I love baked potatoes. There’s something about the soft, fluffy interior and the crispy exterior that just brings me comfort. It’s a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything. But sometimes, I don’t have the patience to wait an hour or more for it to bake in the oven. That’s when I turn to my trusty microwave. Yes, you heard that right, you can microwave a baked potato to perfection. And today, I’m going to share with you the simple steps to achieve greatness in just a few minutes.
But before we dive into the process, let me tell you a little story. Growing up, my mom always baked potatoes in the oven. It was a Sunday tradition – juicy roast beef, steamed green beans, and, of course, perfectly baked potatoes. The smell wafting through the house was pure heaven. As I got older and started cooking for myself, I wanted to recreate that comforting experience, but I didn’t always have the time. That’s when I discovered the magic of microwaving a baked potato.
Choosing the Right Potato
The first step to microwaving a baked potato to perfection is to choose the right potato. Not all potatoes are created equal, especially when it comes to baking. You want to pick a potato that has a high starch content, as this will result in a fluffy interior. The best potatoes for baking are russet potatoes. They have a thick skin and a starchy interior that is perfect for a fluffy baked potato.
Ideal Microwavable Size
Next, you want to ensure that your potato is of an ideal size for microwaving. It should be about the size of your fist, or roughly 6 to 8 ounces. This ensures even cooking throughout and prevents the potato from becoming too dry or overcooked.
Poke, Poke, Poke
Before microwaving your potato, it’s crucial to make a few holes in it to allow steam to escape. This prevents your potato from exploding in the microwave, which I’m sure you would like to avoid. You can use a fork or a small knife to poke several holes around the potato. I usually go for about 5 to 6 holes to be safe.
Microwaving with Care
Now that you’ve prepped your potato, it’s time to get it into the microwave. Place your potato on a microwave-safe plate, and make sure to leave enough space around it for the steam to escape. Cooking times will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, but as a general rule of thumb, start with 5 minutes for one potato and add additional time as needed. For two potatoes, start with 8 minutes, and again, adjust as necessary. Microwave in 2-minute increments until the potato is cooked through and tender.
Flipping and Rotating
About halfway through the cooking time, it’s a good idea to flip your potato over and rotate it. This ensures even cooking and prevents any hot spots. It also helps to achieve that crispy skin that we all love. You can use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to protect your hands when handling the hot potato.
Rest and Serve
Once your potato is cooked through, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the steam to escape and the potato to firm up a bit. After about 2 to 3 minutes, carefully slice open your potato using a sharp knife. Be cautious of the steam that may escape. Serve your perfectly microwaved baked potato with your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheese, or chives.
Tips and Tricks
Now that you know the steps to microwave a baked potato to perfection, let me share some tips and tricks to take it up a notch.
– If you want a crispy skin, brush your potato with a little olive oil or butter before microwaving.
– For a faster cooking time, you can halve your potato before microwaving.
– If you’re short on time, you can start the cooking process in the microwave and finish it off in the oven for that classic baked potato texture.
– Don’t forget to season your potato with salt and pepper before serving. It adds that extra burst of flavor.
And there you have it – a perfectly microwaved baked potato. It may not have the same nostalgic feel as the one baked in the oven, but it’s a quick and easy option for those busy weeknight dinners or when you just need a potato fix. So, the next time you’re craving a comforting baked potato, don’t hesitate to take out your microwave and give it a try.