What You’ll Need:
- Potatoes
- Sharp knife
- Microwave-safe dish with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap
- Fork
- Toppings and seasonings of your choice (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes
Start by selecting potatoes that are suitable for microwaving. Look for potatoes that are small or medium-sized. Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes are great choices for microwaving. Ensure they are firm and have no signs of spoilage.
Step 2: Clean and Pierce the Potatoes
Rinse the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Use a sharp knife to carefully poke holes all around the potatoes. These holes will allow steam to escape while cooking, preventing the potatoes from exploding.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
Place the pierced potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. If you don’t have a dish with a lid, cover the potatoes loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Leave a small opening to allow steam to escape. Alternatively, you can place a microwave-safe plate on top of the dish to cover it.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Put the dish with the potatoes in the microwave. Cook on high power for 5 minutes per potato, turning them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. If you have multiple potatoes, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
After the cooking time, carefully remove the lid or plastic wrap to avoid any steam burns. Use a fork to pierce the potatoes to check if they are tender. If the fork goes in easily and the potatoes are soft, they are ready. Otherwise, continue cooking in 1-minute increments until done.
Step 6: Let Them Cool and Serve
Remove the cooked potatoes from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes. Once they have cooled, you can cut them open and add your favorite toppings and seasonings, such as butter, sour cream, chives, or cheese. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Cooking potatoes in the microwave is a convenient and time-saving method. Whether you need a quick side dish or a base for loaded baked potatoes, microwaving potatoes can be a lifesaver. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked potatoes in no time.