Here is the fastest, easiest way to enjoy the delicious and versatile sweet potato!
Couch potato. Hot potato. Small potatoes. Everyone’s favorite tuber finds its way into some popular slang, including the sweet potato. Here’s something I just learned: in Korean culture, sweet potato is slang for describing a frustrating situation. Apparently, it comes from eating a dry baked sweet potato without a drink, making it hard to swallow and thus frustrating. Well, you won’t have that problem when you make this recipe for microwave sweet potato.
These potatoes come out moist and tender, light and fluffy, steamy and delicious every time. I don’t think there is an easier way to prepare a yummy side dish than microwaving a sweet potato. You can eat it plain or, as our recipe suggests, split it open and spread butter, salt, and pepper inside. So delish. And just like a baked potato, you can eat the skin of a microwaved sweet potato, and you should: it is full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
An added delight of microwave sweet potatoes is that vibrant color. Since we all eat with our eyes first, you will love how appealing the halved sweet potato looks on the plate, no matter what you serve it with (of course, we have some great suggestions below). Once you’ve scrubbed the sweet potatoes clean and poked the skin with a fork so the steam can escape, set them aside while you prepare your other dishes. Then, all you will need is five to six minutes, and this gorgeous, healthy, and delicious microwave sweet potato will be ready to join the meal.
Why are sweet potatoes sweet?
Sweet potatoes have a high sugar content, as well as certain types of enzymes that break down the complex starches into simple sugars and release the sweetness during cooking. Regular potatoes, on the other hand, have a naturally low sugar content and less of the enzymes that make sweet potatoes sweet. But here’s another interesting fact: sweet potatoes are not true potatoes; though they have the same name, they are completely different botanical species. Regular potatoes are nightshades, a classification that includes tomatoes and eggplant, while sweet potatoes belong to the morning glory family, which also includes water spinach, a leafy green vegetable popular in Asian cuisines.
How do I store leftovers?
Completely cooled microwave sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze them, either wrap the completely cooled microwave sweet potatoes individually in foil or place them in an airtight container, and they will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months (thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating).
Serving suggestions
Morning, noon, or night, the microwave sweet potato has you covered. For a really great breakfast, try topping the sweet potato halves with Scrambled Eggs, crumbled bacon (try this Bacon In Cast Iron for great crunch), and a dollop of Avocado Crema. Want a quick and yummy lunch with some Mediterranean flair? Spoon some chopped up Boiled Shrimp on the microwave sweet potato halves, drizzle with Tzatziki Sauce, and finish this delish dish with a spoonful of bright, herby Gremolata (a side of Roasted Chickpeas is great with this meal!). And when it’s dinnertime, pair tender, fluffy microwave sweet potatoes with Crispy Pork Chops and a fresh Green Salad for a meal full of wonderful textures and delicious flavors that complement each other.
Microwave Sweet Potato
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato about 6-8 ounces
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the sweet potato; do not peel it. Pierce the skin several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Place the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, then flip it over and microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes tender.
- Let the sweet potato rest for 2 minutes. Cut it open and spread the butter inside. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
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