Olivia Carter
Yams are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. If you’re short on time or prefer to use your microwave oven, you’ll be happy to know that yams can be easily cooked in the microwave. Whether you’re looking to make a quick side dish or a simple snack, cooking yams in the microwave is a convenient and hassle-free option.
Cooking yams in the microwave is not only quick, but it also helps to retain most of their nutritional value. Yams are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. By cooking them in the microwave, you can preserve these nutrients and enjoy a healthy and tasty meal.
To cook yams in the microwave, start by washing them thoroughly and drying them with a paper towel. Next, pierce the yams with a fork several times to allow steam to escape during the cooking process. Place the yams on a microwave-safe plate and cover them loosely with a microwave-safe lid or cling wrap.
Microwave the yams on high power for about 5-7 minutes per yam, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the yams. Once the yams are cooked, carefully remove them from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as they will be hot. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to cook yams in the microwave oven:
Cooking yams in the microwave oven is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious root vegetable. Whether you’re in a hurry or just looking for a hassle-free cooking method, the microwave is your best friend. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to cooking yams in the microwave oven:
| Step 1: | Wash the yam thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. |
| Step 2: | Pierce the yam with a fork or a knife several times. This will allow steam to escape while the yam cooks and prevent it from bursting. |
| Step 3: | Place the yam on a microwave-safe plate or dish. Make sure to choose a dish that is large enough to hold the yam without it touching the sides of the microwave. |
| Step 4: | Place the plate with the yam in the microwave oven. |
| Step 5: | Cook the yam on high power for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the size of the yam. Flip the yam halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. |
| Step 6: | Check the doneness of the yam by inserting a fork or a knife into the thickest part. If it goes in easily and the yam feels soft, it is ready. If not, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until cooked. |
| Step 7: | Remove the yam from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes. Be careful as it will be hot. |
| Step 8: | Once the yam is cool enough to handle, you can peel the skin off or leave it on, depending on your preference. The skin is edible and adds extra nutrients. |
| Step 9: | Serve the cooked yam as desired. You can enjoy it plain, add butter and salt, or use it as an ingredient in various dishes. |
So, next time you’re craving yams but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen, give the microwave oven a try. It’s a convenient and efficient way to cook yams to perfection!
Preparing the yams
Before cooking yams in the microwave oven, you need to properly prepare them. Start by washing the yams under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable scrub brush to scrub the skin gently.
Once the yams are clean, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture from the surface, which can prevent the skin from becoming crispy in the microwave.
Next, using a fork, poke several holes all around each yam. This is important to allow steam to escape during the cooking process and prevent the yams from exploding in the microwave. Make sure to poke the holes all the way through the skin and into the flesh.
After poking the holes, you can choose to either wrap each yam in a damp paper towel or leave them unwrapped. Wrapping them in a damp paper towel helps to create steam and keep the yams moist during cooking. However, leaving them unwrapped can result in a drier texture, which is preferable if you want a crispy skin.
Once you have prepared the yams, they are ready to be cooked in the microwave oven.
Cleaning and peeling the yams
Before cooking yams in the microwave oven, it is crucial to properly clean and peel them. This helps to remove any dirt or impurities and ensures a delicious final result.
1. Gather the necessary materials:
- Yams
- Vegetable scrub brush or sponge
- Vegetable peeler
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl of water
2. Rinse the yams:
Start by rinsing the yams under running water to remove any visible dirt or debris. This step is essential as it helps to ensure that the yams are free from any impurities.
3. Scrub the yams:
Using a vegetable scrub brush or sponge, gently scrub the yams to remove any stubborn dirt or residue. Make sure to scrub all sides of the yams thoroughly.
4. Peel the yams:
Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel the skin of the yams. Start from one end and peel in a downward motion, following the natural shape of the yam. Remove the entire skin, making sure to remove any brown spots or blemishes.
5. Cut into desired shapes:
Once the yams are peeled, you can cut them into the desired shapes for cooking in the microwave oven. Common shapes include cubes, slices, or wedges. Use a knife and cutting board to carefully cut the yams into your preferred shape and size.
Now that the yams are properly cleaned and peeled, they are ready to be cooked in the microwave oven. Follow the recommended cooking instructions to ensure a delicious and hassle-free cooking experience.
Cutting the yams
Before cooking the yams in the microwave, you need to cut them into smaller pieces. Start by washing the yams under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the ends of the yams.
Next, lay the yams sideways on a cutting board and slice them into rounds or discs. For a quicker cooking time, you can also cut the yams into smaller cubes or wedges. Keep in mind that the size you choose for cutting the yams will affect the cooking time.
As you cut the yams, be cautious to keep your fingers away from the knife blade to prevent any accidents. Take your time and make sure to use a firm grip on the yams while cutting.
Once you have finished cutting the yams, place them aside and continue with the next steps of the microwave cooking process.
Microwaving the yams
To cook yams in the microwave, follow these steps:
- Wash the yams thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pierce the yams with a fork several times to create small holes. This allows steam to escape during cooking.
- Place the yams on a microwave-safe plate or dish.
- Cover the yams with a microwave-safe lid or wrap them loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap.
- Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high power for about 5-7 minutes per yam. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the yams and the wattage of your microwave.
- After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the lid or plastic wrap to release any steam.
- Poke the yams with a fork to check for doneness. They should be tender and easily pierced.
- If the yams are not fully cooked, return them to the microwave and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes at a time until they are soft and fully cooked.
- Once the yams are cooked to your liking, remove them from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes before handling.
Now that you know how to microwave yams, you can enjoy this delicious and nutritious side dish in just a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven!
Checking for doneness
Once the yams have finished cooking in the microwave oven, it’s important to check if they are done. This can be done by gently poking a fork or knife into the yam. The utensil should penetrate the yam easily, and the flesh inside should be soft and tender.
Visual cues
In addition to using a utensil to check for doneness, you can also rely on visual cues. When cooked, yams will develop a golden-brown or caramelized exterior. This is a good indicator that the yam is fully cooked and ready to be enjoyed.
Testing the temperature
If you prefer a more precise method to determine doneness, you can also use a food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the yam. The internal temperature should register between 190°F (88°C) and 200°F (93°C) when fully cooked.
Remember to be careful when handling the yams as they will be hot. Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.
- If the yams are still firm and the utensil does not easily go through, continue cooking them in the microwave for one-minute intervals until they are fully cooked.
- If the yams appear burnt or blackened on the outside, they may have been cooked for too long. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for the next batch of yams.
Once you have determined that the yams are done, carefully remove them from the microwave oven using tongs or a heat-resistant spatula. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked yams!
Serving the yams
Once the yams are cooked to perfection in the microwave oven, it’s time to serve them and enjoy their deliciousness. Here are a few serving suggestions that you can try:
1. Plain and Simple
For a classic and fuss-free serving option, you can serve the cooked yams as is. Simply slice them into thick rounds or cut them into chunks, and place them on a serving platter. This way, you can fully appreciate the natural flavors and creamy texture of the yams.
2. Butter and Seasonings
If you want to enhance the flavor of the yams, you can add some butter and seasonings. Melt some butter and drizzle it over the cooked yams. Then, sprinkle salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices on top. This will add a savory element to the yams, making them even more delicious.
3. Sweet and Tangy Glaze
If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can glaze the cooked yams with a sweet and tangy sauce. Prepare a mixture of honey or maple syrup, melted butter, and a squeeze of lemon or orange juice. Brush this glaze over the yams and broil them in the microwave oven for a few minutes until the glaze caramelizes. The result will be irresistibly sweet and sticky yams.
Remember to let the cooked yams cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning yourself. Serve them as a side dish alongside your favorite main course, or incorporate them into other recipes like casseroles or salads. Yams are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving ideas!
FAQ
How do I cook yams in the microwave oven?
To cook yams in the microwave oven, first wash the yams thoroughly and pat them dry. Then, prick the yams with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape while cooking. Next, place the yams on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them on high for about 5-7 minutes per yam, depending on the size and power of your microwave. Check the yams halfway through cooking and rotate them if necessary. Once cooked, let the yams cool for a few minutes before handling.
Can I cook yams in the microwave oven without pricking them?
It is not recommended to cook yams in the microwave oven without pricking them. Pricking the yams with a fork allows steam to escape while they are cooking, preventing them from bursting and making a mess inside the microwave. If you skip this step, there is a higher chance of the yams exploding, which can be dangerous and can also damage your microwave. It’s always best to take the extra few seconds to prick the yams before cooking them in the microwave.
