Steaming Sweet Potatoes: Quick Microwave Method

Steamed sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy meal option, packed with essential nutrients and offering a satisfyingly longer feeling of fullness. While baking them in the oven is a great option, it does require quite some time. If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a tasty sweet potato, using a microwave to cook them is your best bet. Not only is it the fastest and easiest way to cook sweet potatoes, but it also helps retain more nutrients. Here's a simple guide to achieving perfectly steamed sweet potatoes in the microwave.

How to prepare the sweet potato for steaming

Preparing sweet potatoes for steaming in the microwave is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, select your sweet potatoes. You can steam any amount of sweet potatoes in the microwave, but the cooking time will vary depending on the number and size of the potatoes. Medium-sized sweet potatoes are generally the quickest to cook, taking around 5 minutes each.

Before cooking, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water, using a vegetable brush or scrubber to remove any dirt. Pat the potatoes dry with a clean cloth or kitchen towel.

Next, use a fork or a thin knife to pierce the skin of the sweet potatoes. Make 3 to 6 holes in each potato, which will allow steam to escape during cooking and prevent the potatoes from exploding. If you plan to serve the potatoes whole, you can also rub the skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Place the prepared sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If cooking multiple potatoes, leave some space between them for even cooking.

Now your sweet potatoes are ready for steaming in the microwave! For one sweet potato, cook on full power for 5 minutes, rotating halfway through. For each additional potato, add 2 minutes to the cooking time.

To check if the sweet potatoes are done, carefully insert a fork or paring knife into the centre. If it slides in easily, they are ready to be enjoyed! If not, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until they are tender.

How to cook the sweet potato in the microwave

Microwaving a sweet potato is a quick and easy way to cook this versatile vegetable. It is also a great way to retain more of its nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave.

Preparation

First, wash the sweet potato under running water, scrubbing thoroughly with a brush to remove any dirt. Pat the potato dry with a clean cloth or kitchen towel.

Poke Holes

Next, poke holes in the sweet potato to allow steam to escape during cooking. Use a fork or a thin knife to pierce the potato all over—aim for around four to six times. This step is important to prevent the potato from exploding in your microwave.

Seasoning (Optional)

If you plan to serve the sweet potato whole, you can season the skin with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This adds flavour and makes the skin taste delicious.

Microwave

Place the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate. For one sweet potato, microwave on high power for five minutes, rotating the potato halfway through. For each additional potato, add two minutes to the cooking time.

After the initial cooking time, check if the potato is tender by piercing it with a fork or paring knife. If the potato is easily pierced, it is ready. If not, continue microwaving in one-minute increments until it is tender.

Serving

Once cooked, carefully remove the hot potato from the microwave—use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to protect your hands. Slice the potato lengthwise and serve with your choice of toppings or seasonings.

Storage

If you have any leftover sweet potatoes, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days. To reheat, place the potatoes directly on an oven rack in a 325°F oven until warmed through, or simply microwave them until warm.

How long to cook the sweet potato for

The cooking time for a sweet potato in the microwave depends on its size. A medium-sized sweet potato weighing around 7 oz will take about 5 minutes to cook in the microwave. A bigger potato will take longer, and a smaller one will take less time.

For one sweet potato, it is recommended to microwave it on 100% power for 5 minutes, rotating it halfway through. You can then continue to microwave in 1-minute increments until it is tender. You can check this by piercing the potato with a fork or a paring knife. If it glides through the center of the potato easily, it is ready to eat. If there is some resistance, continue cooking.

For each additional potato, add 2 minutes to the cooking time. For example, for two sweet potatoes, microwave for 7 minutes, and for three sweet potatoes, microwave for 9 minutes, and so on.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the wattage and model of your microwave, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How to serve the sweet potato

There are many ways to serve a sweet potato, whether it's as a side dish or as the main event.

If you're looking for a simple side, you can't go wrong with a little butter, honey, and cinnamon, or just a pat of butter if you don't want to distract from the sweet potato. You can also try brown sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

For a more savoury option, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and/or cumin. You could also add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.

Sweet potatoes are also great in salads. You can roast them with some spices, such as paprika and cumin, or fry them to make sweet potato fries. You can also steam them for a truly nutritious salad, or caramelise them for dessert fruit salads.

If you're looking to make sweet potatoes the star of the dish, you can stuff them, bake them, or layer them into casseroles. They can be blended into soups, tossed into curries, or used in veggie burgers. You can even make sweet potato hummus.

How to store leftover sweet potato

Storing leftover sweet potatoes is easy and can be done in a few different ways. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your leftover sweet potatoes stay fresh and tasty:

Refrigerating Cooked Sweet Potatoes:

Place your cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to consume them within this time frame to ensure food safety and maintain the best quality.

Freezing Cooked Sweet Potatoes:

If you have a large batch of cooked sweet potatoes, you can freeze them for extended storage. Place the sweet potatoes in resealable bags or airtight containers and store them in the freezer. They will remain fresh for up to 6 months to a year. When you're ready to use them, thaw them in the fridge for several hours, then reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.

Storing at Room Temperature:

If you plan to consume the leftover sweet potatoes within a few hours, you can leave them at room temperature. Place them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, ensuring they are not exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources. Consume them within 2 hours for optimal food safety.

Reheating Leftover Sweet Potatoes:

When reheating your leftover sweet potatoes, there are a few recommended methods to ensure they retain their flavour and texture. You can reheat them in the microwave, ensuring they are in a microwave-safe container and heating them in short intervals to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Remember, it is important to practise good food safety habits. Always use clean utensils and containers when handling leftover food. Ensure your refrigerator is set to the appropriate temperature (below 40°F) to keep your food fresh and safe.

Frequently asked questions