Microwaving Baked Potatoes: A Quick and Easy Cooking Guide
I love potatoes, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable is by baking it. However, waiting for the oven to heat up and then cooking the potatoes for an hour or more can sometimes be too time-consuming. That’s where the microwave comes in handy! In this article, I will guide you through the process of microwaving two baked potatoes, ensuring that you get perfectly fluffy and delicious results every time.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
Prepping the Potatoes
First, scrub the potatoes clean under running water to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub away stubborn dirt. Once clean, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel or napkin.
Next, take a fork and carefully pierce each potato several times. Poking holes in the potatoes allows steam to escape during the cooking process, preventing them from exploding in the microwave.
Cooking the Potatoes
Place the prepared potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and position them in a single layer. It’s important not to stack the potatoes on top of each other as they won’t cook evenly. If you need to cook more than two potatoes, it’s best to cook them in separate batches.
Cover the potatoes with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid. This helps to trap steam and ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and retain moisture.
Selecting the Right Power Level and Time
Microwaves come in different power levels, so it’s crucial to adjust the cooking time accordingly. The power level is usually indicated on the microwave’s control panel and can range from 1 to 10.
For two medium-sized potatoes, start by microwaving them on high power. Here’s a general guideline:
These times can vary depending on the size of your potatoes, so it’s essential to monitor them. You can check their doneness by gently squeezing them – they should yield slightly but not be too soft.
Letting the Potatoes Rest
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the plate from the microwave (use oven mitts if needed, as the plate may be hot). Let the potatoes sit for a couple of minutes to finish cooking and allow steam to escape.
If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but letting the potatoes rest helps to ensure that they are thoroughly cooked and that the heat is evenly distributed.
Serving and Enjoying
After the potatoes have rested, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! Cut a slit lengthwise in each potato and squeeze the ends to create an opening. Be cautious as the steam trapped inside can be hot. Use a fork to fluff up the flesh and create a fluffy texture.
Now comes the fun part – topping your potatoes! Add a pat of butter, a dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheese, or sprinkle with chopped chives. The topping possibilities are endless, so get creative with your flavor combinations.
Microwaving baked potatoes is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this classic side dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, you can have perfectly cooked potatoes on the table in no time. So next time you’re craving a baked potato, try this microwave guide for a fuss-free and delicious meal.