Making a healthy and affordable meal doesn’t have to be hard. In this blog post, we will teach you how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave so you can enjoy a nutritious side dish in minutes.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A, making them a perfect addition to any meal. So why not try cooking one today? Follow our simple instructions below and you’ll be enjoying a delicious sweet potato dish in no time!
Why microwave a sweet potato?
Because it’s the quickest, easiest way to cook a delicious, healthy sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they’re also low in calories and fat.
Microwaving a sweet potato is the perfect way to cook one quickly and easily, with minimal preparation time.
Plus, microwaving a sweet potato helps to retain all of its nutrients, making it a healthy option for any meal.
So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook a sweet potato, reach for the microwave. It’s the best way to enjoy all that this nutritious vegetable has to offer.
Are sweet potatoes healthy?
They are a great source of nutrients and fiber, and they can be part of a healthy diet. But like all foods, they should be eaten in moderation.
Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. They can be baked, roasted, or mashed, and are a tasty addition to many dishes.
However, sweet potatoes are high in sugar, so it’s important to limit your intake if you’re trying to eat a healthy diet.
When eaten in moderation, sweet potatoes can be a healthy part of your diet. Enjoy them as part of a balanced meal, and you’ll be getting the nutrients your body needs.
Preparing Sweet Potatoes for the Microwave
Once you’ve selected your sweet potatoes, it’s time to prep them for the microwave. Start by washing them thoroughly with cool water.
Next, use a sharp knife to pierce the skin of the sweet potato several times. This will help the heat to penetrate the flesh and cook the potato evenly.
Be sure to add a little bit of water to the bottom of the dish before microwaving.
If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and just cook the sweet potato whole. But piercing the skin will help to speed up the cooking process.
Once your sweet potatoes are prepped and ready, it’s time to cook them in the microwave.
Choosing Sweet Potatoes
When selecting sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from blemishes. Avoid sweet potatoes that are soft or have any bruises or cuts.
You can find sweet potatoes year-round in most supermarkets. However, they’re in season from late summer through early winter.
How to Cook a Sweet Potato in the Microwave
Ingredients:
- 1 sweet potato
- Water
Equipment:
- Sharp knife
- Microwave-safe dish
- Paper towel
Instructions:
1. Start by washing your sweet potato thoroughly under cool water. Use a brush to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Next, use a sharp knife to pierce the skin of the sweet potato several times. Pierce the sweet potato all over, making sure to go through the skin and into the flesh.
3. Add a few drops of water to the bottom of a microwave-safe dish. Place the sweet potato in the dish and cover with a damp paper towel.
4. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until the potato is cooked through. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and power of your microwave.
5. Once the sweet potato is cooked, remove it from the microwave and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as is, or top with your favorite toppings.
-Optional: Crisp the sweet potatoes in the oven:
After microwaving, you can also crisp the potatoes in the oven if desired. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the cooked sweet potatoes on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
Now that you know how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave, you can enjoy this delicious and healthy vegetable any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a nutrient-packed lunch, sweet potatoes are a great option. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, reach for the microwave and cook up a healthy sweet potato. You’ll be glad you did.
How long to microwave a sweet potato?
The cooking time for sweet potatoes in the microwave will vary depending on the size and power of your microwave.
-Medium-sized sweet potato, cook on high for 4-5 minutes. Pierce the skin several times before cooking to help speed up the process.
-Sliced sweet potato wedges, cook on high for 3-4 minutes. Again, be sure to pierce the skin before cooking.
-A whole sweet potato, cook on high for 8-10 minutes. No need to pierce the skin if you’re cooking the potato whole.
If you’re short on time, you can also cook the sweet potato whole. Just be sure to add a little bit of water to the bottom of the dish before microwaving.
Note: As always, use caution when handling hot food. Allow the sweet potato to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as is, or top with your favorite toppings.
What to serve with microwave sweet potatoes?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to serving sweet potatoes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
-Serve as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.
-Top with chili and cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.
-Add some diced avocado and salsa for a healthy and flavorful topping.
-Top with Greek yogurt, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and satisfying treat.
-Serve as the base for a veggie-packed burrito or wrap.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, a microwave sweet potato is a delicious and healthy option for any meal. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, reach for the microwave and cook up a healthy sweet potato.
What’s the Best Way to Store a Microwaved Sweet Potato?
Cooked sweet potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Be sure to place them in an airtight container or bag before storing them.
Sweet potatoes can also be frozen for up to 6 months. To freeze, place cooked and cooled sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the sweet potatoes in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave. Enjoy it as is, or use it in your favorite recipe.
How to Reheat a Microwaved Sweet Potato?
If you have leftovers, reheating a microwaved sweet potato is easy.
In the Microwave
Simply place the potato on a plate and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Enjoy as is, or top with your favorite toppings.
In the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the wedges on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Serve immediately.
Perfect Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe
Cubed sweet potato
Ingredients:
-1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the sweet potato cubes to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
2. Spread the sweet potatoes in an even layer on a large plate or dish. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Enjoy as is, or top with your favorite toppings.
Sliced sweet potato
Ingredients:
-1 medium sweet potato, peeled and sliced into wedges
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Wash the sweet potato to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Slice the sweet potato into thin pieces, making sure that they are all roughly the same thickness.
If your sweet potato is on the large side, you may want to cut it into half-rounds.
Note: The thickness of the slices will determine how long they take to cook. thinner slices will cook faster than thick ones.
3. Place the sweet potato slices on a microwave-safe plate and cook them on high power for 4-5 minutes.
4. Check on your sweet potato and flip the slices over. Cook for another 2 minutes or until tender.
5. Once they are cooked, allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Note: If you want your sweet potato to have softer skin, you can wrap it in foil before cooking. Just be sure to pierce the foil in several places so that steam can escape.
Nutrition:
One cup of cooked sweet potato cubes contains approximately:
- 103 calories
- 2 grams of protein
- 0 grams of fat
- 24 grams of carbs
- 6 grams of fiber
- 7 grams of sugar
- 21% of the recommended daily value for vitamin A
- 37% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C
- 10% of the recommended daily value for potassium
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. From sweet to savory, there’s a way to enjoy them for every meal.
What are some tips for cooking sweet potatoes?
Here are a few tips to help you cook sweet potatoes:
– Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes. Avoid ones that are soft or have any bruises or cuts.
– Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool water before cooking. Use a brush to remove any dirt or debris.
– Pierce the skin of the sweet potato several times with a sharp knife. This will help the heat to penetrate the flesh and cook the potato evenly.
– Add a few drops of water to the bottom of a microwave-safe dish before cooking.
– Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until the potato is cooked through. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and power of your microwave.
– Once the sweet potato is cooked, remove it from the microwave and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as is, or top with your favorite toppings.
– If you’re looking for a crispy texture, you can also crisp the potatoes in the oven after microwaving.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the cooked sweet potatoes on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
FAQ’s
Can I bake a sweet potato in the microwave?
Yes, you can bake a sweet potato in the microwave. To do so, start by microwaving the sweet potato for 4-5 minutes on high, or until it is cooked through.
Do I need to peel a sweet potato before cooking?
No, you do not need to peel a sweet potato before cooking. The skin is edible and contains many nutrients. However, if you prefer, you can peel the sweet potato before cooking.
Does a Microwaved Sweet Potato Have Crispy Skin?
No, a microwaved sweet potato will not have crispy skin. If you’re looking for a crispy texture, you can crisp the potatoes in the oven after microwaving.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the cooked sweet potatoes on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
How many potatoes can you microwave at once?
You can microwave multiple potatoes at once, just be sure to cook them on a plate or in a dish that is big enough to fit all of the potatoes.
Cook them for 4-5 minutes on high power, or until they are cooked through. Once they’re done cooking, allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Do I need to prick the potato before I microwave it?
No, you do not need to prick the potato before microwaving it. Pierce the skin of the sweet potato several times with a sharp knife. This will help the heat to penetrate the flesh and cook the potato evenly.
Can I microwave a sweet potato in foil?
Yes, you can microwave a sweet potato in foil. Just be sure to not wrap the sweet potato too tightly in foil, as this can cause it to burst. Pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork before wrapping it in foil and cooking on high for 4-5 minutes.
Does a microwaved sweet potato have a different texture than a roasted one?
Yes, a microwaved sweet potato will have a different texture than a roasted one. Microwaving helps to retain the moisture in the sweet potato, while roasting tends to make them drier.
How long does it take to microwave a sweet potato?
It takes 4-5 minutes to microwave a sweet potato. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and power of your microwave.
What should I top my sweet potato with?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to topping your sweet potato. Try adding some butter and cinnamon, or a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Do I need to poke a potato before I microwave it?
It is not necessary to poke a potato before microwaving it, but doing so will help the heat to penetrate the flesh and cook the potato evenly.
Pierce the potato several times with a sharp knife before cooking.
How do I know when a sweet potato is fully cooked?
You’ll know the sweet potato is cooked when it is soft to the touch and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Is it bad to cook a sweet potato in the microwave?
No, it is not bad to cook a sweet potato in the microwave. In fact, microwaving is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook a sweet potato.
Just be sure not to overcook the sweet potato, as this can cause it to become mushy. Pierce the skin of the sweet potato several times with a sharp knife before cooking to help the heat to penetrate the flesh and cook the potato evenly.
What is the best way to cook a sweet potato?
There are many different ways to cook a sweet potato, but some of the most popular methods include baking, microwaving, and roasting.
Baking: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
Microwaving: Pierce the sweet potato several times with a sharp knife and place on a microwave-safe plate. Cook on high for 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through.
Roasting: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork and place it on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
Boiling: Add the sweet potato to a pot of boiling water. Boil for 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
What are some of the benefits of eating sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, beta carotene, and vitamins C and B6. They are also low in calories and fat. Eating sweet potatoes may help to improve blood sugar control, and they may also have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Can you microwave more than one sweet potato at once?
Yes, you can microwave more than one sweet potato at once. Just be sure to not overcrowd the microwave, and cook the sweet potatoes in batches if necessary.
Can you microwave more than one sweet potato at a time?
Yes, you can microwave more than one sweet potato at a time. Just be sure to not overcrowd the microwave, and cook the sweet potatoes in batches if necessary.
Can you eat the skin of a sweet potato?
Yes, you can eat the skin of a sweet potato. The skin is packed with nutrients, including fiber, beta carotene, and vitamins C and B6. Sweet potato skins are also edible.
Is it bad to cook a sweet potato in the microwave?
No, it is not bad to cook a sweet potato in the microwave. In fact, microwaving is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook a sweet potato.
What’s the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?
The terms sweet potato and yam are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different vegetables.
Sweet potatoes are shorter and stubbier, with smooth, reddish-brown skin. Yams are longer and more cylindrical in shape, with rough, dark brown skin.
When it comes to taste, sweet potatoes are slightly sweeter than yams. Nutritionally, both sweet potatoes and yams are good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
How can you tell if sweet potato is cooked?
You’ll know the sweet potato is cooked when it is soft to the touch and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Can you eat the skin of a sweet potato?
Yes, you can eat the skin of a sweet potato. The skin is packed with nutrients, including fiber, beta carotene, and vitamins C and B6. Sweet potato skins are also edible.
Do you have to stab a sweet potato before cooking it?
No, you don’t have to stab a sweet potato before cooking it. But piercing the skin several times with a sharp knife will help the heat to penetrate the flesh and cook the potato evenly.
Is it safe to microwave sweet potato?
Yes, it is safe to microwave sweet potatoes. Just be sure to not overcrowd the microwave, and cook the sweet potatoes in batches if necessary.
Conclusion
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamins, but they can be a little hard to cook. We’ve shown you how to cook them in the microwave so you don’t have to worry about burning or undercooking them.
Now that you know how to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave, try adding this healthy vegetable to your next meal. What other ways do you like to prepare sweet potatoes? Let us know in the comments below.
Similar Recipes:
As a chef, Tad Johnson has always been fascinated by the way food can bring people together. He loves to experiment with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen, and he takes great pride in serving up delicious dishes that his guests will love.
Tad’s culinary career began at a young age when he started working in his family’s restaurant. He quickly fell in love with the art of cooking, and he knew that this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Since then, Tad has worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the country, and he is now considered one of the top chefs in the industry.
When he’s not cooking in the kitchen, Tad enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. He also likes to stay active by playing basketball and hiking outdoors.