Tiffany Haney
Sweet potatoes are a reliable meal option, full of essential nutrients. They can be baked in the oven or microwave, with the latter being a quicker option. The microwave cooking time depends on the size of the potato, but it typically takes 5-10 minutes. Before cooking, the sweet potato should be washed and dried, and pierced with a fork to allow steam to escape. Once cooked, the potato can be seasoned with salt, pepper, butter, olive oil, or cinnamon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 5 minutes on average, depending on the size of the potato |
| Potato size | Smaller potatoes take 5 minutes, medium-sized potatoes take 7-8 minutes, and larger potatoes can take up to 10 minutes |
| Potato preparation | Wash, scrub, and pat dry the sweet potato. Pierce the potato 3-4 times with a fork to allow steam to escape. |
| Microwave preparation | Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate, preferably on a paper towel. |
| Cooking | Microwave on high power for 4 minutes, turning halfway through. Continue in 30-second increments until fork-tender. |
| Toppings | Butter, salt, pepper, olive oil, cinnamon, honey, cheese, and various seasonings |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave at 50% power. |
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What You'll Learn
How to microwave a sweet potato without it exploding
Microwaving a sweet potato is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty side dish. The process is simple, but there are a few key steps to follow to avoid an exploding potato!
Firstly, wash and scrub the sweet potato to remove any dirt. Then, pierce the potato 3-4 times with a fork. This is an important step as it allows steam to escape during cooking. You can also rub the skin with olive oil and season with salt and pepper at this stage if you plan to serve the potato whole.
Next, wrap the sweet potato in a damp paper towel. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high power for 3 minutes. Flip the potato over and cook for a further 2 minutes. Depending on the size of your potato, you may need to increase the cooking time in 30-second increments until it is tender. A medium-sized potato will take around 5 minutes in total, while a larger potato could take up to 10 minutes. It is always better to start with less time and add more if needed, as you cannot undo an overcooked potato!
To check if your potato is cooked, pierce it with a fork or knife. If it glides through easily, your potato is ready to eat. If there is resistance, continue cooking in short bursts until it is tender.
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How long to microwave a sweet potato
Microwaving a sweet potato is a quick and easy alternative to baking it in the oven. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potato and the power of your microwave.
First, scrub your sweet potato under running water to remove any dirt. You can peel the sweet potato if you prefer, but this is optional—the skin is edible and contains many nutrients. Pat the potato dry with a towel, then use a fork to pierce its skin 3-4 times. This allows steam to escape while the potato cooks, preventing it from exploding in the microwave. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate.
For one medium-sized sweet potato, most sources recommend microwaving for 4 minutes, turning it over halfway through. If your potato is on the smaller side, start with 3 minutes. If it is larger, start with 5 minutes. Continue to microwave in 30-second to 1-minute increments until the potato is fork-tender. This means that when you pierce the potato with a paring knife, the knife glides through easily.
Once cooked, split the potato down the middle, season with salt and pepper, and top with butter, olive oil, or other desired toppings. You can also try mashing the potato or making sweet potato wedges.
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How to get crispy skin on a microwaved sweet potato
To get crispy skin on a microwaved sweet potato, you can follow these steps:
- Wash the sweet potato thoroughly, scrubbing with a brush to remove any dirt.
- Dry the sweet potato with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
- Using a fork, pierce the sweet potato's skin 3 to 4 times. This step is important as it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potato from exploding in the microwave.
- Place the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate.
- For a single sweet potato, microwave on high power for 4 to 5 minutes, turning it over halfway through. If you are cooking more than one sweet potato, add 2 minutes for each additional potato.
- Check if the sweet potato is fork-tender. If not, continue microwaving in 30-second or 1-minute increments until it is easily pierced with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the sweet potato from the microwave and let it rest for 2 to 4 minutes. This allows the heat to distribute evenly and ensures a fluffy texture.
- Split the potato down the middle and season with salt and pepper, if desired. You can also drizzle it with butter, olive oil, or other toppings of your choice.
To achieve a crispier skin, you can try the following techniques:
- Rub the skin with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before microwaving.
- After microwaving, place the sweet potato under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.
- Dredge the washed and moist potato in kosher salt before microwaving. The salt will absorb excess moisture and heat up to a higher temperature than the potato, resulting in a crispier skin. Brush off the excess salt after cooking.
Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your sweet potato, so adjust accordingly.
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How to store leftover microwaved sweet potatoes
Microwaved sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to five days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to a year, but they must be cooked first. To freeze sliced sweet potatoes, boil them whole, let them cool, then peel and slice before putting them in a labelled and dated freezer bag. To freeze roasted sweet potatoes, roast them, let them cool, and then place them in a freezer bag.
To reheat your leftover microwaved sweet potatoes, put them in the microwave at 50% power for 30-second increments until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven. Wrap them in foil and bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, or until they are hot all the way through. Cutting them in half lengthwise will help them reheat faster.
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What to serve with a microwaved sweet potato
Microwaved sweet potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with a microwaved sweet potato:
Toppings
- Butter: A classic option that adds richness and enhances the natural sweetness of the potato.
- Salt: A little flaky sea salt or kosher salt can make the flavours of the sweet potato pop.
- Honey or maple syrup: For a sweet touch, especially when paired with butter.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon can add warmth and depth of flavour.
- Sour cream: For a savoury twist, sour cream adds a tangy creaminess.
- Black beans: A protein-rich option that can be used in taco-inspired stuffed sweet potatoes.
- Garlic powder: A savoury sprinkle of garlic powder can add depth of flavour.
- Olive oil or coconut oil: A drizzle of oil can add a luxurious mouthfeel and complement other toppings.
- Cottage cheese queso dip with hatch green chillies: For a creamy, spicy kick.
- Black pepper: A dash of black pepper can add a subtle kick.
Sides
- Sauteed spinach, steamed broccoli, or cucumber vinegar salad: These vegetable sides can add a healthy and tasty element to your meal.
- Grilled chicken burrito: Microwaved sweet potatoes can be a tasty addition to a burrito filling.
- Eggs, leftover turkey/steak, beans, or tuna fish: These proteins can be served alongside sweet potatoes for a balanced meal.
- Arugula: This easy-to-prepare green can round out your meal.
- Salsa, sour cream, hot sauce, or salad dressings: These condiments can be used as toppings or dips for your sweet potato wedges.
- Sweet potato pie bars: If you have leftover microwaved sweet potatoes, you can use them to make these potluck-friendly treats.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the size of the potato. A small potato takes around 5 minutes, a medium-sized potato takes 7-8 minutes, and a large potato can take up to 10 minutes.
The inside of the potato should be completely tender. To test, use a knife to pierce through to the centre of the potato. If there is some resistance, it needs more time. If the knife glides through, it's ready to eat!
Wash the potato and scrub off any dirt. You can cook the potato with the skin on, or peel it. Pierce the potato 3-4 times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate.
Split the potato down the middle, season with salt and pepper, and add a pat of butter. You can also add other toppings like cinnamon, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, or paprika.
