This quick and easy recipe for microwave baked sweet potatoes is perfect for a nutritious side dish or a healthy snack. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber, making them a great addition to any meal.
Using the microwave significantly reduces cooking time while still delivering a deliciously tender and flavorful sweet potato.
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
To start, select medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes.
Wash them thoroughly under running water, scrubbing away any dirt.
Once clean, pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they cook evenly.
Piercing the Skin
Next, take a fork and poke several holes in each sweet potato.
This step is essential as it allows steam to escape during the cooking process, preventing any unwanted explosions in the microwave.
Make sure to pierce the skin on all sides for the best results.
Microwaving the Sweet Potatoes
Place the prepared sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave them on high for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning them halfway through to promote even cooking.
Check for tenderness by piercing them with a fork; they should feel soft when done.
Checking for Doneness
If the sweet potatoes are not fully cooked after the initial time, continue microwaving them in one-minute increments.
This method ensures that you avoid overcooking while achieving the perfect softness.
Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly before handling.
Serving Suggestions
After cooling, slice the sweet potatoes open and fluff the insides with a fork.
For a simple yet delicious finish, add a pat of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Feel free to customize with additional toppings like brown sugar or marshmallows for a sweeter treat.
Nutrition and Benefits
Sweet potatoes are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.
They are a great source of vitamins and fiber, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
With only 112 calories per serving, they make for a nutritious side dish or snack that satisfies without guilt.
Quick Microwave Sweet Potatoes Recipe
These microwave baked sweet potatoes are cooked in just a few minutes, resulting in soft and fluffy insides. This recipe serves 2 and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- Olive oil or butter for serving (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- Toppings of choice: cinnamon, brown sugar, or marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Pierce the Skin: Use a fork to poke several holes in each sweet potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking.
- Microwave: Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Check for Doneness: If they are not fully cooked, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until done.
- Serve: Carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the microwave. Let them cool for a minute, then slice open and fluff the insides with a fork. Add olive oil or butter, and season with salt, pepper, or your favorite toppings.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 112kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g