How to Steam Sweet Potatoes Perfectly
Steamed Sweet Potatoes: A Nostalgic Snack, Perfecting Your Sweet Potato Steaming Technique
Learn how to steam sweet potatoes to perfection with this simple and delicious recipe. Using just water and fresh sweet potatoes, you can create a wonderfully moist and sweet steamed treat that evokes childhood memories. This guide offers a special method, particularly suited for firmer varieties like ‘bam goguma’ (chestnut sweet potato), to bring out their deepest flavor. Enjoy this comforting and delightful snack!
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes (chestnut sweet potatoes recommended)
- 1 cup water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by selecting the best sweet potatoes for a delicious steamed treat. Look for ones that are slightly small, plump, and elongated. These tend to have a natural sweetness that intensifies beautifully when steamed.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the sweet potatoes. Trim off the very ends of each sweet potato. Then, thoroughly wash them under running water, using a brush if necessary to remove all dirt. If you plan to eat them with the skin on, be extra diligent with cleaning.
Step 3
It’s time to get ready for steaming. Place the cleaned sweet potatoes snugly in a pot. Pour in water until it reaches about half the height of the sweet potatoes. For an enhanced flavor, add a piece of dried kelp (dashima) to the water – it adds a wonderful depth and umami. This method uses water to steam rather than a traditional steamer basket, which is excellent for bringing out the rich taste of chestnut sweet potatoes.
Step 4
Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once steam starts to rise, reduce the heat to low and continue to steam for about 5 minutes. Check the sweet potatoes periodically by lifting the lid. The key is to let them steam until the water has almost evaporated and the sweet potatoes are tender. This method, steaming with just a little water rather than using a lot of steam, can create a texture similar to roasted sweet potatoes, with a slightly caramelized exterior and a deeply satisfying flavor. Ensure the lid is tightly closed to retain moisture as they cook.
Step 5
Voila! Your perfectly steamed sweet potatoes are ready. Arrange them attractively on a plate, reminiscent of how they’re sold at markets. Taking a bite of these warm, steamed sweet potatoes will surely bring back fond childhood memories. They make a delightful snack, especially when enjoyed with a glass of warm milk or a cup of coffee.
