes
Wash the sweet potatoes before you microwave them.
Since sweet potatoes are grown in the ground, washing them will help get rid of any extra dirt. Additionally, you avoid having to deal with peeling them.
Hold the sweet potatoes beneath flowing water while cleaning them with a vegetable brush (or just thoroughly using your hands). Once dry, pat.
2. Pierce Your Sweet Potatoes
After that, make 4–6 fork slits in the sweet potatoes. As they cook, the steam may escape thanks to this. If you don’t, there could be an explosion in your microwave, so be sure to do it.
3. Microwave For 6+ Minutes
- Each sweet potato is wrapped in a wet paper towel. As they cook, this keeps them wet.
- After that, microwave the sweet potatoes for 6 minutes on high power on a microwave-safe dish, flipping once.
- Check to see whether they are sensitive after the 6-minute mark. If so, you’re out of options! If not, microwave in 1-minute intervals until they are satisfied.
Video: How To Cook A Sweet Potato In The Microwave?
Tips For Success
- Increase the cooking time by two to three minutes per sweet potato if you are using the microwave to prepare several of them.
- My preferred method for preparing sweet potatoes is to microwave them for two to three minutes to soften them before baking them for 15 to 20 minutes on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil at 425 F. (This stops sugar from dripping out and ruining your pan.)
- Even though microwave cooking speeds up the process and reduces the overall cooking time by about an hour, you won’t get the crisp exterior and delicious, caramelized flesh that can only be obtained by oven baking. The best of both worlds is present.
Other Ways To Cook A Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes in general are very much to my liking. They are not only tasty and healthy, but they are also adaptable. Here are some additional methods for cooking sweet potatoes besides the microwave:
- Baking
- Sautéing
- Grilling
- Boiling
- Roasting
- Mashing
- Frying
Great Flavor Combinations
- Pepper and Salt – Use salt and freshly cracked black pepper to keep it straightforward. Here, kosher salt is unquestionably preferable.
- Herbs and Garlic – Olive oil should be drizzled over your cut sweet potatoes before adding any minced herbs, such as basil, chives, rosemary, and thyme. Add some grated garlic for an unrivaled spicy kick.
- Cheese and Bacon – Add some shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced green onion to your sweet potatoes for a savory combination.
- Maple Syrup & Cinnamon – Drizzle each serving of sweet potatoes with butter, pure maple syrup, and cinnamon before baking at 375 F until tender (about 45 minutes).
How To Store A Microwaved Sweet Potato
Store your microwaved sweet potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can either eat them cold or reheat them before consuming them.
If you want to keep your microwaved sweet potatoes longer, wrap them tightly in foil and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to consume, let thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat in the oven or microwave.
That’s how to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave! Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions For How To Cook A Sweet Potato In The Microwave
Is It Better To Bake Or Microwave Sweet Potatoes?
Both baking and microwaving are great ways to prepare sweet potatoes. Baking may give you crispier skin, but microwaving is much faster.
Is It Safe To Eat Sweet Potatoes That Have Been Microwaved?
Yes! As long as you follow the instructions for how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave, it should be safe to eat. Just make sure you don’t overcook your sweet potatoes as this can cause them to become mushy or dry.
Can I Reheat A Microwaved Sweet Potato?
Yes, you can reheat a microwaved sweet potato. To do so, wrap the potato in foil and bake until it’s heated through (usually about 15 minutes at 375°F). Alternatively, you can place the potato in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high for 1 to 2 minutes.
What Are Some Ways To Enjoy Microwaved Sweet Potatoes?
There are lots of ways to enjoy microwaved sweet potatoes! You can top them with butter and herbs, mix them with veggies and cheese, or mash them up for a nutritious side dish. You can also slice them into wedges and serve with a dip, like ranch dressing.
Does Microwaving Sweet Potato Soften It?
Yes, microwaving sweet potatoes will soften them and make them easier to cut into cubes or slices. However, the texture might not be as crispy as when baking in the oven.
How Many Sweet Potatoes Can You Microwave At Once?
It depends on the size of your microwave and the amount of space you have available. Generally, it’s best to cook only one or two sweet potatoes at a time in the microwave. If you need to cook more than that, use an oven instead.
How Long Should I Microwave A Sweet Potato?
The time it takes to cook a sweet potato in the microwave will depend on its size. Generally, medium-sized sweet potatoes should be cooked for 8 minutes, while large ones may take up to 10 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on your potatoes and check them periodically to make sure they don’t overcook.
Is Microwaving A Sweet Potato Safe?
Yes, microwaving a sweet potato is safe as long as you follow the instructions for how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave. Just make sure not to overcook your potatoes and watch them carefully while they’re cooking.
Can I Use This Microwave Method To Cook Regular White Potatoes?
Yes, you can use the same method to cook regular white potatoes. However, due to their smaller size, they may need less time in the microwave – usually only 5 minutes or so. Just make sure to check them periodically while they’re cooking and adjust the time as needed.
Can You Cook Cubed Sweet Potatoes In The Microwave?
Yes, you can cook cubed sweet potatoes in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe dish and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through. The exact time will depend on how large your cubes are, so check periodically to make sure they don’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – a foolproof guide on how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave. Sweet potatoes are an incredibly healthy and versatile vegetable, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes. Microwaving is one of the simplest methods for cooking sweet potatoes, but there are other options available as well. Sweet Basil’s Cafe hopes you enjoy the sweet potato dish you create. What’s your favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes? Let me know in the comments below!
How To Cook A Sweet Potato In The Microwave
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
Instructions
- Wash the sweet potatoes first. Dry up.
- With a fork, poke sweet potatoes 4-6 times all over.
- Each sweet potato is wrapped in a wet paper towel. As they cook, this keeps them wet.
- Place the microwave-safe platter with the sweet potatoes wrapped on it, and microwave on high for 6 minutes.
- Microwave them for another 1-2 minutes until they are. Enjoy
Notes
- Refrigerate the potatoes for up to 4 days after complete cooling.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- 12 minutes in the microwave will cook 4 potatoes.
- When the potatoes are close to being done, check them, and if necessary, microwave them for an additional minute.
