How to Cook a Sweet Potato In the Microwave Oven
You're just about 5 minutes away from sweet, tender perfection.
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By Grace Elkus for Food Network Kitchen
Grace is a contributing writer at Food Network.
If you're not enjoying sweet potatoes on a regular basis, you're missing out on the veggie’s full potential. The nutrient-dense root vegetable pairs well with practically anything you throw at it: top with eggs and salsa for breakfast, stuff with chicken and cheese for lunch or give it the taco treatment for dinner. The best part? If you cook it in the microwave, you can dig in in just five minutes. Here's how to do it.
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How to Prep a Sweet Potato for the Microwave
You’ll want to prep a sweet potato for the microwave the same way you would for roasting. Start by thoroughly scrubbing it under cool water with a stiff-bristled scrub brush to remove any caked-on dirt. Pat the sweet potato dry, then pierce the skin 3 to 4 times with a fork. Piercing the potato ensures steam can escape as it cooks, minimizing the risk of it exploding.
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How to Microwave a Sweet Potato
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potato
Wash and scrub the sweet potato and pat it dry. Prick it 3 to 4 times with a fork.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potato
Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate. Cook on high, flipping halfway, until tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Check for Doneness
Your sweet potato is done cooking when a sharp knife slides easily into the center of the potato. If you’re met with resistance, continue cooking in 30-second increments.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes
Bake, boil, steam and microwave sweet potatoes like a pro.
How Long to Microwave a Sweet Potato
How long it takes to microwave a sweet potato depends on the size of your potato and the wattage of your microwave. On average, a medium sweet potato will take about 5 minutes to cook in a standard microwave.
How to Store a Microwaved Sweet Potato
Microwaved sweet potatoes should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for 3 to 4 days.
Tara Donne
Toppings for Microwaved Sweet Potatoes
Microwaved sweet potatoes taste great with a simple pat of butter and a pinch of salt and pepper. But they're also a blank slate for all sorts of tasty toppings. Pile on seasoned beef, cheese, salsa and cabbage for a healthier twist on nachos, or stuff each half with broccoli rabe and pancetta. Craving something sweet? Fluff the flesh and mix with cream cheese, brown sugar and spices instead. Explore more ideas in the links below.
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