I’ve always been a fan of potatoes, but I’ve never been a fan of waiting for them to bake in the oven. So, when I discovered a quick and easy method for baking a potato in the microwave using a paper towel, I couldn’t wait to share it with everyone.
The Magical Secret
Why Microwave?
Microwaving a potato is a great alternative to baking it in the oven for a few reasons. First and foremost, it saves time. While baking a potato in the oven can take up to an hour, microwaving it takes only a fraction of that time. Additionally, microwaving is more energy-efficient, making it an eco-friendly choice. Lastly, microwaving helps retain the potato’s natural moisture, resulting in a fluffy and tender texture.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we dive into the process, let’s gather the ingredients and materials needed for this quick and easy method:
The Step-by-Step Process
1. Preparing the Potato
Start by selecting a medium-sized potato. Remember, the size of the potato can affect the cooking time, so adjust accordingly. Give it a thorough wash under running water to remove any dirt or debris. After it’s clean, pat it dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel.
2. Poking the Potato
Using your fork, poke the potato several times on all sides. This will allow steam to escape during the cooking process, preventing the potato from exploding in the microwave. It also helps the heat to distribute evenly.
3. Wrapping the Potato
Now comes the magic trick – the paper towel. Take your sheet of paper towel and dampen it lightly with water. This will help create a steamy environment inside the microwave, promoting faster and more even cooking. Wrap the damp paper towel around the potato, completely covering it.
4. Microwaving the Potato
Place the wrapped potato on a microwave-safe plate and put it in the microwave. Set the microwave on high power and cook the potato for 4-5 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the potato, so keep an eye on it.
After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the plate from the microwave and use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to turn the potato over. This will ensure that it cooks evenly on all sides. Return the potato to the microwave and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until it is tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Finishing Touches
Once the potato is cooked to your desired level of tenderness, carefully remove the plate from the microwave. Be sure to use oven mitts or a kitchen towel as the plate and potato will be very hot. Allow the potato to cool for a moment before unwrapping the steaming paper towel.
Serving and Enjoying
Now that your perfectly cooked potato is ready, it’s time to get creative with your toppings. Cut a slit in the potato, fluff the flesh with a fork, and add any combination of butter, sour cream, chives, or cheese. The options are endless and entirely customizable to your taste.
With this quick and easy method, you can have a delicious and satisfying baked potato in just minutes. It’s a game-changer for those busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food but don’t have the time or energy for a traditional oven-baked potato. So, go grab a potato, a paper towel, and your microwave, and get ready to enjoy a perfectly cooked potato in no time.