How to Microwave Sweet Potatoes

Sometimes you're short on time but still crave a quick, satisfying meal. In that case, try this simple microwave method to prepare soft, fluffy sweet potato chunks. Microwaving sweet potatoes is fast and easy, resulting in a sweet potato with a caramelized outer layer, similar to roasted ones. The thin skin crisps up while the inside stays soft and airy. You can enjoy them right after cooking or pair them with other dishes to create new flavors in each meal!

Wash the sweet potatoes. Hold them under running water and scrub with a produce brush to remove dirt. Make sure to wash them thoroughly. Afterward, use a paper towel to pat them dry.

• This step is crucial if you plan to eat the skin as well.

Pierce the skin of the sweet potato with a fork. Poke the potato about 6 to 8 times all over. As the sweet potato cooks in the microwave, it heats up rapidly, causing steam to form between the flesh and skin. If you don't poke holes to allow the steam to escape, the sweet potato may explode in the microwave.

• Small holes in the skin are enough, there's no need to insert the fork deep into the potato.
• You could also use a knife to cut an "X" on the skin.
• This step is essential!

Wrap the sweet potato for cooking. Take a paper towel and moisten it with cold water. Gently wring out any excess water to avoid tearing the towel. Place the towel on a microwave-safe plate and position the sweet potato in the center. Fold the edges of the towel over the potato to wrap it up.

• The wet paper towel creates a steaming effect in the microwave when cooking the sweet potato.
• It also helps retain moisture, preventing the potato from shrinking and keeping the skin soft.
• Do not use aluminum foil in the microwave! Never wrap sweet potatoes in aluminum foil when microwaving. It can cause sparks and potentially ignite a fire. It could also damage your microwave.

Place the plate in the microwave and set the cooking time. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potato and the power of your microwave. Most medium or large sweet potatoes need around 8-12 minutes on high power.

• Start by microwaving for 5 minutes, then flip the potato so the other side is facing down for even cooking. Microwave for another 3-5 minutes, depending on the softness of the potato.
• If it's still not soft enough, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals, checking each time.
• If you're cooking multiple potatoes, increase the cooking time by 2/3. For example, if one large sweet potato takes 10 minutes, two large potatoes will need about 16-17 minutes.
• If you want crispy skin, microwave the potato for 5-6 minutes, then remove the paper towel and bake it in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes. This method gives you crispy skin and reduces the total cooking time by half.

Check if the sweet potato is done. Be cautious when removing the sweet potato from the microwave as both the potato and the plate will be very hot! The potato should be firm but not too soft. If it's still too firm, microwave in 1-minute intervals until fully cooked. You can test by inserting a fork into the center of the potato—if it goes in easily but the center is still slightly firm, it's ready to eat.

• If you're unsure, it's best to cook the potato just until it's tender, as overcooking may cause it to burn or explode in the microwave.

Let the sweet potato cool. Remove the paper towel and discard it. It's best to let the sweet potato rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the internal heat to finish cooking the potato evenly. Additionally, it ensures the inside remains soft and fluffy without drying out the outside.

• If you need to keep the potato warm for later, wrap it in aluminum foil to retain its heat longer. Be sure to do this right after removing it from the microwave to keep as much heat in as possible.

Enjoy your meal. Slice the sweet potato in half and savor the flavor.

Add a savory touch to your sweet potato by incorporating some basic ingredients. For instance, melt some butter, sprinkle a pinch of salt, and add a dash of pepper, a spoonful of sour cream, and finely chopped chives.

• If you crave a bit of meat, try adding small pieces of smoked pork or a few slices of sausage for an even richer taste.

Enhance the sweetness of your sweet potato. Sprinkle some brown sugar over it, along with butter and salt. This dish is perfect for dessert!

• You can also drizzle a bit of maple syrup on top.
• If you're in the mood for something sweeter and don't mind gaining a few extra pounds, add a touch of fresh cream.

Experiment with different ingredients. Feel free to mix the ingredients mentioned earlier or try new ones such as:

• Butter slices
• Salsa sauce
• Yellow mustard sauce
• Fried eggs
• Chopped onions or cilantro
• You can also enjoy sweet potatoes with your favorite condiments like mustard sauce, ketchup, or steak sauce.

Pair with other dishes. There are many meal options that go perfectly with sweet potatoes. You can quickly make a tossed salad, serve it with apple sauce, or enjoy it with a cup of yogurt. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully with steak, roasted chicken, or a mix of vegetables.

• Sweet potatoes and taro are two different root vegetables. Most sweet potatoes are similar in shape and size; they have slightly pointed ends and are typically smaller than taro. Sweet potatoes are not as starchy or dry as taro, though both have a somewhat similar taste. If you accidentally buy taro, you can prepare it in the same way as sweet potatoes, and sometimes you won't even notice the difference.
• Some microwaves have a "baked potato" setting. Use this feature when you're unsure how to cook them.
• If you're in a rush, slice the sweet potato right after the microwave stops, season it (or not), and put it back in the microwave for an additional 30 to 60 seconds to finish cooking.
• Experiment and satisfy your cravings. It's not unusual to enjoy sweet potatoes with other dishes! If you're craving a certain flavor, add a bit of it to your sweet potatoes. It can be fun to create your own unique combinations.
• The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) ranks sweet potatoes as one of the most nutritious vegetables.

• If you don't plan to cook the sweet potatoes immediately after purchase, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not store them in the refrigerator as they will dry out.
• A small amount of fat will enhance the absorption of beta-carotene in sweet potatoes. Simply add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil if you don't want to pair it with other dishes.

• Microwave
• Microwave-Safe Plates
• Knife
• Paper Towels (Optional)
• Kitchen Towels
• Fork