A Japanese Tip for Boiling Sweet Potatoes: Achieve Soft, Naturally Sweet Potatoes in Just 5-6 Minutes

Depending on your preference, you can choose between soft or sticky sweet potatoes.

Soft Sweet Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized potatoes that are intact and feel heavy for their size. When cutting off the ends, look for a light orange color and white sap.

Sticky Sweet Potatoes (Mật): Choose potatoes with a purplish hue and streaks of蜜 (honey) on the skin. The drier the potato skin, the more蜜 it will produce when baked.

Once you’ve selected your potatoes, give them a good scrub to remove any dirt or sand from the skin.

Soft and Naturally Sweet Potatoes

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

Using a knife, cut off both ends of the potatoes. Then, use a skewer or a fork to prick holes all over the potatoes, or gently score them with a knife. This step helps to release steam and ensure even cooking, preventing the potatoes from exploding.

Wrap each potato tightly in a layer of paper towel or clean newspaper to retain moisture and create soft, moist potatoes without drying them out. For even cooking, you can also wrap them in plastic wrap suitable for microwave ovens.

Microwaving the Sweet Potatoes

Place the wrapped potatoes on a ceramic plate and put them in the microwave.

Adjust the cooking time: Depending on the size of the potatoes and the power of your microwave, set the cooking time accordingly. Typically, a medium-sized potato takes about 5-6 minutes on the high setting. For larger potatoes, increase the time to 8-9 minutes.

Remove the potatoes from the microwave and let them cool down before handling and enjoying.

Alternatively, you can place the potatoes in a bowl of water and microwave them. This method also results in soft, tender potatoes.

The Final Product

The cooked sweet potatoes will be soft, evenly cooked, and naturally sweet. This method is favored by Japanese mothers for its convenience and ability to retain the potatoes’ natural sweetness.

Who Should Avoid Eating Sweet Potatoes

Despite their numerous health benefits, sweet potatoes may be harmful to certain individuals:

People with kidney disease: Those with kidney problems should refrain from consuming sweet potatoes due to their high fiber, potassium, and vitamin A content. Weak kidneys may struggle to eliminate excess potassium, potentially leading to serious complications such as heart rhythm disorders.

Individuals with digestive issues: If you experience frequent bloating or abdominal dist, limit your intake of sweet potatoes as they can increase stomach acid secretion, causing hot intestines, acid reflux, and further bloating.

Frequently asked questions

To boil potatoes without water, you will need a heat-proof container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a glass or ceramic bowl. Cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces and place them in the container. Add a small amount of butter or oil, and season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover the container and cook in the microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Give the container a shake or stir the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Boiling potatoes without water results in perfectly fluffy spuds with a consistent texture throughout. This method is also quicker and more energy-efficient than traditional boiling, as there is no need to wait for a pot of water to boil and the cooking time is significantly reduced.

Absolutely! You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to suit your taste. Try adding garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, or thyme for a flavorful twist. You could also add chopped onions, carrots, or other vegetables to the container for a heartier side dish.

This method works well with most types of potatoes, including Russet, Yukon Gold, and Red potatoes. However, for the best results, it is recommended to use potatoes that are on the smaller side and cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook through at the same rate.

Yes, it is important to use a container with a non-stick surface or to coat the container with a small amount of butter or oil before adding the potatoes. Giving the container a shake or stirring the potatoes halfway through cooking can also help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

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