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There are several ways to cook a potato in the microwave. Making a baked potato, roast potato, and mashed potato are all possible within 10 minutes or less. Russet potatoes are an ideal choice for microwave cooking, but other types (such as Idaho or sweet potatoes) are also good options. Keep an eye on the potato while it is in the microwave and check it frequently to avoid overcooking.
Steps
Making a Microwave Baked Potato
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1Select and clean the potato. For best results, select a Russet potato to bake in the microwave. Scrub the potato to remove all dirt since the skin will be left on for cooking. Rinse the potato thoroughly and dry.[1]
- Use a paring knife to remove blemishes from the potato.
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2Poke holes. Poke 4-5 holes on each side of the potato using a fork. These holes will allow steam to escape during cooking and prevent the potato from exploding in the microwave. Place the potato in a microwave-safe plate or dish.[2]Advertisement
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3Microwave the potato for three minutes. Microwave the potato on full power for three minutes. Stop the microwave and remove the potato to check. A single potato should take just over five minutes to cook, but it is better to err on the side of caution to avoid overcooking it. [3]
- If you opt for a potato other than Russet, alter the cooking time accordingly (less for a smaller potato and more for larger potato).
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4Test its readiness. Using an oven mitt or kitchen towel, gently squeeze the sides of the potato. If the potato is tender enough to give under the pressure and for the skin to break and open up, it is done. If the potato is still firm, place it back in the microwave and check it again after another minute of cooking.
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5Garnish the potato. Once its done, slice open the top of your baked potato with a sharp knife. Place a folded paper towel over the cut and use your other hand to push down on it to open the potato. Fluff out the inside of the potato with a fork and add toppings such as:[4]
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheese
- Chili
- Ground beef
Roasting Potatoes in the Microwave
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1Choose a Russet or Yukon Gold potato. Choose a medium to large sized potato, preferably a Russet or Yukon Gold potato. Scrub and rinse it thoroughly. Dry with a paper towel.[5]
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2Slice up the potato. Cut the potato up into 1 inch cubes (approximately 2.5 cm). Place potato pieces in a microwave-safe dish. Disperse the potatoes evenly.[6]
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3Season the potato pieces. Drizzle the potato pieces with olive oil (approximately 0.5 oz. or 1 tbsp.). Sprinkle them with the seasoning of your choice, such as salt and pepper, ranch dressing powder, oregano, or garlic powder. Toss the pieces to coat.[7]
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4Cover the dish and cook. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Do not vent, as the steam trapped inside will cook and brown the potatoes. Microwave on high for 5-10 minutes.[8]
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5Check to see when they're done. Starting at 5 minutes, check the potato pieces to see if they're cooked by piercing them with a fork. If you can pierce through the potato pieces effortlessly, they are done. If the pieces still seem hard and under-cooked, return them to the microwave and continue checking at 1 minute intervals.
Making Mashed Potatoes
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1Scrub, wash and dry a large potato. Wash and dry a large potato, making sure to scrub the skin thoroughly. Place it in a microwaveable dish. Do not peel or pierce the potato.[9]
- Russet potatoes work best, but other kinds of potatoes with thick skin are also good option (e.g. Yukon Gold, sweet potatoes).
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2Cover and cook. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, leaving a corner open. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Remove, uncover, and check the potato to see if it's cooked. If not, continue microwaving for another minute and check again.[10]
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3Peel the potato. Remove the potato from the microwave-safe dish with an oven mitt or kitchen tongs. Run it under cold water for 15 seconds to cool. Make a cut on the side of the potato and slowly remove the skin entirely.[11]
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4Mash the potato. Place potato in a bowl and add a half cup (4 oz.) of milk, half cup (4 oz.) or sour cream or plain yogurt, and one tbsp. (0.5 oz.) of butter. Mash the potato using a masher or large fork, continuing until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.[12]
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5Finished.
Things You'll Need
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, preferably)
- A microwave-safe dish
- Paper towels
- Plastic wrap
- Seasonings
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Baked potato toppings
- A potato masher
References
- ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-in-the-microwave-226751/
- ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-in-the-microwave-226751
- ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-bake-a-potato-in-the-microwave-226751
- ↑ http://startcooking.com/how-to-cook-potatoes-in-a-microwave
- ↑ https://whatscookingamerica.net/Vegetables/MicroRoastPotatoes.htm
- ↑ https://whatscookingamerica.net/Vegetables/MicroRoastPotatoes.htm
- ↑ http://www.tablespoon.com/posts/how-to-make-potatoes-in-the-microwave/37ef1c96-5cd1-420c-baba-efe9fd60f4a0
- ↑ http://www.tablespoon.com/posts/how-to-make-potatoes-in-the-microwave/37ef1c96-5cd1-420c-baba-efe9fd60f4a0
- ↑ http://www.tablespoon.com/posts/how-to-make-potatoes-in-the-microwave/37ef1c96-5cd1-420c-baba-efe9fd60f4a0
- ↑ http://www.tablespoon.com/posts/how-to-make-potatoes-in-the-microwave/37ef1c96-5cd1-420c-baba-efe9fd60f4a0
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/13/best-way-to-peel-potatoes_n_7057660.html
- ↑ http://www.tablespoon.com/posts/how-to-make-potatoes-in-the-microwave/37ef1c96-5cd1-420c-baba-efe9fd60f4a0
About This Article
To cook a potato in the microwave, start by rinsing your potatoes to remove any dirt. To make a baked potato, take a fork and poke the potato 4-5 times to allow steam to escape while cooking. Place your potato on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Check your potato, and continue to cook in 1 minute intervals until it reaches your desired doneness (up to 5 minutes total). Carefully remove the potato, garnish it with your favorite toppings, and serve. To make roasted potatoes, cut your potato into 1 inch cubes and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Add your choice of seasonings and toss until completely coated. Cover the dish and place it in the microwave. Cook on high for 5-10 minutes. If the pieces still seem hard and under-cooked, return them to the microwave and continue checking at 1 minute intervals. Once they are done, carefully remove them and enjoy! To make mashed potatoes, place your whole potato on a microwave-safe dish, then cover it and cook for 5 minutes on high. Remove your potato and run it under cold water for 15 seconds to cool. Next, make a cut on the side of the potato and peel the skin until it is removed entirely. Place the potato in a bowl, and add a half cup (4 oz.) of milk, half cup (4 oz.) of sour cream or plain yogurt, and one tablespoon (0.5 oz.) of butter. Using a potato masher or large fork, mash until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.
