Steaming Potatoes: Quick Microwave Method For Perfect Spuds

Cooking potatoes in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to prepare this versatile vegetable. Whether you're making mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or adding them to a salad, steaming potatoes in the microwave can save time and effort. However, it's important to note that the combination of high temperatures and water used in microwave cooking can affect the nutritional content of potatoes. Additionally, microwaving a potato without pricking holes in its skin may lead to an explosion inside the oven due to steam buildup. To avoid this, it is crucial to pierce the potato with a fork or knife before cooking.

How to prepare potatoes for microwave steaming

Microwaving potatoes is a quick and convenient way to cook them, but it's important to follow certain steps to ensure they turn out well and are safe to eat. Here's a guide on how to prepare potatoes for microwave steaming:

Wash and Dry the Potatoes

First, wash the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. You can use your hands to rub them or a vegetable brush to scrub them gently. Then, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.

Poke Holes in the Potatoes

Using a sharp knife or a fork, puncture the potatoes in several places. This is a crucial step as it allows the steam to escape. If you don't do this, the steam can build up inside the potato, causing it to explode in your microwave.

Place in a Microwave-Safe Dish

Put the potatoes on a microwave-safe dish. If you're cooking multiple potatoes, try to use ones that are similar in size so they cook evenly.

Add Water and Microwave

Place a microwave-safe cup of water in the dish alongside the potatoes. The water helps prevent the potato skins from wrinkling. For one potato, microwave on high power for 4-5 minutes. For each additional potato, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Flip and Continue Microwaving

Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs or a fork to carefully flip the potatoes. They will be hot, so be cautious.

Check for Doneness

When the timer goes off, use oven mitts to remove the dish from the microwave. The potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork or knife all the way to the center. If they're not quite tender yet, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until they're cooked to your liking.

Serve or Store

Once the potatoes are cooked, you can serve them as desired. If you're not eating them right away, let them cool and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to avoid an explosion when microwave steaming potatoes

Steaming potatoes in the microwave is a great way to cut down on cooking time and avoid dirtying lots of dishes. However, it's important to take certain precautions to avoid an explosion. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to safely steam potatoes in the microwave and avoid any mishaps:

Step 1: Wash the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes under running water. You can use your hands to rub them and remove any dirt. This step ensures that your potatoes are clean before cooking.

Step 2: Prick or Puncture the Potatoes

Use a fork or the tip of a sharp knife to create holes in the potatoes. It is recommended to make about four punctures in each potato. This step is crucial as it allows the steam to escape. If you don't prick the potatoes, steam can build up inside, leading to a potential explosion.

Step 3: Prepare the Microwave-Safe Dish

Place the pricked potatoes on a microwave-safe dish. You can also add a microwave-safe cup of water to the dish, as this helps prevent the potato skin from wrinkling. The water creates a steaming effect, ensuring the potatoes cook evenly.

Step 4: Microwave the Potatoes

For the first potato, set the microwave to high power and cook for 4-5 minutes. For each additional potato, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. For example, two potatoes would take around 7-8 minutes. Remember to turn the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After removing the potatoes from the microwave, carefully touch or squeeze them to check if they are done. The skin should peel off easily, but be cautious as the potatoes will be very hot. You can also use a knife to stick into the potato; it should slide in easily without much resistance.

Step 6: Open the Potatoes Carefully

To open the microwaved potatoes, first slice the top with a knife and then place a folded paper towel over them. Use the bottom of your fist to give it a gentle bash. This helps break the fibers apart and makes the potato fluffy.

By following these steps and ensuring that you create steam vents in the potatoes, you can safely cook potatoes in the microwave and avoid any explosions. Always exercise caution when handling hot potatoes and enjoy your perfectly cooked spuds!

How long to microwave steam potatoes for

To steam potatoes in the microwave, you'll need to first wash the potatoes under running water, scrubbing them with a brush or your hands. Then, pierce the potatoes a few times with a fork or a knife—this is important, as it allows the steam to escape. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish with a cup of water to prevent the skin from wrinkling.

The cooking time will depend on the number of potatoes and the wattage of your microwave. For example, a single large potato will need about 5-6 minutes in the microwave, plus 5 minutes to cool down and finish cooking. For four potatoes, you'll need 13-15 minutes. A general rule is that one 7-to-8-ounce potato takes about 7 minutes, and two will take about 11 minutes. If your microwave has a potato button, use that, and if it says 'REST', let the potatoes sit for a couple of minutes to finish cooking.

You can also par-cook potatoes in the microwave to reduce roasting or grilling time. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cook on high for about three to five minutes, or until you can cut through the potato with little resistance.

How to serve microwave steamed potatoes

Cooking potatoes in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to prepare a tasty meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve microwave-steamed potatoes:

Preparing the Potatoes

First, select the potatoes you want to cook. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for baking due to their thick skin and fluffy texture. However, you can use any starchy potato variety, including sweet potatoes. Give the potatoes a good scrub under cool running water to remove any dirt, especially if you plan on eating the skin. You can use a vegetable brush or your fingers for this step.

Pricking and Seasoning

After cleaning, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel. Now, use a fork or the tip of a sharp knife to prick the potatoes. This step is crucial as it creates steam vents, preventing a potential explosion in your microwave and resulting in fluffier potatoes. Prick each potato about four times. If you're baking potatoes in the oven, you can also rub them with a small amount of oil to achieve a crispy skin, but this isn't necessary for microwaved potatoes.

Cooking the Potatoes

Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe dish. If your microwave has a moisture sensor, simply press the 'potato' button and wait for it to beep. If not, a good rule of thumb is that one 7-to-8-ounce potato takes around 7 minutes to cook, and each additional potato will add about 4 minutes to the cooking time. For example, two potatoes will take about 11 minutes, while four potatoes will take around 15 minutes.

Checking for Doneness

Once the microwave beeps, let the potatoes rest inside for a couple of minutes to finish cooking. Remember, each microwave is different, so use a knife to check if the potatoes are done. Insert the knife into the centre of a potato; it should slide in easily, and the potato should be soft but not mushy.

Serving the Potatoes

To open the microwaved potatoes, first slice the top with a knife and then place a folded paper towel over it. Using the bottom of your fist, gently bash the potato, being careful as it will be very hot. Now, you can add your favourite toppings. Classic baked potato toppings include butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, and salt and pepper. You can also get creative with toppings like pesto and Parmesan, miso and furikake, or a runny sunny-side-up egg with hot sauce.

Tips for Optimal Results

• To prevent the potato skin from shrinking and wrinkling, place a microwave-safe cup full of water in the microwave alongside the potatoes.
• Turn the potatoes over halfway through the cooking process.
• For an even cook, ensure all potatoes are roughly the same size.
• Avoid using plastic wrap or plastic storage bags, as they may melt onto your food. Instead, look for containers marked 'microwave-safe' or 'BPA-free'.
• If you're short on time, you can par-cook the potatoes in the microwave and then finish them off in the oven or grill for a crispy skin.

Microwaved steamed potatoes are a convenient and tasty treat, perfect for busy days when you crave a delicious, fluffy potato without the long cooking time of traditional baking methods.

How to store and reheat microwave steamed potatoes

How to Store and Reheat Microwave-Steamed Potatoes

Storing

Leftover cooked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. To store in the refrigerator, place the potatoes in a shallow, airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will last for 3 to 5 days stored this way. If you want to store them for longer, place them in the freezer, where they will keep for up to 3 months. However, note that freezing whole cooked potatoes is not recommended as they will become watery when thawed. Instead, freeze mashed, roasted, or scalloped potatoes.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat steamed potatoes, including using the microwave, air fryer, stovetop, or oven. Here is a step-by-step guide for each method:

Microwave:

• Cut the potato in half lengthwise.
• Place each half cut-side up on a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover each cut side with a damp paper towel.
• Heat the potato for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until it is heated through.

Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F.
• Place the potato in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until heated through.

Stovetop:

• Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
• Cut the potato in half lengthwise.
• Place the potato cut-side down in the skillet.
• Cover the skillet with a lid to steam the potato and help it warm through.
• Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until heated through.
• Once heated, flip the potato so all sides get crispy.

Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Take the potatoes out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature.
• Place the potato directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently asked questions