How to Steam Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Every Time

How to Steam Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Every Time

Okay, so, listen up! You wanna know how to steam sweet potatoes like a pro? Well, you’re in for a treat! Literally. Sweet potatoes are sweet and fluffy little gems that can transform your dinner from “meh” to “OH WOW!” But wait. If you overcook them, you’ll end up with mushy blobs of sadness. So let’s make sure that doesn’t happen! Here’s the ultimate guide to steaming sweet potatoes without losing your mind or your taste buds.

Gather Your Tools

First things first. You gotta gather some stuff. Grab some nice looking sweet potatoes from the store. Not the ones with weird bumps or sad faces. Get a pot and a lid too, like you don’t need to take a whole kitchen out to steam these babies. A steamer basket works good but if you don’t have one, just use a colander or something. Just make sure it fits in your pot.

And then water! Yep, plain ol’ H2O is all you need.

Pick Your Sweet Potatoes

Next step is picking your sweet potatoes. Don’t just throw any old potato into the pot, okay? Look for those that are nice and firm—no mushy stuff here! And maybe avoid the ones that look like they’ve been through a wrestling match. They should be about similar size so they steam evenly. You know what I mean right?

Chop Them Up (Or Don’t)

Here’s where it gets real interesting! You can chop them into cubes or keep them whole like little potato aliens from another planet. Chopping makes ‘em cook faster but whole ones look fancy on the plate later on. It’s really up to you and how much time you wanna spend playing chef vs how hungry you are!

Water Dance Time

Alright now it’s time for the most important part ever—the water dance! No joke here, but fill your pot with about an inch of water. That’s enough so we don’t drown our veggies but not too much where they’re taking swimming lessons.

Now put your steamer basket (or colander) on top of the pot like it’s wearing a crown because it deserves it! Place those sweet potatoes inside—gently though—don’t be like “YOLO” and slam them in there.

Cover Up!

You gotta cover that pot with a lid now! This is key if we want those sweet potatoes to get nice and steamy! If you don’t cover it, they’ll basically be taking a bubble bath instead of cooking correctly—and nobody wants soggy sweets.

Let The Magic Happen

Now patience my friend—you have to wait about 20-30 minutes depending on how big those chunks are or if they’re whole potato celebrities. If you want perfect results every time keep peeking at them around that 15-minute mark like an excited kid waiting for cookies in the oven.

Testing Time

When time is up it’s testing time! Grab a fork (be careful cause it’s hot) and poke one of those puppies—if it goes in smooth like butter on toast then voila—you did it! If not, cover it back up and give em’ 5 more minutes to become super soft.

Sweeten The Deal

Last step yo! Once they’re done steaming and smelling heavenly, take ’em out and sprinkle some love—or cinnamon or honey if you’re feeling extra—and enjoy that sweetness with whatever dish you’re making!

FAQ Section

Question: How long do I steam them?
Answer: About 20-30 mins unless you’re frozen dudes which will take longer.

Question: Can I steam other veggies with sweet potatoes?
Answer: Sure thing just make sure they have similar cook times!

Question: What if I forget about them?
Answer: Uhh… well… that’s gonna be awkward when your house smells burnt… set a timer next time!

Question: Can I eat the skins?
Answer: Oh totally! They’re actually good for ya!

Question: Do I need special tools to steam?
Answer: Nope just any ol’ pot and something for holding them above water works fine!

Question: What happens if I overcook them?
Answer: They’ll turn into mashed sadness… don’t let this happen!

Question: Can I reheat steamed sweet potatoes?
Answer: Yup but they’re best fresh—so gobble ’em up while they’re hot!

So there ya go pal! Now you know how to steam sweet potatoes perfectly every time without losing your marbles along the way! Get cooking and impress everyone with your kitchen wizardry!