Whether you want to make mashed potatoes or use them as an ingredient in another recipe, boiling potatoes in the microwave is an easy way to cook them quickly.You can boil your potatoes in less than ten minutes with this method.To cook potatoes in the microwave, you need a bowl, plastic wrap, and a knife.
Step 1: If you don't want the skin on, peel your potatoes.
The texture of the potato will be improved by leaving the skin on.If you are going to use the potato as an ingredient, you will want to skin them first.
Step 2: All of your potatoes will fit in the microwave-safe bowl.
There are ceramic bowls that work well in the microwave.Try not to use plastic that might melt.The bottom of a microwave-safe bowl can be inspected.It is safe to use if it says "microwave safe" or has a symbol with three wavy lines.Don't put metal in the microwave.
Step 3: The potatoes should be washed thoroughly with water.
Make sure to cover the potato with water when you wash it.Don't pat them dry.The potatoes have a layer ofMoisture left on them.
Step 4: Put a fork on the potatoes.
Use a fork to poke holes in the potatoes.Pressure and heat can cause potatoes to explode in the microwave if you don't poke any holes in them.The potato should have holes in it.You may want to use a skewer to create deeper holes in your potato.
Step 5: Put the potatoes in the bowl.
If your potatoes are still wet from the wash, give them a quick rinse.Water can be added to the bottom of your bowl before the microwave is turned on.The water keeps your potatoes from drying out as they cook, but if they're totally soaked the water won't evaporate and you'll be left with moist potatoes.
Step 6: The bowl should be covered with plastic wrap.
To keep the steam out of the bowl, cover your potatoes with plastic wrap.The potatoes will boil evenly.Before using plastic wraps to cover your potatoes, check the packaging.
Step 7: You should set your power to the highest setting.
The microwave's power level should be turned to the highest setting.There is a button for potatoes in some microwaves.If you have a button for potatoes, press that instead.
Step 8: Pick your time based on the size of your potatoes.
Start with two minutes in the microwave.Start with four minutes in the microwave.The cooking time for potatoes will be affected by the microwave's wattage.It is better to start lower when cooking in the microwave.You can add time, but you can't change the food.
Step 9: While the potatoes are cooking, keep an eye on them.
If the pressure inside the potatoes builds up to high levels, they can explode in the microwave.Stay in the kitchen while they cook.The microwave cooks the inside of the potato.The pressure will build up inside the potato as it cooks.If the skin is still on or you haven't poked enough holes in the potato, an explosion is more likely.It's a good idea to watch out for popping noises in the microwave.The pressure may be trying to get out of the potato.
Step 10: Take your potatoes out and check them with an oven mitt.
The bowl that they have been cooking in will be very hot, as will the potatoes.Remove the oven mitt from the microwave.Remove the plastic wrap from the countertop.Remove the plastic wrap from your face and body.You don't want to get burned because there will be a lot of hot steam coming out of the bowl.
Step 11: To see if the potato is done, poke it with a paring knife.
Put the paring knife in one of the potatoes.When you slide the knife in and out, your potato is fully boiled.If it is hard to pull your knife out, microwave it for an additional minute and check again.The potatoes have not cooked if you can't insert your knife.Try to cook them again by checking your microwave's power level.
Step 12: Allow your potatoes to stand for a while.
When you take potatoes out of the microwave, they will be very hot because they have a skin that seals in the heat.Allow them to stand for 1-2 minutes before touching them.While they rest, consider adding some herbs and spices to your potatoes.Adding parsley and a pinch of salt can add a bit of flavor to this dish.