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Does your sweet potato frequently come out hard, dehydrated, or showing characteristics of a rubbery consistency?
If so, you may not be cooking them correctly.
To learn how to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave so that they come out soft and fluffy, keep reading!
Sweet potatoes are a type of starchy tuberous root vegetable.
They come in many different shapes and sizes, and their skin can be white, yellow, orange, red, or brown.
Sweet potatoes are often mistaken for yams, but they are two different vegetables.
While both sweet potatoes and yams are starchy and sweet-tasting, yams tend to be drier and less sweet than sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium.
They can be cooked in many different ways, such as baking, boiling, roasting, or frying.
However, microwave cooking is one of the quickest and easiest methods.
If you’ve never cooked sweet potatoes in the microwave before, it’s important to start by puncturing them a few times with a fork.
This will allow steam to escape as they cook and prevent them from exploding.
Microwaving sweet potatoes is a quick and easy way to get them soft and fluffy, without any of the hassles.
Here’s how to do it:
How to make sweet potatoes in the microwave?
When cooked properly, sweet potatoes that have been microwaved will be soft and fluffy on the inside with slightly crispy skin.
Follow these steps to learn how to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave:
For making sweet potatoes in the microwave, you need:
●1 or 2 large sweet potatoes
●A sharp knife
●A fork
●Paprika, salt, and pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Start by scrubbing your sweet potatoes clean. You can use a brush or a sponge to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Cut your sweet potatoes into even-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook. If they are too big, they will not cook evenly. Next, use a fork to poke several holes in each sweet potato. This will allow steam to escape while they cook and prevent them from exploding.
3. Place the sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap.
4. Cook on high for 5 minutes, then take the sweet potatoes out and flip them over.
5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until they are cooked through. As always, when using the microwave, it’s best to err on the side of less cooking time, as you can always give them a few more minutes if they’re not entirely done.
6. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before handling. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, you can season them however you like. Serve with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or some salt and pepper.
That’s it! By following these simple steps, you can learn how to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave so that they come out soft, fluffy, and delicious every time.
Give it a try and see for yourself!
Additional Tip: Here are some other ways to cook sweet potatoes:
Boiling: Boil sweet potatoes in a pot of water for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Drain the water and serve with butter, salt, and pepper.
Roasting: Cut sweet potatoes into even-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
Frying: Cut sweet potatoes into thin slices and fry in a pan with hot oil for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel and season with salt.
These are just a few ideas, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different methods and flavorings.
Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes.
So have fun with it and enjoy!
Thanks for reading.
VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
After cutting the cooked potato in half, add a pat of butter, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and/or honey to the center before eating.
For a savory version, try omitting the sweet toppings and adding savory toppings like sour cream, chives, and/or bacon bits.
If you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand, you can also use regular potatoes.
Just keep in mind that they will take a bit longer to cook.
You can also cook multiple sweet potatoes at once by increasing the cooking time as needed.
Just be sure to flip them halfway through so that they cook evenly.
If you’re in a hurry, you can cook sweet potatoes in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Just be sure to scrub them clean, cut them into even-sized pieces, and poke a few holes in them before cooking.
COOKING TIME
Cooking time will vary depending on the size and number of sweet potatoes.
Start with 5 minutes, then check them and cook for an additional 5 minutes if needed.
RECOMMENDED MAIN DISHES
This is such a wonderfully versatile dish!
Here are some of our favorite main dishes to serve with sweet potatoes:
1. Roasted chicken breasts: This dish is simple yet delicious and full of flavor. Season chicken breasts with your favorite spices, then roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a complete meal.
2. Grilled steak: Season your steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then grill to your desired doneness. We love serving grilled steak with roasted sweet potatoes and a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
3. Salmon: This healthy and flavorful fish pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes. Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and your favorite vegetable for a nutritious and delicious meal.
4. Vegetarian chili: This hearty and flavorful chili is perfect for a cold winter day. It’s packed with vegetables, beans, and spices, and it’s sure to please even the most diehard meat-eater. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes for a filling and satisfying meal.
5. BBQ Chicken: This dish is perfect for summertime grilling. Season chicken breasts with your favorite BBQ sauce, then grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and a green salad for a complete and delicious meal.
These are just a few ideas, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different dishes.
Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes.
So have fun with it and enjoy!
STORING LEFTOVERS
It’s pretty simple- if you have any sweet potatoes leftover, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they should last for 3-5 days.
You can also freeze sweet potatoes for longer-term storage.
Just be sure to wrap them tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag before freezing.
Frozen sweet potatoes should last for 6-8 months.
Defrosting frozen sweet potatoes:
To defrost, just remove the sweet potatoes from the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can place them in a microwave-safe dish and defrost on the “defrost” setting for 5-10 minutes or until they are thawed.
Once thawed, cook as desired.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I peel the potato before cooking?
This is a common question that people have when they are preparing potatoes for a meal.
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem.
While peeling the potato may remove some of the dirt and debris from the surface of the potato, it can also remove some of the nutrients that are found in the skin.
If you are concerned about losing some of the nutrients in the potato, you can always wash the potato before peeling it.
This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of the potato without removing the nutrients that are found in the skin.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to peel the potato before cooking it is up to you.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to prepare potatoes, peeling them before cooking may be the best option.
However, if you are concerned about losing some of the nutrients in the potato, you can always wash the potato before peeling it.
How long does it take to cook a sweet potato in the microwave?
It really depends on the size and weight of the sweet potato.
A general rule of thumb is to cook it on high for 5 minutes per half-pound.
So, if you’re cooking a one-pound sweet potato, you would microwave it for 10 minutes.
If you’re unsure about the cooking time, it’s better to err on the side of caution and cook the sweet potato for a little less time than to overcook it.
You can always put it back in the microwave for a little bit longer if it’s not quite done.
But once it’s overcooked, there’s no turning back!
One other thing to keep in mind is that microwaves vary in their power and cooking times, so your results may vary slightly from the guidelines above.
But as long as you’re close, you’ll be fine.
Happy cooking!
Why do you pierce the skin with a fork before cooking?
The reason for piercing the skin with a fork before cooking is two-fold.
First, it allows the heat to penetrate the skin and cook the meat underneath more evenly.
Second, it helps to release the juices from the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
So next time you’re preparing a meal, don’t forget to give your meat a little fork-tenderizing love!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
I enjoy cooked sweet potato just as it is, but here are a few other ideas for serving:
1.Serve sweet potato halves with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
2.Serve sweet potato slices with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
3.Top cooked sweet potato with chili, shredded cheese, and/or green onions.
4.Add cooked sweet potatoes to soup, stew, or chili.
5.Use cooked sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes in recipes such as mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or hashbrowns.
6.Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips, then fry them in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve with salt.
7.Roast sweet potatoes in the oven, then top with sour cream, chives, and/or bacon bits.
8.Cut sweet potatoes into small pieces and add them to a soup or stew.
9.Add sweet potato slices to a hearty soup or stew.
10.Mash sweet potatoes and use them as a spread or dip.
11.Puree-cooked sweet potatoes and add them to smoothies or baking recipes for added sweetness and nutrition.
There are so many ways to enjoy cooked sweet potatoes.
Get creative and experiment to find your favorite way to eat them!
The possibilities are endless!
Thanks for reading!
I hope this post has given you some helpful tips on how to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.
And if you give this method a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.
Happy cooking!
How to cook sweet potatoes in microwave
Equipment
- 1 microwave
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes
- Paprika
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Start by scrubbing your sweet potatoes clean. You can use a brush or a sponge to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cut your sweet potatoes into even-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook. If they are too big, they will not cook evenly. Next, use a fork to poke several holes in each sweet potato. This will allow steam to escape while they cook and prevent them from exploding.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Cook on high for 5 minutes, then take the sweet potatoes out and flip them over.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until they are cooked through. As always, when using the microwave, it’s best to err on the side of less cooking time, as you can always give them a few more minutes if they’re not entirely done.
- Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before handling. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, you can season them however you like. Serve with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or some salt and pepper.
