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Microwave-Baked Sweet Potato in Only 5 Minutes

microwave baked sweet potato
Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Silentpilot

Looking for a quick meal or an easy side dish? Sweet potatoes are a great option. We’ll show you how to make a microwave-baked sweet potato in just a few simple steps.

Sweet potatoes are not only a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they are also rich in antioxidants, which make them an especially nutritious addition to any diet. On top of that, sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene (hence the orange color), which is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps boost your immune system.

Vitamin A is best absorbed with a fat source, which is why it is recommended to drizzle a bit of oil on your microwave-baked sweet potato or sprinkle it with nuts.

How to Make a Baked Sweet Potato in the Microwave

"Baking" a sweet potato in the microwave is easy and fast.
“Baking” a sweet potato in the microwave is easy and fast. (Foto: Utopia / K. Stankiewicz)

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium-sized sweet potato
  • salt and pepper
  • oil, butter, or another fat source

Instructions: 

  1. Wash and scrub your sweet potato thoroughly to remove any dirt or grime.
  2. Pat dry with a dishtowel, then pierce with a fork 3 to 4 times.
  3. Place the pierced sweet potato on a microwave-safe dish, and microwave for 2½ minutes.
  4. Flip the sweet potato over, and continue to microwave for another 2½ minutes.
  5. By the end of the 5 minutes, the sweet potato should be soft when poked with a fork. If it isn’t, continue to microwave in 30-second increments until nice and tender.
  6. Transfer your microwave-baked sweet potato to a new plate. Then cut it open and fluff the inside with a fork. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then add your choice of toppings.

Note: Pricking the sweet potato allows for the steam to escape, which helps to soften the starchy root vegetable.

Microwave-Baked Sweet Potato: Topping Variations

Pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch to your sweet potato.
Pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch to your sweet potato. (Foto: Utopia / K.Stankiewicz)

A plain baked sweet potato is the perfect vessel for a variety of toppings. You can choose whether you want sweet or savory, make it a meal, or use it as a side dish. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor your toppings exactly to your tastes. Here are a few toppings suggestions if you’re looking for ideas.

  • Breakfast Baked Sweet Potato: scrambled eggs, tomatoes, avocado, and fresh herbs
  • Greek Twist: feta or vegan feta cheese, olives, diced red onion, vinaigrette
  • Microwave-Baked Sweet Potato Dessert: maple syrup, cinnamon, and toasted pecans
  • The Domino: homemade yogurt or vegan yogurt, and black beans
  • Sweet & Spicy: peanut butter and hot sauce
  • Something Different: hummus, roasted mushrooms, and caramelized onions

Microwave Tips & Tricks

Some of the most common questions when it comes to cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave include whether or not to peel it, how long it needs to cook for, and whether or not pricking the potato is necessary.

Should I peel the potato before cooking?

The skin is actually where a lot of the fiber content of a sweet potato is, so removing it also removes some of its nutritional benefits. If you wash the outside thoroughly, there is no need to remove the skin.

How long does it take to cook a sweet potato in the microwave?

It should take approximately 5 minutes when microwaving on high heat. The length of time it takes also depends on the size of the sweet potato you’re trying to cook. For very large ones, using the oven is a much better and more consistent way of baking them.

Do I need to prick the potato before I microwave it?

Yes! Sweet potatoes are made up of about 77 percent water, which wants to turn into steam when heated. Pricking the skin allows the steam to escape, and helps avoid a sweet potato explosion.

Are microwaved sweet potatoes still healthy?

Cooking any vegetable changes its nutritional value and/or benefits, and can sometimes take away from them. The best method for preserving as many of the vitamins and minerals in sweet potatoes as possible is by baking them in the oven, however, studies show that there isn’t a very big difference between those baked in an oven versus baked in a microwave.

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