Quick and Easy: Microwaving Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a versatile and delicious root vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different dishes and preparations. They are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

While baking sweet potatoes in the oven is a popular cooking method, the microwave can be a quick and easy way to prepare them as well. Not only does this method save time, but it also allows you to cook sweet potatoes even if you don’t have access to an oven. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked sweet potatoes in no time. Here are some tips on how to make sweet potatoes in the microwave.

10 Best Ways to Make Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave

Who says you need an oven or stove to make delicious and healthy sweet potatoes? Not only are they a perfect side dish, but also a tasty and nutritious substitute for french fries or chips. Here are 10 different ways you can quickly and easily cook sweet potatoes in the microwave.

1. Classic Baked Sweet Potato

This is the traditional and simplest way to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave. Wash and dry the sweet potato, then poke some holes in it with a fork to let the steam escape. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 5 minutes. Then, turn it over and cook for another 5 minutes. The skin should be slightly wrinkled, and the flesh should be tender.

2. Microwave Steamed Sweet Potato

To steam a sweet potato in the microwave, add 2 tablespoons of water to a microwave-safe dish and place the sweet potato on top. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and cook on high for 5 minutes. Let it sit for another 2-3 minutes to finish steaming. This is an ideal way to cook sweet potatoes if you want a softer consistency.

3. Sweet Potato Chips

Thinly slice sweet potatoes into rounds and spread them out on a microwave-safe plate. Drizzle with olive oil and your favorite spices, such as salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook on high for 3 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they’re crispy and golden brown.

4. Sweet Potato Fries

Cut sweet potatoes into thin matchsticks and toss them with olive oil and spices. Spread them out on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 4-5 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until they’re crispy and golden.

5. Loaded Sweet Potato

Bake a sweet potato using the classic method and then cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out some flesh to make room for your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, cooked bacon, and sour cream before microwaving for another 2 minutes.

6. Mashed Sweet Potato

Instead of boiling sweet potatoes in a pot of water, you can cook them in the microwave. Simply cut them into chunks and place them in a microwave-safe dish with 1 tablespoon of water. Cover it up and cook on high for 5-6 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Transfer them to a mixing bowl, add your favorite seasonings and mash away.

7. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, drizzle with olive oil and your favorite spices, then cook on high for 5-6 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 5-6 minutes. This method will give you sweet potato wedges that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

8. BBQ Sweet Potato

Slice a sweet potato into thin rounds and toss with olive oil and barbecue seasoning. Put on microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 3-4 minutes until crisp, flipping halfway through and drizzling with extra oil if necessary.

9. Sweet Potato Rice

Cut sweet potatoes into small cubes and place them in a food processor. Pulse them until they’re the size of rice grains. Add them to a microwave-safe dish, cover with water, and cook on high for 5 minutes. Drain the water and then use the sweet potato rice as a base for your favorite dish.

10. Sweet Potato Microwave Omelet

Peel and grate a sweet potato and mix it with beaten egg. Pour into a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and microwave on high for another 30-60 seconds until cheese is melted.

Overall, cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave is a fantastic option if you want a quick, easy, and healthy meal or snack. Not only does it save time, but also preserves most of the vitamins and minerals that make sweet potatoes a superfood. Try one of these 10 delicious ways to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave today.

10 Easy Steps for Making Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave

Microwaving sweet potatoes is an easy way to enjoy this delicious root vegetable with minimum fuss. Whether you want to whip up a quick snack or a healthy side dish, here’s how to make sweet potatoes in the microwave in just ten easy steps.

1) Select Your Sweet Potato

To make sweet potatoes in the microwave, you’ll need a good-quality sweet potato. Choose a medium-sized sweet potato that is firm to the touch and free from blemishes. If possible, opt for organic sweet potatoes that are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

2) Clean and Scrub Your Sweet Potato

Before placing your sweet potato in the microwave, it’s important to clean and scrub it thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse it under cold running water and scrub it with a veggie brush or a clean kitchen sponge.

3) Pierce The Sweet Potato

To prevent the sweet potato from exploding in the microwave, use a fork to pierce several holes in the skin. This will allow steam to escape while cooking, preventing a mess and ensuring even cooking.

4) Wrap The Sweet Potato

To help the sweet potato cook evenly, wrap it in damp paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This will help to create a moist environment which encourages even cooking and prevents the sweet potato from becoming dry.

5) Choose The Right Microwave Setting

Microwave settings can vary, so choose the right setting for your sweet potato. Set your microwave to high and cook the sweet potato for around six to eight minutes or until it’s soft and tender.

6) Turn The Sweet Potato Over

After four minutes of cooking, turn the sweet potato over to ensure even cooking on both sides. This will help to prevent burns and ensure an evenly cooked sweet potato.

7) Let The Sweet Potato Rest

Once the sweet potato is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the sweet potato to cool slightly and makes it easier to handle.

8) Remove The Skin

Using a knife, cut a slit lengthwise down the sweet potato and use a fork to gently scrape out the flesh. Discard the skin or use it for composting.

9) Add Toppings

Now that your sweet potato is cooked, you can add toppings to make it extra delicious. Try drizzling some olive oil, honey, or maple syrup over the flesh, or sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy flavor.

10) Enjoy!

Your sweet potato is now ready to enjoy! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a healthy snack, this easy microwave recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the delicious taste of tender and sweet potato, cooked in just ten easy steps.

How to Make Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave: Tips and Tricks

Making sweet potatoes in the microwave is not only a quick and easy way to prepare this nutritious root vegetable, but it also retains more nutrients than boiling or baking. Follow these tips and tricks to make the perfect sweet potato every time.

Choosing the Right Sweet Potato

Not all sweet potatoes are alike! There are two main types of sweet potatoes: firm and soft. Firm sweet potatoes have a thin, light-colored skin and white flesh, while soft sweet potatoes have a darker skin and orange flesh. For the best results in the microwave, choose a firm sweet potato, which will hold up better during cooking.

Cooking Times

The cooking time for sweet potatoes in the microwave will depend on the size of the potato and the wattage of your microwave. As a general rule, small sweet potatoes will take around 5-6 minutes, medium sweet potatoes around 7-8 minutes, and large sweet potatoes around 10-12 minutes. If you’re unsure of the wattage of your microwave, start with a shorter cooking time and modify as needed.

Pricking or Piercing Sweet Potatoes

Before cooking your sweet potato in the microwave, you may want to prick or pierce the skin with a fork or knife to prevent it from exploding in the microwave. This is especially important for larger sweet potatoes, which have more moisture and steam inside.

Wrapping Sweet Potatoes in a Damp Towel

To help your sweet potatoes cook evenly in the microwave, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel or cloth before microwaving. This will create steam and prevent the sweet potato from drying out or getting tough.

Seasoning and Serving Ideas

While sweet potatoes are delicious on their own, there are many ways to elevate their flavor. Try seasoning your sweet potato with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or a pinch of sea salt. You can also top your sweet potato with your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, or chopped pecans. Sweet potatoes are also great in soups, stews, and casseroles.

Enjoy Your Delicious and Quick Sweet Potatoes!

Congratulations on successfully making sweet potatoes in the microwave! Now that you have mastered this quick and easy recipe, you can enjoy these tasty and nutritious spuds any time you want. Whether you are in a hurry or just craving a delicious snack, these microwave sweet potatoes are sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to come back and check out some of our other great recipes. Thanks for reading and happy cooking!