Microwave Sweet Potato
on Sep 05, 2022, Updated Oct 24, 2023
Using a microwave to cook sweet potatoes is a fast and convenient way to get dinner on the table. This recipe for Microwave Sweet Potato takes just 10 minutes, and you’ll love how tender and flavorful the potato turns out.
This recipe for microwave sweet potato makes weeknight meal prep extra easy!
Can You Cook Sweet Potatoes In The Microwave?
Yes. Sweet potatoes cooked in the microwave are tender and delicious. All you have to do is wash and dry the sweet potatoes, poke them with holes, and cook them in the microwave! It’s super easy and the sweet potatoes come out tender and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- sweet potato
- butter (optional)
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Microwave Sweet Potato
- Thoroughly wash and dry the sweet potato. Pierce it a few times with a fork or skewer.
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate covered in paper towels.
- Heat on high for 3 minutes. Turn the sweet potato over and heat for another 2 minutes or until tender.
- Carefully remove the sweet potato from the microwave and set it aside to rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
How Long Does It Take To Cook A Sweet Potato In The Microwave?
A medium sweet potato takes about 5 minutes to cook in a microwave. You’ll want to turn the sweet potato over after the first 3 minutes and then continue to cook on the other side. If the sweet potato isn’t quite done, continue to microwave in 30-second increments. You’ll know the sweet potato is done when the flesh yields when gently pressed. You can also check for doneness by inserting a paring knife into the center of the potato. If the knife slides in easily, the sweet potato is ready.
How To Store Microwave Sweet Potatoes
Leftover sweet potatoes should be cooled to room temperature, transferred to an airtight container, and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How To Serve Microwave Sweet Potatoes
Serve sweet potatoes with whatever you’re cooking for dinner. They’re delicious topped with butter and a pinch of cinnamon. They also pair well with fresh herbs, maple syrup, honey, and citrus flavors. For a change of pace, remove the pulp and mash the sweet potatoes with a bit of butter, salt, and milk.
Can You Freeze Microwave Sweet Potatoes?
Yes. Freeze the cooled leftover sweet potato in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Frozen sweet potatoes should be thawed in the fridge overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting before reheating.
How To Reheat Microwave Sweet Potatoes
The best way to reheat sweet potatoes is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the sweet potatoes in a casserole dish and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat sweet potatoes in the microwave at reduced power until hot.
Tips And Tricks
- When the sweet potato is cooked, you can serve it whole in its jacket, remove the skin and mash it, or cut it into slices.
- Leftover sweet potatoes can be transformed into fritters or added to soups.
Should I Pierce The Skin Of The Sweet Potato Before Cooking?
Yes. Piercing the skin before cooking allows the steam to escape and ensures that the sweet potato cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Should I Peel The Sweet Potato Before Cooking?
The choice is up to you. The skin is full of texture, flavor, and fiber. It also helps to hold the sweet potato together as it cooks and retains more moisture for deliciously tender results.
How Long Does It Take To Microwave Two Sweet Potatoes?
If you’re making more than 1 sweet potato, add a couple of extra minutes for each additional sweet potato. So, for 2 sweet potatoes, you’ll want to set the microwave for 7 minutes instead of 5. For 3 sweet potatoes, set the microwave to 9 minutes, and so on.
Is It Better To Microwave Or Bake A Sweet Potato?
Using the microwave takes less time and is a convenient option with good results. Some home cooks prefer the texture of both the flesh and the skin of the sweet potato when baked. We recommend trying both to see which method you prefer.
Microwave Sweet Potato Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 7-ounce medium sweet potato
- 1 tablespoon butter, optional
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and dry the sweet potato. Don’t peel the skin. Instead, pierce it a few times with a fork or skewer.
- Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate covered in paper towels.
- Heat on high for 3 minutes. Turn the sweet potato over and heat for another 2 minutes or until tender.
- Carefully remove the sweet potato from the microwave and set it aside to rest for 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
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