Steaming Sweet Potatoes: How Long Until They're Perfect?

Steaming sweet potatoes is a great way to cook this root vegetable, which is a nutritional powerhouse, full of vitamins, fibre, and potassium. It's faster than baking and helps retain moisture, colour, and nutrients. So, how long do you need to steam them for? Well, it depends on the size of your potatoes. If you're steaming whole potatoes, it'll take around 25-35 minutes. If you're steaming chunks, it'll be more like 15-20 minutes.

How to steam sweet potatoes

Steaming sweet potatoes is a great way to cook this root vegetable, resulting in a moist and tender texture. It is also faster than baking and helps preserve more nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam sweet potatoes:

Preparation:

First, wash the sweet potatoes to remove any soil. You can use any type of sweet potato, but it is recommended to use medium-sized potatoes, about 8 ounces each, for more even cooking. If you are using larger potatoes, they will take longer to steam.

Steaming:

Fill a large pot with water to a level just below the steamer basket or colander. Place the steamer basket inside the pot and add the whole sweet potatoes. Bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and let the sweet potatoes steam.

Cooking Time:

Steam the sweet potatoes for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on their size. They are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork or knife without resistance. If you are using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, you can achieve the same moist and tender texture.

Serving:

After steaming, remove the sweet potatoes from the steamer basket and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Then, split the potatoes in half lengthwise and serve as-is or with your desired toppings.

Some popular topping ideas include butter, salt, and pepper; cinnamon with a hint of maple syrup; sour cream and chives; or loaded with black beans and salsa. You can also use steamed sweet potatoes in other recipes, such as mashed sweet potatoes or sweet potato muffins.

How long to steam sweet potatoes for

Steaming sweet potatoes is a great way to cook them, as it preserves more nutrients than other cooking methods and doesn't require any added fat or ingredients. Plus, it's faster than baking! Here's how long you should steam them for:

First, wash your sweet potatoes to remove any soil. You can peel them if you like, but it's not necessary. If you're steaming whole sweet potatoes, it's best to use medium-sized potatoes, as larger potatoes will take longer to cook. Place the sweet potatoes in a steamer basket or colander inside a large pot. Add water to the pot until it reaches just below the bottom of the basket or colander.

Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and maintain a steady boil. Steam whole sweet potatoes for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on their size. They're done when they're tender when pierced with a fork. Allow them to sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

If you're steaming cubed or sliced sweet potatoes, the cooking time will be shorter, around 15 to 20 minutes. Check the potatoes for doneness after about 12 minutes by poking them with a fork. If the fork slides in easily, they're ready.

What to serve with steamed sweet potatoes

Steamed sweet potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here are some ideas for what to serve with steamed sweet potatoes:

Meats

Steamed sweet potatoes can be served alongside a variety of meats, including pork, chicken, and beef. For an elegant meal, try roasted pork loin wrapped in bacon and marinated in garlic, olive oil, paprika, parsley, and oregano. Alternatively, a simple baked chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard is always a hit. For a hearty option, consider a classic Shepherd's Pie, substituting mashed sweet potatoes for the traditional white potatoes.

Fish and Seafood

For a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner, try salmon fillets seasoned with lemon juice, garlic, and salt, paired with steamed broccoli and buttery mashed sweet potatoes. Another elegant option is seared scallops with asparagus, served with roasted sweet potatoes. If you're looking for something spicy and flavorful, try Thai-style shrimp sautéed in garlic, ginger, and chilies, served with steamed sweet potatoes for a sweet potato curry.

Vegetables

Steamed sweet potatoes pair well with a variety of vegetables. Try them with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, zucchini, collard greens, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, or bell peppers. For a fun twist, make sweet potato fries or wedges and serve them with a fresh, leafy green salad. You can also stuff sweet potatoes with your favorite fillings or toppings for a complete meal.

Soups and Salads

Sweet potatoes can be a great side dish to accompany a variety of soups and salads. Try them with a fresh, leafy green salad, a black bean and avocado salad, or a zesty green apple and celery spinach salad. For a cozy option, pair them with a roasted vegan cauliflower soup or a creamy mushroom risotto.

Other Ideas

• Mediterranean quinoa bowls with chickpeas, Kalamata olives, red peppers, and feta cheese.
• Fajitas with grilled vegetables and warm tortillas.
• Sweet potato casserole with pecans and a brown sugar crust.
• Cinnamon-honey glazed sweet potato cubes.
• Sweet potato soup, chili, wedges, chips, hash, pie, or pancakes.

How to prepare sweet potatoes for steaming

Preparing sweet potatoes for steaming is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

Start by selecting medium-sized sweet potatoes, preferably around 8 ounces each. You can also use small or large sweet potatoes, but keep in mind that larger potatoes will take longer to steam. If you want to stick to a specific recipe, look for orange-flesh potatoes like the Jewel or Red Garnet variety.

Step 2: Peeling and Cutting

Once you've chosen your sweet potatoes, it's time to peel them. You can use a conventional potato peeler or a sharp knife for this step. If you want to reduce waste, consider composting the peelings or cutting them into long strips with a bit of flesh left on them to make sweet potato skins. After peeling, cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. The exact size isn't crucial, but aim for each potato to be cut into about three or four slices. This will ensure they cook evenly.

Step 3: Setting Up the Steamer

Place the potato chunks into a steam tray or a metal strainer if you don't have a dedicated steam tray. The steam tray or strainer should be placed in a large pot with water at the bottom. You'll want to add enough water to reach just below the steamer basket or about 2 cups, depending on the size of your pot.

Step 4: Boiling and Steaming

Cover the pot and place it on the stove over high heat. Once the water reaches a strong boil, reduce the heat to medium. Let the sweet potatoes steam until they are soft. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potato chunks, but it typically ranges from 15 to 20 minutes for smaller pieces and up to 35 minutes for whole potatoes. Check for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork; if the fork slides in easily, they are ready.

Step 5: Serving

Once the sweet potatoes are soft, turn off the heat and carefully remove the pot lid, being mindful of the escaping steam. Transfer the potatoes to a serving plate and serve immediately.

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, so you can enjoy them as-is or with a variety of toppings and seasonings. Some classic combinations include butter, salt, and pepper, or you can get creative with toppings like sour cream and chives, cinnamon with a hint of maple syrup, or even loaded with black beans and salsa.

Benefits of steaming sweet potatoes

Steaming sweet potatoes is a great way to cook this versatile root vegetable. It is an easy, fast, and efficient method that produces moist and tender flesh. The bright orange colour is retained, making it visually appealing for pies and casseroles. Steaming is also a healthier option than frying, as it is fat-free and does not create harmful carcinogens.

Sweet potatoes themselves have numerous health benefits, and steaming is a great way to prepare them to maximise these advantages. Firstly, sweet potatoes are highly nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, potassium, and niacin. They are also rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals that can cause chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease.

Secondly, the fibre and antioxidants in sweet potatoes promote gut health. The fibre keeps the digestive tract healthy, and the antioxidants in purple sweet potatoes, in particular, encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Thirdly, sweet potatoes have cancer-fighting properties. The anthocyanins in purple sweet potatoes have been found to slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells in test-tube studies.

Lastly, sweet potatoes support healthy vision and brain function. They are rich in beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A, essential for forming light-detecting receptors in the eyes. Consuming purple sweet potatoes may also improve brain function by reducing inflammation and protecting against free radical damage.

Overall, steaming sweet potatoes is a quick and healthy way to prepare this nutritious vegetable, allowing you to maximise its health benefits while enjoying its delicious taste and tender texture.

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