how to steam sweet potatoes

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

18-01-2025

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Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable, packed with vitamins and fiber. Steaming is one of the healthiest and easiest ways to cook them, preserving their nutrients and resulting in a tender, flavorful spud. This guide will walk you through several methods for steaming sweet potatoes, ensuring perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every time.

Why Steam Sweet Potatoes?

Steaming sweet potatoes offers several advantages over other cooking methods like boiling or baking:

• Nutrient Retention: Steaming minimizes nutrient loss compared to boiling, where vitamins can leach into the water.
• Flavor Enhancement: The gentle heat of steaming allows the sweet potatoes' natural sweetness to shine through.
• Texture Perfection: Steaming produces a tender, fluffy texture without making the sweet potatoes mushy.
• Ease and Convenience: Steaming is a relatively quick and effortless cooking method, especially when using an electric steamer.

Methods for Steaming Sweet Potatoes

Here are three popular methods for steaming sweet potatoes, catering to different kitchen setups and preferences:

Method 1: Steaming Sweet Potatoes in a Steamer Basket

This is a classic method, perfect for those who already own a steamer basket.

What you'll need:

• Steamer basket
• Large pot with a tight-fitting lid
• Water
• Sweet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled (depending on preference)

Instructions:

1. Fill the pot: Fill the pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place the sweet potatoes: Add the sweet potatoes to the steamer basket.
3. Steam: Place the steamer basket over the boiling water, ensuring the sweet potatoes are not touching the water. Cover and steam for 20-30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Larger sweet potatoes will take longer.
4. Check for doneness: Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork. They're done when it easily slides in and out.

Method 2: Steaming Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave

This is a quick and convenient method, ideal for smaller quantities of sweet potatoes.

What you'll need:

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Water
• Sweet potatoes, pierced several times with a fork

Instructions:

1. Add water: Place about ½ inch of water in the microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add sweet potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in the bowl.
3. Microwave: Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes per sweet potato, flipping halfway through. Cooking time depends on the size and power of your microwave. Check for doneness with a fork.

Method 3: Steaming Sweet Potatoes in an Electric Steamer

Electric steamers provide consistent, even steaming and are a great option for larger batches.

What you'll need:

• Electric steamer
• Water
• Sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Fill with water: Fill the electric steamer with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Add sweet potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in the steamer basket.
3. Steam: Steam according to the manufacturer's recommendations, usually around 20-30 minutes for medium-sized sweet potatoes.

Tips for Perfectly Steamed Sweet Potatoes

• Size matters: Smaller sweet potatoes will steam faster than larger ones. Cut larger sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd: Ensure there's enough space between sweet potatoes in the steamer basket for even steam circulation.
• Check for doneness: Test for doneness frequently to prevent overcooking. A fork should easily pierce a cooked sweet potato.
• Seasoning: Once cooked, you can season your steamed sweet potatoes with butter, salt, pepper, cinnamon, or any other desired spices.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed sweet potatoes: Mash them with butter, milk, and spices for a delicious side dish.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: Toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings before roasting for a crispy exterior.
• Sweet potato fries: Cut them into fries and bake or air fry for a healthier alternative to regular fries.
• Sweet potato soup: Blend them into a creamy and flavorful soup.

No matter which method you choose, steaming sweet potatoes is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable. Experiment with different seasonings and serving methods to find your favorite way to prepare them. Enjoy!