Introduction
Potatoes are a staple in many households and can be cooked in various ways, making them a versatile ingredient. When it comes to cooking potatoes, there are a variety of methods to choose from, with each coming with its own pros and cons. In this article, we’ll explore how to cook potato in microwave – a quick and easy method that saves a lot of time and effort. We’ll also share a millennial’s guide to healthy microwave potato recipes, potato hacks you need to try, step-by-step instructions on perfect microwave potato cooking, and a cookbook with creative and delicious potato recipes.
Quick and Easy Potato Cooking Techniques for Microwave Lovers
Microwaving potatoes is an excellent option for people who don’t have enough time to cook or who want to save on energy costs. The following are quick and easy techniques for cooking potatoes in the microwave:
Whole Potato
To cook a whole potato in the microwave, start by piercing the potato all over with a fork. This lets steam escape and prevents the potato from exploding. Next, wrap the potato in a paper towel and microwave it on high for 6-8 minutes, depending on its size. Ensure you turn it halfway through to cook evenly. Check the potato’s readiness using a fork to check if it is soft all the way through. A whole potato can be served with your favorite toppings, or as a side dish.
Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are a tasty snack or side dish and an excellent option smashed up garlic with some olive oil. To make potato wedges in the microwave, start by washing and slicing the potatoes into wedges. Next, place the potato wedges in a bowl, sprinkle salt and oil. Use a microwave-safe dish or a plate to ensure that the potatoes heat evenly. Microwave it on high for 5-7 minutes, then flip them over halfway through to cook evenly. Check the potato’s readiness after removing from the microwave using a fork to ensure it is soft. Potato wedges can be enjoyed with your favorite dip or simply sprinkled with herbs.
Potato Slices
Potato slices are ideal for making chips that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To make potato chips in the microwave, wash and slice the potatoes into thin slices. Then add salt and oil, and place the potato slices on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. After two minutes, flip the slices over to heat evenly and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chips are golden brown. Take out of the microwave and let them cool before enjoying them.
Millennial’s Guide to Healthy Microwave Potato Recipes
Microwaving potatoes is not only quick and easy, but it can also be a healthy option. Here are some creative and healthy potato options:
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a trending recipe among young people, providing a healthy alternative to traditional fries. To make sweet potato fries in the microwave, start by washing and slicing your sweet potato, into strips. Add in some oil, salt, and seasoning for taste and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes. Flip the fries halfway through to cook evenly and continue cooking until they’re crispy.
Delicata Squash
Delicata Squash is a delicious and healthy alternative to potato chips. Begin by washing and removing the seeds of the squash, then cut into thin rings. Coat the rings with some oil, add salt, and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes. Flip over the rings, microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes until crisp.
Whole Potato Salad
Potato salad doesn’t require boiling water, making it quick and easy to make in the microwave. Start by washing and piercing a whole potato, microwave it on high for 6-8 minutes. After cooling, chop up the potato, mix any other ingredients you desire like herb and seasonings, mayonnaise, and serve cold.
Get Creative in the Microwave: Potato Hacks You Need to Try
Besides cooking potatoes in their standard form, a variety of other options can range from the healthy to the totally indulgent.
Potato Peelings for Crispy Chips
Potato peelings are an excellent option for making crispy chips. Before peeling the potatoes, ensure that they are washed and dried. Next, season your peels with your preferred spices like salt, pepper, and paprika before microwaving them on high for 2-3 minutes. Before putting it back in the microwave for the last few seconds, leave the peels to cool.
Baked Potatoes with Various Toppings
Baked potatoes are a quick, simple, and fulfilling dish to make in the microwave. Wash the potato, poke with a fork all over, and then put it into a microwave-safe dish. Cook it on high for about 6 to 8 minutes, depending on its size. Let it cool before putting toppings like melted cheese, beans, and chili.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Microwave Potato Cooking
Cooking potatoes in the microwave can be tricky, but with a few steps, you can cook them perfectly every time:
Step 1: Choose the Right Potato
When cooking potatoes in the microwave, it is crucial to make sure you choose the right type of potato, like russet potatoes. These types of potatoes are perfect for microwaving because they have relatively low moisture content and cook evenly.
Step 2: Preparing the Potato
Once you have selected the right potato, it is time to prepare it by washing it and then poking it multiple times with a fork. This easy step is essential as it allows steam to escape, preventing the potato from exploding.
Step 3: Microwave Settings
Microwaves are not made the same, and as such, different types have different cooking powers. Therefore, for consistency, try and use a full 1,000 watts. If that’s not possible, adjust cooking times to suit the power of your microwave.
Step 4: Timing is Essential
To microwave a potato, the length of time required will depend on its size. Once in the microwave, a minute can make all the difference, so it’s recommended that you keep a close eye on your potato to ensure it doesn’t burn or explode.
The Ultimate Microwave Potato Cookbook
Moving away from traditional potato recipes, here’s a list of creative and delicious potato recipes that you can make in the microwave:
Potato Skins
To make potato skins, wash and pierce your potatoes, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for about 6 to 8 minutes, let it cool before slicing them in half and scooping out flakes of potato. Rub with a little oil, sprinkle some salt and microwave again until crispy. Serve with bacon bits, chives, and sour cream.
Hash Browns
To make hash browns, first wash and peel, and grate your potatoes before squeezing out excess water. Season the grated potatoes with salt, pepper, and coarsely sliced onions. Pat them down, pop them into your microwave-safe dish and bake for about 5-8 minutes.
Potato Wedges with a Twist
For a spicy twist on potato wedges, season them with a spice blend of your choice or sprinkle with some dried herbs. Before microwaving, ensure that the wedges are nicely coated, microwave for 5-7 minutes to allow the spices to infuse before enjoying your microwave potato wedges.
Conclusion
Cooking potato in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious staple food. Explore healthy options, try unconventional potato hacks, or cook perfect potatoes with our comprehensive guide and cookbook. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to achieve the perfect potato in the microwave.
