How To Steam Baby Potatoes In Microwave

How to Steam Baby Potatoes in the Microwave: A Quick & Easy Guide

Want a healthy and convenient side dish that's ready in minutes? Steaming baby potatoes in the microwave is the perfect solution! This method preserves their nutrients and delivers perfectly tender spuds every time. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this guide will show you how to achieve perfectly steamed baby potatoes in your microwave with ease.

Why Microwave Steaming is Best for Baby Potatoes

Microwave steaming offers several advantages over other cooking methods:

• Speed: Get perfectly cooked potatoes in a fraction of the time compared to boiling or oven baking.
• Convenience: Minimal cleanup – just a microwave-safe bowl and some water.
• Nutrient Retention: Steaming helps preserve more vitamins and minerals compared to boiling.
• Even Cooking: Microwaving ensures even cooking, preventing some potatoes from becoming overcooked while others remain hard.

What You'll Need:

• Microwave-safe bowl: Choose a bowl that's large enough to comfortably hold your potatoes and has a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
• Baby potatoes: Wash thoroughly and scrub to remove any dirt. You can leave the skins on for added nutrients and flavor.
• Water: Just enough to create steam. About 1/4 cup is usually sufficient for a pound of potatoes.

Step-by-Step Guide: Microwave Steamed Baby Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. If desired, you can prick them a few times with a fork to allow steam to penetrate more easily, especially if you want extra fluffy potatoes.

Step 2: Add Water to the Bowl

Place the washed potatoes in your microwave-safe bowl. Add about 1/4 cup of water (adjust depending on the quantity of potatoes). Too much water will lead to boiled potatoes instead of steamed.

Step 3: Cover the Bowl

Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Make sure to leave a small vent for steam to escape. This prevents uneven cooking and potential explosions.

Step 4: Microwave the Potatoes

Microwave on high power for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size and quantity of potatoes. Start checking for doneness at the 5-minute mark. Larger potatoes will require more time.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Use a fork to check for doneness. The potatoes should be tender and easily pierced. If they're not quite done, microwave in 1-minute increments until tender.

Step 6: Season & Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be hot!). Drain any excess water. Season with your favorite herbs, spices, butter, or oil. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly steamed baby potatoes!

Tips for Perfect Microwave Steamed Baby Potatoes:

• Smaller Potatoes Cook Faster: Smaller potatoes will steam more quickly than larger ones. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Don't Overcrowd the Bowl: Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Use a larger bowl if necessary.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add garlic, rosemary, thyme, or other herbs and spices while steaming for extra flavor.

Enjoy Your Delicious and Healthy Meal!

This simple method allows you to enjoy perfectly steamed baby potatoes as a healthy and delicious side dish in minutes. Remember to adjust cooking times according to your microwave and the size of your potatoes. Happy cooking!