Steamed Sweet Potatoes: A Quick and Delicious Treat in Just 5 Minutes

Steamed sweet potatoes have always been a beloved snack or side dish for many people. Typically, it takes about 15–20 minutes to cook them thoroughly. However, with this method, you can have perfectly cooked sweet potatoes in just 5 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or a quick snack.

Tips for Choosing the Best Sweet Potatoes

– Select whole, firm sweet potatoes: Look for sweet potatoes with smooth, intact skin without cracks, bruises, or blemishes. When held, they should feel heavy and solid, not soft or spongy.

– Opt for round or elongated shapes: Sweet potatoes that are slightly round or evenly elongated, without narrow waists or indentations, tend to have less fiber, more starch, and a naturally sweet flavor.

– Avoid very small, thin, or deformed potatoes: Small, overly long, or irregularly shaped sweet potatoes often contain more fibers and may have a less desirable taste and texture.

– Check the color and surface: Avoid sweet potatoes with dark spots or pitted surfaces, as these indicate spoilage.

– Choosing potatoes for steaming: For steamed sweet potatoes, selecting the right type ensures a creamy, naturally sweet texture.

Before cooking, make sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt and any residues from the skin. Properly chosen sweet potatoes will result in a more flavorful and enjoyable dish after steaming.

How to Steam Sweet Potatoes Using a Microwave

Prepare the sweet potatoes
Start by trimming the pointed ends of each sweet potato. Use a fork or bamboo skewer to poke holes all around the potato, or make shallow cuts on the surface with a knife. This allows steam to escape evenly during microwaving, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring even cooking.

Wrap the sweet potatoes
Wrap each potato tightly with a clean paper towel or newspaper. This helps retain moisture, keeping the sweet potatoes soft and tender after cooking. For even better results, you can also wrap them with microwave-safe plastic wrap that can withstand high temperatures.

Microwave the sweet potatoes
Place the wrapped sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cook according to their size and your microwave’s power. Typically, a medium-sized sweet potato requires 5–6 minutes on a standard heating mode. Larger potatoes may need 8–9 minutes. After microwaving, let the sweet potatoes cool slightly before unwrapping and enjoying.

Expected results
The sweet potatoes should be soft, fluffy, and naturally sweet. This method is popular in Japan, where many mothers use it for a quick, convenient, and flavorful treat that preserves the potato’s natural sweetness.

Storing Cooked Sweet Potatoes

How long do cooked sweet potatoes last?
After steaming, allow the sweet potatoes to cool before placing them in the refrigerator. They can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days. When ready to eat, let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before reheating briefly to restore warmth and flavor.

Tips for enjoying steamed sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes taste best when eaten warm. Therefore, it is recommended to steam only the quantity you plan to consume. Over time, stored sweet potatoes may dry out and lose their original flavor.

Extra tips for enhancing flavor: You can sprinkle a tiny bit of salt, cinnamon, or drizzle with honey for a slightly sweet twist. Adding toppings like sesame seeds or a small pat of butter can also enrich the flavor while keeping the dish simple and wholesome.