While many cooking methods call for wrapping potatoes in foil or paper towels, microwaving is a fast and efficient method of preparing a tasty side dish. While most cooking methods involve wrapping potatoes in foil or using paper towels, many people wonder if they can microwave the potatoes without doing so. Yes, that’s the simple answer. You can. You can even baked potato in microwave without the wrapping. You should know the following.
Why Skip The Wrapping?
Wrapping the potatoes, in particular in foil, can help them retain moisture while cooking evenly in an oven. Microwaving uses a completely separate process. A microwave generates waves that cause water molecule vibrations within the food, creating internal heat. Wrapping tightly a potato could hinder these benefits as it would trap excessive steam.
You can cook potatoes in the oven without using any packaging. This produces a delightfully delicate skin and lets the steam out. Skipping the wrapping is convenient, but it’s also eco-friendly, as you save unnecessary waste.
Microwave Unwrapped Potatoes The Right Way
A few simple steps are required to successfully microwave potatoes without wrapping them.
- Wash thoroughly: Rub the potato under cold, running water. Because potatoes contain edible skin rich in fiber and nutrients, it is essential to wash them well.
- Poke Holes: To make holes, use a knife to poke the potato on all sides. This prevents the potatoes from exploding during cooking by allowing steam to escape.
- Season Lightly: While optional, it’s worth lightly coating the potato with olive oil and salt. This helps improve the taste and crispiness of the skin.
- Microwave Timing: Place your potatoes directly onto a plate or turntable made of glass that can be microwaved. Microwave potatoes of medium size for about 5 to 7 mins. Flipping the potato midway through cooking will ensure even heating.
- Check for Doneness: After microwaving, carefully remove the potatoes (use oven mittens or a dish towel, it is hot!) After microwaving, remove the potato carefully (use oven mittens or a kitchen towel–it’s hot!) If your potato yields when gently pressed, it’s done. If the potato feels hard, you may need to continue microwaving it at intervals of one minute.
Microwaving Potatoes Has Many Benefits
There are many benefits to microwaving potatoes without the wrapping.
- Speed and Convenience: Microwaving without packaging significantly reduces the prep time. It is perfect for busy weeknights or quick meals.
- Healthy Skin: Exposing the skin helps to maintain its nutritional and dietary content, which enhances texture and health.
- Better Texture: Unwrapped potatoes are less soggy and have a lighter texture.
- Cost and Environmentally Friendly: Avoiding foil or tissue paper reduces kitchen waste while saving money.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
It is possible to microwave potatoes without the wrapping, but there are a number of common pitfalls.
- Forgetting to Poke Holes: This important step will prevent an explosion.
- Overcooking: Overcooking begins with starting the time of cooking slowly. It’s possible to add more time but it is not possible to reverse an overcooked potato.
- Non-Microwave safe containers: Place the potato directly on top of a turntable/plate that is microwave-safe. Avoid any other materials or containers not intended for use in a microwave.
Wrapping Can Still Help
In some cases, wrapping the potato in a wet paper towel will help. If your potato’s skin is tough or tends towards drying out, a lightly dampened paper towel wrap will preserve moisture without causing an overly soggy texture.
Conclusion
Microwaving potatoes allows you to consume this nutritious and versatile veggie in a shorter time frame than traditional baking. Microwaving the potato in its natural state without wrapping it offers convenience and great nutritional benefits. If you follow a few steps: wash the potato, poke holes into it, season lightly, then microwave and check to see if it’s done, you will get fluffy and delicious baked potatoes every time.
Remember that if you want to make a quick and easy potato dish without wasting time, it is best to microwave your potato in its natural state. Enjoy the convenience of unwrapping your potato before you microwave it.