Introduction
If you’ve ever tried to microwave a sweet potato, you know it can be a bit tricky. From uneven cooking to seemingly never getting the temperature just right, it can be frustrating to achieve that perfectly cooked sweet potato. But fear not! In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks on how to successfully microwave a sweet potato to perfection every time.
5 Steps to Perfectly Microwaved Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Choosing the Right Sweet Potato
The first step to any great microwaved sweet potato is choosing the right one. When shopping for sweet potatoes, look for ones that are uniform in size and shape. This will ensure even cooking and prevent one end from being overcooked or undercooked compared to the other end. Additionally, look for sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin and avoid any that have soft spots or blemishes.
Step 2: Prepping the Sweet Potato for the Microwave
Once you have your sweet potato, it’s important to prep it correctly for microwaving. Start by giving it a good rinse and then patting it dry with a paper towel. Next, take a fork and poke several holes into the potato’s skin. This will allow steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potato from exploding in the microwave. Finally, if you prefer a softer skin on your sweet potato, you can lightly coat it in olive oil or butter before microwaving.
Step 3: Microwaving the Sweet Potato
Now it’s time to start cooking! Place your sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate and put it in the microwave. Microwave the potato on high for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. If you’re microwaving multiple sweet potatoes at once, you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly. Note that microwaves vary in intensity, so you may need to experiment with a few different cooking times to find the sweet spot for your microwave. A good rule of thumb is to microwave for 4 minutes and then check to see if the potato is cooked. If it isn’t, put it back in the microwave and check again every minute until it’s done.
Step 4: Checking if the Sweet Potato is Done
To check if your sweet potato is done, carefully take it out of the microwave and insert a knife into the center. If the knife goes in easily and comes out cleanly, your potato is done! If it’s still hard in the center, put it back in the microwave for another minute and check again. Remember not to overcook the potato, or it will become mushy and lose its flavor.
Step 5: Serving the Sweet Potato
Once your sweet potato is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it! You can simply slice it open and enjoy it as is, or get creative with your toppings. Some popular sweet potato toppings include butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and sour cream. But really, the sky’s the limit – feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors and ingredients!
The Do’s and Don’ts of Microwaving Sweet Potatoes
Do Poke Holes in the Sweet Potato
We’ve already mentioned this, but it bears repeating: always poke holes in your sweet potato before microwaving it! This is crucial for preventing the potato from exploding and making a mess in your microwave. Plus, it allows steam to escape, which helps the potato cook more evenly.
Don’t Wrap the Sweet Potato in Foil
Some people advocate for wrapping sweet potatoes in foil before microwaving them, but we don’t recommend it. This can actually slow down the cooking process and result in an unevenly cooked potato. Stick to our method of simply poking holes in the potato and microwaving it directly on a plate.
Do Microwave on High
For the best results, it’s always best to microwave your sweet potato on high. This will ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly.
Don’t Overcook the Sweet Potato
Be careful not to overcook your sweet potato! This can result in a mushy, unappetizing potato with a bland flavor. If you’re unsure if your potato is cooked all the way through, check it periodically with a knife, as we mentioned in step four above.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Creative Microwave Sweet Potato Recipes
If you love sweet potatoes as much as we do, you may be looking for some creative ways to cook them in the microwave. Here are a few of our favorite recipes:
Sweet Potato Chips
Thinly slice a sweet potato using a mandoline or sharp knife. Toss the slices with a little bit of olive oil and your favorite seasonings (think paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt). Arrange the slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until crispy. Enjoy as a healthy snack or side dish!
Sweet Potato Mash
Microwave a sweet potato according to the method we outlined above. Once it’s cooked, remove the skin and mash the potato with a fork or potato masher. Add a splash of milk, a pat of butter, and your favorite seasonings (like salt, pepper, and garlic powder) for a delicious and easy side dish.
Sweet Potato Soup
Cut a sweet potato into small cubes and microwave until soft. In a blender, combine the cooked sweet potato with chicken or vegetable broth, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. Blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a pot and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions.
Quick and Easy: A Microwave Sweet Potato Dinner for Busy Weeknights
If you’re short on time and looking for a quick and easy dinner option, microwaved sweet potatoes are the way to go. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Stuffed Sweet Potato with Favorite Toppings
Microwave a sweet potato according to the method we outlined above. Once it’s cooked, slice it open and stuff with your favorite toppings. Some ideas include black beans, shredded chicken, avocado, salsa, and shredded cheese. Serve hot!
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl
Cook a cup of quinoa according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, microwave a sweet potato and a can of black beans until heated through. Combine the quinoa, sweet potato, and black beans in a bowl and top with your favorite toppings, like sliced avocado, cilantro, and hot sauce.
The Health Benefits of Microwaving Sweet Potatoes
Not only are sweet potatoes delicious, but they’re also incredibly good for you! Here are a few of the many health benefits of microwaving sweet potatoes:
High in Fiber
One medium-sized sweet potato contains about 4 grams of fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating. Fiber is also important for healthy digestion and can help lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining healthy skin, eyesight, and immune function. They’re also rich in potassium, which can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke.
May Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Believe it or not, sweet potatoes may actually help regulate your blood sugar levels. This is because they have a relatively low glycemic index (GI), which means they don’t cause your blood sugar to spike and crash like some other foods can.
A Guide to Buying and Storing Sweet Potatoes for Microwave Cooking
Choosing the Right Sweet Potato
When shopping for sweet potatoes, look for ones that are uniform in size and shape, with smooth, firm skin. Avoid any sweet potatoes that have soft spots or blemishes.
Storing Sweet Potatoes Correctly
Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place (like a pantry) away from direct sunlight. They’ll keep for several weeks if stored properly. Once you’ve microwaved a sweet potato, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’re now officially a sweet potato microwave pro! With our tips and tricks, you’ll never have to worry about undercooked or overcooked sweet potatoes again. Remember to choose the right sweet potato, poke holes in it, and microwave on high for the best results.