Steamed Sweet Potatoes: A Guide to Perfectly Steamed Sweet Potatoes Using a Pot and Steamer
How to Steam Sweet Potatoes Deliciously: The Perfect Method Using a Pot and Steamer
Here’s a recipe for delicious steamed sweet potatoes that my family and I enjoyed for a weekend lunch. We usually bake them in the air fryer, but this time, I decided to steam them in a pot with a steamer basket. The result was wonderfully warm and sweet – perhaps even more delicious because it had been so long since we enjoyed them steamed!
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes (as many as you like)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, I prepared a box of bite-sized sweet potatoes. Whether baked in the air fryer or steamed, they cook quickly, which is a big plus!
Step 2
These sweet potatoes are perfectly sized to fit comfortably in one hand. Children tend to devour several of these small ones in one sitting, but interestingly, they often leave larger sweet potatoes unfinished. That’s why I find myself buying these ‘bite-sized’ ones so often!
Step 3
If your sweet potatoes are covered in soil, wash them thoroughly under running water using a brush. This is especially important if you plan to eat the skins.
Step 4
The very ends of the sweet potatoes can be a bit tough and fibrous, making them less pleasant to eat. It’s a good idea to trim these ends off before steaming for a better eating experience.
Step 5
Now, add a suitable amount of water to your pot. Place the steamer basket inside and ensure the water level is below the bottom of the basket. Too much water can make the sweet potatoes mushy. Remove the steamer basket, cover the pot, and bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling vigorously, carefully place the steamer basket back in, followed by your prepared sweet potatoes.
Step 6
The total steaming time for the sweet potatoes is about 25 minutes. Start with high heat for the first 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium and steam for an additional 20 minutes. If your sweet potatoes are particularly large, you may need to increase the steaming time. It’s a good practice to check for doneness with a skewer or fork.
Step 7
When the time is up, carefully open the pot lid and insert a skewer or fork into the largest sweet potato. If it slides in smoothly all the way to the center, they are perfectly cooked. Once the sweet potatoes are done, don’t immediately remove them. Instead, cover the pot again and let them steam for an extra 5 minutes. This ‘resting’ period allows the moisture and sweetness to fully develop, making them even more delicious.
