Microwave sweet potato is definitely one of my favorite side dishes. It is easy, quick, delicious and very healthy.
“Baking” a sweet potato in the microwave is easy and quick. And you can make several of them, keep the leftovers for a few days in the fridge, and reheat when you want to enjoy them.
Are sweet potatoes healthy?
I believe they are. It’s no wonder they have become the darling of the nutrition-conscious Paleo community. They are high in carbs, so you should enjoy them in moderation, but they are very nutritious.
According to the Mayo Clinic, sweet potatoes are a good source of beta carotene, fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6.
How to “bake” a sweet potato in the microwave
It’s so easy! Simply pierce the skin and place on a paper towel. Then microwave the potato for 2-3 minutes per side, depending on its size. Allow to slightly cool, then cut in half. The recipe card below provides detailed instructions.
There’s no need to peel them
You can simply wash them well, then microwave with the skin on. Sweet potato skin is edible, so it’s up to you if you want to remove it before eating or not. I like to leave it on.
Is microwave cooking healthy?
Many people worry about microwave oven safety. But according to the World Health Organization, when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, microwave ovens are safe. In fact, microwave cooking helps preserve some nutrients.
How to eat microwave sweet potato?
I enjoy them just as they are, warm and tender and flavorful. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of kosher salt. Obviously, you can add a pat of butter.
I know that many people like a sweet version. I haven’t tried it myself, but you could try a pat of unsalted butter or coconut oil, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey.
What to serve with this dish?
Anything! It’s such a wonderfully versatile side dish. It goes with so many main courses.
I often serve microwave sweet potato with baked chicken breast, as a side to reverse seared steak, or with baked pork chops.
It’s also excellent with a couple of fried eggs for a tasty, filling meatless dinner.
What about leftovers?
You can keep leftovers in the fridge, in a sealed container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave on 50% power.
More tasty recipes
For a more complex – and rewarding – recipe, try these incredible twice-baked sweet potatoes. And baked sweet potato fries are easy to make and they taste great! I like to serve them with grilled burgers.
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Microwave Sweet Potato
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (7oz) sweet potato
INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash and dry the sweet potato. Don’t peel it. Pierce in a few places with a fork.
- Place the sweet potato on a paper towel and microwave on high 3 minutes. Turn to the other side and microwave 2 more minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Allow to rest 2 minutes before serving. I like to simply slice the microwave sweet potato and enjoy its natural sweetness – I don’t even sprinkle it with salt, as I find the saltiness detracts from its natural flavor. But obviously, you can cut the sweet potato in half, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and top with a little butter.
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Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., has been following a healthy real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She has taken 
