Microwave Sweet Potato
Microwave sweet potato is a quick, healthy, and naturally sweet dish made by cooking a whole sweet potato until soft and fluffy. It is perfect as a fast side dish, easy lunch, meal prep base, or cozy snack.
Servings: 1 person
Calories:
Ingredients
- 1 Medium sweet potato about 8 to 10 oz
- ½ tsb Olive oil optional for softer skin
- ½ tsp Salt optional
- ⅛ tsb Black pepper optional
- 1 tsb Butter optional
- ⅛ tsb Ground cinnamon optional for a sweet version
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream optional for topping
- 1 tbsp Chopped green onions optional for topping
Instructions
- Scrub 1 medium sweet potato under cool running water to remove dirt from the skin. Pat it dry with a clean towel. The skin should feel clean and slightly firm. Since the potato cooks whole, washing it well matters, especially if the skin will be eaten.
- Use a fork to poke the sweet potato 6 to 8 times all around. These small holes let steam escape while it cooks. Skipping this step can cause pressure to build inside the potato. The holes do not need to be deep, just enough to break the skin.
- Place the sweet potato on a microwave safe plate. For softer skin, rub it with ½ tsp olive oil and sprinkle with ⅛ tsp salt if desired. For a cleaner and lighter version, cook it plain. A damp paper towel can be placed over the potato if the microwave tends to dry food quickly.
- Microwave on high for 4 minutes. The potato will begin to soften, and the skin may look slightly wrinkled. If the potato is very small, start checking around 3 minutes. If it is large, expect a longer total cooking time.
- Carefully turn the sweet potato over using tongs or an oven mitt because it will be hot. Microwave for another 3 to 4 minutes on high. A medium 8 to 10 oz sweet potato usually takes 7 to 8 minutes total. Larger potatoes may need 9 to 12 minutes.
- Insert a small knife or fork into the thickest part of the sweet potato. It should slide in easily with little resistance. The center should feel soft, not firm or crunchy. If the potato still feels hard, microwave in 1 minute intervals until tender.
- Let the sweet potato rest on the plate for 2 to 3 minutes. The inside will continue to steam gently, which helps the texture become softer and more even. Do not skip this rest because it can turn a nearly cooked potato into a perfectly fluffy one.
- Cut the sweet potato lengthwise down the center. Gently press the ends toward the middle so the inside opens. Use a fork to fluff the orange flesh. It should look soft, steamy, and creamy, with a naturally sweet aroma.
- For a savory version, add 1 tsp butter, ⅛ tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp chopped green onions. For a sweet version, add 1 tsp butter and ⅛ tsp cinnamon. For a protein rich topping, add 2 tbsp Greek yogurt. Serve warm while the inside is fluffy and tender.
Notes
Cooking time is based on 1 medium 8 to 10 oz sweet potato. Larger sweet potatoes may need 9 to 12 minutes.