master-cooks | The Right Amount Of Time To Microwave A Sweet Potato

Microwaving a sweet potato is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this nutritious tuber. The key to perfectly microwaved sweet potatoes lies in cooking them for the right amount of time. Generally, a medium-sized sweet potato, which is about 5 inches long and 2 inches in diameter, takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes to cook in the microwave. Before microwaving, it is important to thoroughly wash the sweet potato and pierce it several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents it from bursting. If you are cooking multiple sweet potatoes at once, you may need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes for each additional potato. It’s advisable to start with the minimum time and check for doneness by gently squeezing the potato. It should feel soft and tender. If the sweet potato is still firm, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until it reaches the desired texture. Letting the sweet potato rest for a few minutes after microwaving allows the heat to distribute evenly, ensuring a perfectly cooked interior. Once done, you can enjoy it plain or with toppings like butter, cinnamon, or brown sugar for added flavor.

Hitting the sweet spot

Along with determining cooking time based on weight, it's important to check your potatoes regularly to see if they're finished. There isn't a universal method for microwaving sweet potatoes. If you don't have a food scale available, begin by microwaving your potatoes for about five minutes, which is typically suggested for medium-sized sweet potatoes. However, if you opt for this method, be sure to monitor your potato closely to prevent overcooking, and adjust the time as necessary.

There are certainly other techniques to achieve a perfectly microwaved sweet potato. First, make sure to prepare your potato by piercing it all over with a fork. This allows steam to escape, promoting even cooking. Additionally, wrapping your potato in a damp paper towel can aid in steaming it, which can be challenging in a microwave. The steam from the towel will help keep your potato moist, avoiding the dreaded shriveled texture. To check if your sweet potato is done, simply pierce it with a fork or knife and assess its tenderness throughout. And just like that, with the beep of the microwave timer, you’ll have a perfectly cooked potato, ready to be topped with your favorite sweet potato toppings!

The Right Amount Of Time To Microwave A Sweet Potato

Hitting the sweet spot

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