How to Microwave a Sweet Potato
Microwaving is a quick way to make sweet potatoes tender and moist without switching on the oven. Serve them as a simple side or split them open and add your favourite toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 mediumsweet potatoes
Instructions
- 1
Pierce the skins
Use a fork to poke a few holes in the skin of each sweet potato so steam can escape as they cook.
- 2
Wrap the potatoes
Wrap each potato in a wet paper towel. It should be well saturated but not dripping. Arrange them with a little space between each one on a microwave-safe plate. You can put them directly on the microwave turntable instead, but use tongs or oven gloves to remove them, or wait until they have cooled enough to handle.
- 3
Microwave until tender
Microwave on high for 10 minutes for medium potatoes. To check, pierce one with a knife; it should slide easily into the middle. Take the plate out of the microwave and leave the potatoes to cool until they are safe to handle.
What is a microwaved sweet potato?
Sweet potatoes are tubers native to the Americas, and they are now cooked in many different ways. This straightforward American-style preparation uses the microwave to make them soft without the longer wait for oven baking.
Piercing the skins and wrapping the potatoes in wet paper towels helps them cook while retaining moisture. The method works best when the potatoes are similar in size.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 194 calories, 4g protein, 45g carbs, 1g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Serve without rich toppings | 136 kcal | 3g | 31g | 1g |
| This serving | As written | 194 kcal | 4g | 45g | 1g |
| Hungry | Add another sweet potato | 291 kcal | 6g | 68g | 2g |
The sweet potatoes provide most of the carbohydrate in each serving, with a small amount of protein and very little fat. Pair a potato with a protein-rich food and vegetables to make a more balanced plate.
Why pierce the skin?
Steam: a few fork holes give steam a way to escape while the potato heats. Pierce each potato before wrapping it, and take care not to miss any.
How the paper towel helps
Moisture: the wet towel helps keep the skin from drying out in the microwave. Saturate it well, but avoid wrapping the potato in a towel that is dripping.
Getting the timing right
Size: the stated 10 minutes is for medium potatoes, cooked on high. If yours vary in size, check the larger ones carefully rather than assuming every potato is ready at the same moment.
Microwave: appliances and potato sizes differ, so use the knife test as the final check. The knife should slide easily into the centre of a tender potato.
Handling them safely
Plate: leave a little space between the wrapped potatoes so they are not crowded together. A microwave-safe plate also makes them easier to take out once cooking is finished.
Heat: the potatoes and their wrappers will be hot when the microwave stops. Lift the plate carefully and let them cool until comfortable to handle.
Serving ideas
Simple side: serve a whole potato alongside vegetables, beans or a main dish. Split it open at the table if you like.
Toppings: add a spoonful of yoghurt, beans or chopped herbs after cooking for a more substantial meal. Keep toppings separate until serving so the potato's texture stays easy to judge.
Recipe notes & tips
- Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they are more likely to finish cooking together.
- Pierce the skin all over with a fork before wrapping each potato.
- Wet the paper towels thoroughly, but squeeze off any excess water.
- Leave a little space between the potatoes on the plate.
- Check the centre with a knife before serving; it should slide in easily.
- Use oven gloves or tongs if you need to move hot potatoes from the microwave.
Variations
- Add butter: split the cooked potato and add butter while it is hot.
- Top with beans: spoon warm beans over the potato for a heartier serving.
- Use yoghurt: add a spoonful of plain yoghurt and chopped herbs after cooking.
- Add cheese: scatter grated cheese over the hot potato so it softens.
- Try a savoury finish: season the opened potato with black pepper and a pinch of salt.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the holes: steam needs an escape route, so pierce each potato before cooking.
- Using barely damp towels: wet them well to help prevent the potatoes from drying out.
- Crowding the plate: leave a little space between potatoes so they are easier to arrange and handle.
- Relying only on the timer: check that a knife slides easily into the centre before taking them as done.
- Grabbing the wrappers: the potatoes and paper towels are hot, so use tongs or oven gloves.
How to store
Cool leftovers, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until piping hot, checking the centre before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long do medium sweet potatoes take in the microwave?
The method gives 10 minutes on high for medium potatoes. Check for doneness by seeing whether a knife slides easily into the middle.
Do I need to pierce sweet potatoes before microwaving?
Yes. Poke a few holes in each skin with a fork before wrapping the potatoes so steam can escape.
Should the paper towel be wet or just damp?
It should be well saturated but not dripping wet. Wrap one around each potato before placing them on the plate.
Can I microwave the potatoes without a plate?
Yes. You can place them directly on the microwave turntable, but use tongs or oven gloves to remove them, or wait until they cool enough to handle.
How can I tell when a sweet potato is cooked?
Pierce it with a knife. It is ready when the knife slides easily through to the centre.
Can I cook potatoes of different sizes together?
You can, but they may not finish at the same time. Check each potato for tenderness and handle the hot plate carefully.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from cookathomemom.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on cookathomemom.com