How Long To Microwave A Potato: Basic Facts

Potatoes are packed with Vitamin B6 which helps keep your nervous and immune systems healthy. Add to that, potatoes are a great addition to your weight management food list as they have no fat, sodium, or cholesterol.

You can pop potatoes in the microwave for easy preparation. If you want to know how long to microwave a potato, take note of the recipe that we are about to share. 

Why Cook Potatoes In The Microwave?

You may wonder if using the microwave to cook your potato snack is healthy and safe. Actually, it is.

With microwave, cooking time is shorter than boiling it in water. With shorter cooking time, more nutrients are preserved. Cooking methods that require a longer time, like boiling, will turn your potatoes soggy and will cause nutrient loss. The water absorbs all the flavor and vitamins from your potatoes.

The safety of your food also depends on the container that you use. Make sure that you place your potatoes in a microwave-safe dish or plate before popping it in the appliance.

You should also consider a dish with a lid to avoid splatter inside your microwave. Avoid using plastic wraps or any plastic product that are not microwave-safe.

How To Steam Potatoes In The Microwave

Now let us answer your question: how do you microwave a potato, and how long do I cook a potato in the microwave?

First, scrub your potatoes until there is no dirt residue on the skin. Then, prick them with fork or knife several times. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, add water, and cover it with the proper lid. For 1.5lbs of potatoes, add one tablespoon of water.

Put the dish in your microwave. Set it on high, and cook for five minutes. Note that the length of time depends on the size and number of potatoes you are cooking. Larger potatoes may require a longer time to steam.

After 5 minutes, take one potato and check if you can cut through it. Your knife should cut through the skin easily, and the potato should be soft inside. If you think it needs more time, you may add 30 more seconds and so on until you achieve your desired results.

Then, once you are done steaming, transfer your potatoes in a mixing bowl. If you have medium-sized or large potatoes, you may opt to slice them into bite-size pieces.

Splash a small amount of olive oil or butter and add seasoning. You may add on pepper and salt, chopped green onions, or any herbs to your liking.

You can mix it with a spatula. Or, if your bowl has a lid, shake it up until the potatoes are completely coated.

Conclusion

Remember, how long to microwave a potato depends on its size and the number of potatoes you are cooking.

Do you know that you can buy oven-ready trays of small potatoes? You can easily pop them in the microwave for five minutes, and you are good to go!

Microwave cooking is safe so long as you observe safety measures such as using microwave-safe dishes and lid, and following the right cooking time. Enjoy your healthy snack!