Kitchen Tips Side Dishes Snacks Vegetarian

How to Microwave a Sweet Potato

How to Microwave a Sweet Potato [Video]

Do you know how to microwave a sweet potato? Knowing this could just be a lifesaver! Done in 10 minutes, this is perfect for a quick snack or side dish!

The result is like baked sweet potatoes but done so much faster! Have this among your roster of excellent side dishes along with Crack Corn Salad, Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples, and Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots!

Microwave sweet potato is the perfect side dish. It is cooked at a fraction of the time compared to roasting or boiling it. All you need is 10 minutes of your time for a delicious and healthy meal!

There is no question in my mind that this is the best way and the fastest way to cook the spuds. This recipe calls for only 6 ingredients that are easy to find and could very well be in your kitchen all this time.

Pair it with meat and vegetables for a complete meal. Also, this dish is highly versatile. You can have all sorts of topping options for this one from the simplest salt-and-pepper combo to sloppy joes’ fillings!

Follow this recipe, and learn how to easily microwave a sweet potato and you will never stress out again on having so little time! A great side dish  

Ingredients Needed:

  • Whole sweet potato – I like using large potatoes found easily at the local grocery store. 
  • Cinnamon, brown sugar, a little salt, and black pepper – For seasoning.
  • Butter

How do you microwave a sweet potato?

  1. Wash the spuds: First, scrub the spud under cold water to get rid of any dirt. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. Poke: Leave the skin on and poke small holes with a fork or paring knife about 4 to 6 times.
  3. Cook: Next, put it on a microwave-safe plate and cook for 5 minutes on high power. If not fork tender, cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Season: Remove from the microwave using oven mitts. Place the spud on a cutting board, and split the spud in the middle. Then, season with kosher salt, pepper, sugar, and sliced butter.
  5. Serve: Lastly, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and serve warm.

Are sweet potatoes healthy?

Yes! A medium-sized baked spud will give you these nutrients in substantial amounts based on the WebMD website

  • vitamin C
  • vitamin A
  • fiber
  • potassium
  • protein
  • carbohydrates

It also has starch that can make you feel satiated for longer, which can lessen your overall food intake. Overall, this vegetable is nutritious, especially when baked.

Is it safe to microwave a sweet potato?

Yes! Do not be worried about the effect of the microwave on food. Since it cooks faster, loss of nutrients may be avoided.

In general, heating food causes a loss of vitamins and nutrients. But baking the sweet potatoes could potentially be beneficial than boiling them. Baking does not introduce fat and does not require water that may induce leaching of the nutrients.

How long should I cook it?

I like to microwave it on high power for 5-6 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. After the 5 minute mark, I would check on it. If not fork-tender, I would cook it for an additional 30 seconds. 

Honestly, it is pretty hard to overcook it, but undercooking it might be not as pleasant! 

Do you have to pierce it before microwaving?

Simply prick the spuds before you cook them so that they will not explode. By piercing through the skin, the steam that will form during cooking will escape through the holes.

How can you tell if sweet potato is cooked?

Pierce it with a knife and if it slides in easily, then, the spud is done! You can also give it a gentle squeeze to see if it is soft enough. Also, the inside should be completely tender. If there is some resistance, then cook it in 1-minute increments until completely soft and tender. 

Should I peel the potato before cooking?

No! Simply wash it well under cold water to get rid of any dirt. The skin is delicious and has a lot of healthy nutrients, and also adds that crisp finish to the dish. However, you can remove it before eating it or not. It is totally up to you. 

Favorite Toppings;

Some of my favorite toppings are:

  • Shredded parmesan cheese
  • BBQ pork or chicken
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Chili
  • Taco fillings
  • Beans
  • Peanut butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Crumbled bacon or candied bacon
  • Sour cream
  • Olive oil with some garlic powder and smoked paprika. 

What to serve with sweet potatoes?

They are the perfect, healthy, and easy side dish that can be served with pretty much anything. Some of our favorite dishes to serve it with are:

How to store it:

  • Refrigerate: First, let the spuds cool at room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat: Simply microwave it again until heated through.
  • Make-ahead: Store the toppings separately. Then, reheat and garnish once ready to serve.

More sweet potatoes recipes:

Cooking Tips:

  • Remember that cooking time may vary depending on how powerful your microwave is and on the size of the spud. 
  • Larger potatoes might need an extra minute to cook. Therefore, check on them at the 5-minute mark. Then, continue cooking and check on them after 30 seconds, or one-minute intervals. 
  • Also, when trying to squeeze it to see if it is already tender, use a mitten for safety.
  • While it is perfectly fine to simply place it on a plate, you may also try putting it inside a closed microwave-proof container to make it moister and creamier.
  • Another great way of cooking it is to wrap the potato in a damp paper towel and microwave it that way. 
  • In addition, you can cook regular potatoes in the microwave. Follow the exact same steps and cook time. 
  • Alternatively, learn how to Air Fry Baked Sweet Potatoes and Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

How to Microwave a Sweet Potato

  • Prep Time5 MIN
  • Cook Time7 MIN
  • Servings 1 sweet potato

Ingredients

  • 1 sweet potato

Toppings:

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Wash the sweet potato thoroughly, pat dry, and pierce 3-4 times with a fork.
  • Place on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 5 minutes. If the potato isn’t fork-tender after 5 minutes, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until ready.
  • Slice potato in half lengthwise, season with salt, pepper, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and top with 1 tablespoon of butter.
  • Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and serve.

Nutrition Facts

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Comments

(16)
ramsay1344@gmail.com

ramsay1344@gmail.com

Can i prepare these ahead and then reheat them i want to use them?


Catalina Castravet

Catalina Castravet

yes, you can!

Nora

Nora

Can I cut potato in half and cook just microwave half?


Catalina Castravet

Catalina Castravet

Yes, sure!

Kay

Kay

This is such an easy way to cook potatoes. We love using our microwave for many things. Your images are mouthwatering.

Lalo de Mexico

Lalo de Mexico

I agree. Seasonings are optional but not at all necessary. Microwaving, however, is a major advance in cooking sweet potatoes. With enough time, they emerge already mashed. Delicious!

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