master-cooks | The Correct Way To Cook A Potato In The Microwave Couldn't Be Easier

Cooking a potato in the microwave is a quick and easy method that retains the vegetable's nutrients while delivering a delicious result. Begin by selecting a medium-sized potato, such as a russet or Yukon gold, which is ideal for even cooking. Wash the potato thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris, and pat it dry with a paper towel. Using a fork, pierce the potato all over several times to allow steam to escape during cooking, preventing it from bursting. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high power. For a medium potato, start with about five to seven minutes, adjusting the time based on your microwave's wattage and the potato's size. Halfway through cooking, turn the potato over to ensure even heating. After the initial cooking time, check the potato for doneness by inserting a fork or knife; it should slide in easily. If the potato needs more time, continue microwaving in one-minute increments. Once done, let the potato rest for a minute or two to finish cooking. Carefully cut it open and fluff the insides with a fork. Add your favorite toppings such as butter, cheese, or sour cream, and enjoy a perfectly cooked microwave potato.

Finishing off the perfect microwaved baked potato

Now that your potato has been washed, dried, pierced, and oiled, it’s ready for cooking. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and set it on the turntable of your microwave. Cooking times may vary based on the size and shape of your potato, but starting with three minutes on each side is a good approach. (If you’re cooking multiple potatoes, aim for about five minutes on each side instead.) To avoid burning your hand, consider using tongs or a fork to turn the potato.

After following these steps, your potato should be fully cooked. You can check for doneness by seeing if it’s fork-tender—if a fork or knife easily goes through without resistance, it’s ready. If not, continue cooking in one-minute intervals until it is. Once cooked, let the potato rest for a few minutes to prevent steam burns. Then, using oven mitts, carefully remove the hot plate from the microwave and cut the potato open to add your favorite toppings.

That’s all it takes to prepare a microwaved baked potato! It’s just as fluffy and delicious as one baked in the oven, but it’s ready in just 10 minutes instead of an hour. For an extra touch of flavor, try some of these tips to make your potatoes taste like they came from a restaurant.

The Correct Way To Cook A Potato In The Microwave Couldn't Be Easier

Finishing off the perfect microwaved baked potato

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