Preparing the Sweet Potato
Before you begin roasting your sweet potato in the microwave, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure the best results:
- Wash and scrub your sweet potato to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use a knife to poke small holes in it and then dry it with a paper towel. This will prevent the sweet potato from exploding and help it retain moisture as it cooks.
With these steps complete, you are now ready to begin roasting your sweet potato in the microwave.
Scrub the sweet potato
Before roasting your sweet potato, make sure to scrub it thoroughly. This will help remove any dirt or bacteria from the skin and also loosen some of the skin, making it easier to handle when you’re ready to put it in the microwave.
Use a vegetable scrubber or a firm bristled brush to remove dirt and debris from the surface of the sweet potato. Once you have scrubbed all sides of the sweet potato, rinse it off thoroughly with cold water and dry with a paper towel.
Pierce the sweet potato with a fork
A few holes in the sweet potato will help it cook evenly. Use a fork to poke several holes, about 1/4-inch apart, into the sweet potato. Do not pierce all the way through; focus most of your poking on one side of the potato. This will allow steam to escape as it cooks; if you do not poke holes in the sweet potato before putting it in the microwave, it may end up exploding, so be sure to take this preventive measure!
Roasting the Sweet Potato
Roasting a sweet potato in the microwave is an easy and fast way to get a delicious side dish. All you need is a sweet potato, some oil, salt, and pepper. Roasting the sweet potato will bring out its natural sweetness and create a crispy exterior. In just a few minutes you can have a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Let’s take a look at the steps needed to roast the sweet potato in the microwave:
- Wash the sweet potato and pat dry.
- Poke holes in the sweet potato with a fork.
- Brush the sweet potato with oil.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the sweet potato in the microwave and cook for 5 minutes.
- Turn the sweet potato over and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from the microwave and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Place the sweet potato in the microwave
Once you have selected your sweet potato and washed it off, you’re ready to get started. Place the sweet potato in the microwave on a microwave-safe dish and set the timer for five minutes. If your potato is large and requires additional cooking time, increase the cooking time by two minutes for each additional minute needed.
When the timer goes off, check to make sure that your sweet potato is cooked through – it should be soft to the touch. If it still feels undercooked, let it sit in the microwave for another minute or two before checking again. Once fully cooked, take care not to burn yourself when removing from the microwave – use oven mitts or a kitchen towel when handling hot dishes!
Cook the sweet potato on high heat for 2-3 minutes
When roasting sweet potatoes in the microwave, the best way is to cook them on high heat. Begin by washing the sweet potato, then pierce it several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while it is cooking. Place it on a plate and microwave on high heat for two to three minutes. If the potato is still a bit firm, increase the cooking time for 30 seconds at a time until it’s softened. Once cooked, let it stand for approximately five minutes before serving or cutting into cubes for use in salads or recipes.
Flip the sweet potato and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes
Once the initial cooking time has passed, remove the sweet potato from the microwave and carefully flip it over in the dish. This will ensure that your sweet potato has been cooked evenly and that it is not burning on one side.
Place the sweet potato back in the microwave and cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes, depending on the size of your potato and how well cooked you would like it. Once finished, test by piercing a fork into it to check that its soft in the centre before removing. Allow to cool for 4-5 minutes before serving.
Finishing the Sweet Potato
Now that you’ve cooked your sweet potato in the microwave, you’re ready to finish it off and make it ready to eat. Depending on your preference, you can finish off the sweet potato with various toppings or incorporate it into a delicious dish.
In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to finish off your sweet potato, so you can get the best flavor and nutrition out of your meal.
Let the sweet potato cool for a few minutes
Once the sweet potato has finished cooking, it is important to allow it to cool for a few minutes. Microwaves vary in power, so be sure that your potato is cooked thoroughly before taking it out of the microwave. Allow it to cool for 3-5 minutes or until you are able to safely handle it without burning yourself. This process will ensure that the sweet potato roast is cooked through and ready to savor.
For extra smoky flavor, move the cooked sweet potato onto a greased oven tray and roast further at 375°F/190°C for 10-15 minutes after cooling. This method gives a delicious charred flavor and brings out even more sweetness in the sweet potato!
Slice the sweet potato and enjoy!
After you have cooked your sweet potato in the microwave, it’s finally time to take it out and enjoy! Once you remove the hot sweet potato from the microwave, you will want to let it cool for a few moments before slicing.
Using a sharp knife, cut the sweet potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides with a spoon or fork into a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, then mash together with desired toppings such as butter, cinnamon, or honey.
For a more savory meal option, try adding cheese, chives, sour cream or garlic seasoning. If you would like to add veggies for extra flavor, sprinkle diced tomatoes and onions over the top of your mashed potatoes. For extra crunchiness at this stage of the roast try adding some crispy bacon bits!
After seasoning your sweet potatoes to perfection in this easy microwave cooking process you can now enjoy – either eat by itself or pair together with other roasted dishes such as grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
