Do you ever find yourself craving a quick and healthy side dish but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen? Cooking cubed sweet potatoes in the microwave is a game changer. It’s fast, easy, and you’ll have delicious, tender bites in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and Healthy Cooking: Cooking cubed sweet potatoes in the microwave is a fast method that ensures a nutritious side dish without lengthy preparation.
- Simple Ingredients: Use fresh, medium-sized sweet potatoes and optional seasonings like salt, pepper, olive oil, cinnamon, or garlic powder for added flavor.
- Proper Preparation: Wash, peel, and cut sweet potatoes into even 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking and to enhance tenderness.
- Microwave Cooking Tips: Combine sweet potato cubes with 2-3 tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and cook on high for 5-8 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Versatile Serving Suggestions: Sweet potatoes pair well with proteins, salads, tacos, soups, and can be featured in grain bowls for a balanced meal.
- Enhance Presentation: Create vibrant dishes by combining sweet potatoes with colorful vegetables, adding garnishes, and serving them warm for the best flavor.
Ingredients Needed
You need a few simple ingredients to cook cubed sweet potatoes in the microwave. Gather these items for an easy and healthy dish.
Sweet Potatoes
Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes. Aim for medium-sized tubers, about 1 to 2 pounds total. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into even 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking.
Optional Seasonings
Add optional seasonings for extra flavor. Consider these options:
- Salt: Use a pinch to enhance the sweetness.
- Pepper: Add ground black pepper for a bit of heat.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle a little for richness and moisture.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkle some for a warm, sweet twist.
- Garlic Powder: Use for a savory kick.
Feel free to mix and match seasonings to suit your taste.
Preparation Steps
Preparing cubed sweet potatoes for the microwave is straightforward and quick. Follow these steps for the best results.
Washing and Peeling Sweet Potatoes
- Wash the sweet potatoes. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt.
- Scrub the skin. Use a vegetable brush to ensure they’re clean.
- Peel the potatoes. Use a vegetable peeler for smooth, even skin removal. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added nutrients and texture.
- Dry the sweet potatoes. Pat them dry with a clean towel after washing and peeling.
- Place on a cutting board. A stable surface helps maintain control while cutting.
- Cut off the ends. Trim the ends of each sweet potato for even cooking.
- Slice into 1-inch rounds. Cut the sweet potatoes into rounds about 1 inch thick.
- Cube the slices. Chop each round into 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking.
- Check for evenness. Ensure all cubes are similar in size to prevent uneven cooking in the microwave.
These preparation steps simplify the cooking process and ensure tasty, tender sweet potatoes every time.
Cooking Instructions
Cooking cubed sweet potatoes in the microwave offers a quick way to prepare this nutritious side dish. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked sweet potatoes.
Microwave Cooking Method
- Place the Cubes in a Bowl: Add the 1-inch sweet potato cubes to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add Water: Pour in about 2-3 tablespoons of water. This helps steam the sweet potatoes, keeping them moist.
- Cover the Bowl: Use a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to cover the bowl. Leave a small gap for steam to escape.
- Microwave: Cook the sweet potatoes on high for 5-8 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Time: Start with 5 minutes for smaller cubes, or 8 minutes for larger ones. You can check for doneness by piercing a cube with a fork; it should be tender.
- Power Settings: Use high power for optimal cooking. If your microwave has a lower wattage, increase the cooking time as needed. Adjust time based on your microwave’s efficiency.
Serving Suggestions
Cubed sweet potatoes offer versatility and flavor, making them perfect for various dishes. Here are some ideas to enhance your mealtime experience.
Pairing Ideas
- Protein: Serve sweet potatoes with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a balanced plate.
- Salads: Toss them into salads for added sweetness and nutrition. Consider mixing with spinach, quinoa, and a citrus vinaigrette.
- Tacos: Use sweet potatoes as a filling for tacos, topped with black beans and avocado for a hearty meal.
- Soups: Blend cooked sweet potatoes into soups for a creamy texture. They pair well with coconut milk and curry spices.
- Bowls: Create grain bowls by layering cubed sweet potatoes over brown rice or farro, along with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of tahini.
- Color Contrast: Arrange sweet potatoes with colorful vegetables, like bell peppers and greens, for a vibrant dish.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to elevate the dish’s appearance.
- Texture Variety: Combine soft sweet potatoes with crunchy toppings, like nuts or seeds, to create an appealing texture contrast.
- Serving Vessels: Use attractive bowls or plates to serve sweet potatoes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Temperature: Serve sweet potatoes warm to highlight their natural sweetness and flavor. They taste best right after cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking cubed sweet potatoes in the microwave is a simple and efficient way to enjoy this nutritious veggie. With just a few minutes and minimal effort you can have tender sweet potato bites ready to complement any meal.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish or incorporating them into salads and bowls these sweet potatoes are sure to impress.
So next time you’re short on time but craving something healthy give this method a try. You’ll be amazed at how delicious and versatile microwave-cooked sweet potatoes can be!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare sweet potatoes for microwave cooking?
To prepare sweet potatoes, wash and scrub them thoroughly. You can peel them or leave the skin on for added nutrients. Trim the ends and cut them into even 1-inch cubes to ensure uniform cooking in the microwave.
What are the best seasonings for microwaved sweet potatoes?
Popular seasonings for cubed sweet potatoes include salt, pepper, olive oil, cinnamon, and garlic powder. Feel free to mix and match these seasonings according to your taste preferences to enhance the flavor.
How long should I microwave cubed sweet potatoes?
Microwave the cubed sweet potatoes for about 5-8 minutes, depending on their size. Start with 5 minutes for smaller cubes and 8 minutes for larger ones, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
Can I add water when microwaving sweet potatoes?
Yes, you should add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the cubed sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. This helps steam them and cook them evenly.
What dishes can I make using microwaved sweet potatoes?
Cubed sweet potatoes are versatile! You can pair them with proteins, add them to salads, use them in tacos, blend them into soups, or layer them in grain bowls for a colorful and nutritious meal.
