how long do you bake a sweet potato in microwave
Quick & Delicious: How Long Do You Microwave a Sweet Potato?
Craving a nutritious, delicious, and satisfying sweet potato but don’t have an hour to spare for oven baking? The microwave is your speedy solution! Cooking a sweet potato in the microwave drastically cuts down the time, delivering a perfectly tender result in minutes. But the big question is: exactly how long does it take?
While there’s no single magic number, here’s a breakdown to help you achieve microwaved sweet potato perfection:
The General Rule of Thumb:
For a medium-sized sweet potato (roughly 8-12 ounces or the size that fits comfortably in your hand) in an average-wattage microwave (around 1000 watts), expect a cooking time of approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
Factors That Influence Cooking Time:
This 5-10 minute window is a starting point. Several factors will affect the exact duration:
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Sweet Potato Size: This is the most significant factor.
- Small (under 6 oz): Likely 3-6 minutes.
- Medium (8-12 oz): The standard 5-10 minutes.
- Large (over 12 oz): Could take 8-12 minutes, potentially longer. Very large ones might need up to 15 minutes.
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Microwave Wattage: Microwaves vary in power.
- Higher Wattage (1100W+): Cooks faster; start checking on the lower end of the time estimate.
- Lower Wattage (700-900W): Cooks slower; you’ll likely need the higher end of the estimate, or even a bit more time. Check your microwave’s manual or look for a label (often inside the door) if unsure.
- Number of Potatoes: Cooking multiple sweet potatoes at once will increase the total cooking time. Add roughly 60-75% of the original single-potato time for each additional potato. For example, two medium potatoes might take 8-15 minutes instead of 5-10. Ensure they aren’t touching too much for even cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Microwaving a Sweet Potato:
- Wash Thoroughly: Scrub the sweet potato skin well under running water to remove any dirt. Pat it dry.
- Prick the Skin: This is crucial! Use a fork or sharp knife to pierce the skin deeply 5-6 times all over the potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing a potential sweet potato explosion in your microwave.
- Place in Microwave: Place the potato directly on the microwave turntable or on a microwave-safe plate. Some people like to wrap it loosely in a damp paper towel first, which can help keep the skin slightly softer, but it’s optional.
- Microwave on High: Start with the initial time based on size (e.g., 5 minutes for a medium potato).
- Flip Halfway: After the initial time, carefully flip the potato over using an oven mitt or tongs (it will be hot!). This promotes even cooking.
- Continue Cooking & Test: Continue microwaving in 1-2 minute increments, checking for doneness after each interval.
- Check for Doneness: The sweet potato is ready when:
- A fork or sharp knife pierces the thickest part easily with little resistance.
- It feels soft when gently squeezed (use an oven mitt!).
- Rest: Once cooked, carefully remove the sweet potato from the microwave. Let it rest for 2-5 minutes. This allows the residual heat to finish the cooking process and makes it easier to handle.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Skip the Pricking: Seriously, prevent the mess!
- Know Your Microwave: Pay attention the first few times you microwave a sweet potato to learn how your specific appliance performs.
- Err on the Side of Underccoking: You can always add more time, but you can’t undo overcooking. Start checking earlier rather than later.
- Rotate if Needed: If you notice one side cooking much faster, rotate the potato during the cooking process (in addition to flipping).
Serving Your Speedy Sweet Potato:
Once rested, slice it open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork. Enjoy it simply with:
- Butter, salt, and pepper
- A sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Chili, black beans, or other savory toppings
Microwaving a sweet potato is a fantastic way to enjoy this nutrient-packed vegetable quickly and easily. While the exact time varies, by following these guidelines and checking for doneness, you’ll have a perfectly cooked sweet potato ready in minutes!
