How to Cook a Sweet Potato in the Microwave
Need a cooked sweet potato like, right now? Learn how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave and you’ll always be ready for whenever the need for sweet potato arises.
Cooking a sweet potato in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable without taking a long time to roast it in the oven.
In just a few simple steps, you can have a perfectly cooked sweet potato ready in minutes. This post will guide you through the process, sharing tips on how to achieve even cooking.
Whether you need a healthy side dish, filling snack, or sweet potato for a recipe, mastering this microwave technique will transform your meal prep.
Why cooking a sweet potato in the microwave is great
Cooking a sweet potato in the microwave is a simple and efficient way to eat this tasty vegetable whenever you want. Learning this method can transform your approach to meal prep, so you can enjoy the naturally sweet and hearty flavor of sweet potatoes without the time commitment or hassle of other cooking methods.
Whether you want to enjoy it plain, topped with butter, or incorporated into a healthy baking recipe, knowing how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave opens up a world of culinary possibilities for healthy eating.
Microwaving a sweet potato is awesome for a few reasons:
Super Quick: It takes just 5 – 8 minutes in the microwave compared to the 30 – 45 minutes in the oven. Perfect for when you’re in a rush!
Easy Peasy: You just poke some holes, pop it in the microwave, and you’re good to go. No need to babysit it.
Soft and Fluffy: The microwave steams the sweet potato from the inside out, making it perfectly soft and easy to mash or eat as is.
Energy Efficient: Uses less energy than heating up the whole oven for just one potato. Better for the environment and your electricity bill!
So, if you’re in need of a cooked sweet potato for a recipe and don’t want to wait, the microwave is your best friend.
What you’ll need
In terms of things you’ll need, this technique doesn’t require much to be successful.
- Sweet potato – You’ll want to microwave just one sweet potato at a time for the best results.
- Fork – To poke the flesh of the sweet potato so steam can escape during the cooking process.
- Plate – Make sure it’s microwave safe.
- Microwave – Every microwave is different, so it might take a couple times to figure the exact amount of time your personal one at home perfectly cooks a sweet potato, but it’s worth figuring out.
How to cook a sweet potato in the microwave
Learning how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave will be game changer in your food routine. Here’s how to do it:
Time needed: 5 minutes
- Wash
To cook a sweet potato in the microwave, start by washing it thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Poke
Prick the skin several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Cook
Place the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for about 5 to 8 minutes. Turn it halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The exact amount of time will depend on the size of the sweet potato.
- Check
Pierce the sweet potato with a knife to see if it is completely cooked through. The knife should easily slid to the potatoes center. If there’s still resistance, cook it for a minute at a time until done.
- Enjoy!
Let it sit for a couple of minutes before cutting it open, as it will continue to steam. After that, enjoy your perfectly cooked sweet potato!
How to use microwaved sweet potato
Here are some ideas for enjoying your perfectly cooked microwaved sweet potato:
- Just classic, topped with butter and salt
- Used in healthy baking, like this recipe for Super Fudgy Brownies (Gluten Free, Sugar Free, Vegan)
- Eaten for breakfast, like this Maple Oat Crumble Stuffed Sweet Potato
Knowing how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave is quick and easy, making it a perfect choice for when you’re short on time or don’t want to turn on the oven.
Remember to wash the potato, poke holes, and rotate it to ensure even cooking. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy a fluffy, delicious sweet potato that is packed with vitamins.
Next time you’re short on time, give this method a try. Sweet potatoes are not only healthy but also versatile, so get creative with your toppings and enjoy!
