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How to Cook Sweet Potatoes: Boil, Roast, Steam & More.

Sweet Potato


Sweet potatoes are easy to cook and very forgiving. Our Orange Kalim aw kamote from Bukidnon turns sweet and creamy with any method below. Keep the skin on for extra fiber and flavor. Wash well, scrub gently, and trim rough spots. Skins are safe to eat and add nutrients.

Quick guide to methods and timings

  • BoilCubes 12 to 15 minutes. Whole small to medium 20 to 25 minutes. Whole large 30 to 35 minutes. Cook until a fork slides in easily.

  • SteamWhole 25 to 35 minutes depending on size. Aim for tender but still holding shape.

  • Roast in the ovenCubes at 220°C for 30 to 35 minutes. Toss halfway so edges brown evenly.Whole at 220°C for about 45 to 60 minutes. Prick with a fork before baking.

  • Air fryerCubes at 200°C for 10 to 15 minutes. Shake once for even crisp.

  • MicrowaveOne medium potato 5 to 6 minutes, turning halfway. Add a minute at a time until tender. Pierce the skin first.

Smart nutrition tip

A little fat helps your body absorb more beta carotene from the orange flesh. Add butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or cheese at the table. Light cooking can also make some nutrients easier to use.

Method 1: Boiled sweet potatoes

  1. Cut into even 2 to 3 cm cubes, or leave whole.

  2. Cover with cold water by about 2 cm. Add a pinch of salt.

  3. Bring to a boil, then simmer until fork tender.

  4. Drain well. For mash, add milk or coconut milk and a knob of butter.

Best for: mash, salads, baby food, pies.

Method 2: Steamed sweet potatoes

  1. Bring 2 to 3 cm of water to a boil in a pot.

  2. Set a steamer basket over the water. Add whole sweet potatoes.

  3. Cover and steam until tender.

Why steam: gentle heat and less contact with water help retain delicate vitamins.

Method 3: Roasted sweet potatoes

For cubes

  1. Heat the oven to 220°C.

  2. Toss cubes with 1 to 2 tablespoons oil and salt. Spread out on a large tray.

  3. Roast 30 to 35 minutes, turning halfway, until edges are caramelized.

For whole

  1. Heat the oven to 220°C.

  2. Prick each potato a few times. Bake on a tray 45 to 60 minutes, until soft.

Flavor ideas: paprika and garlic, honey and butter, rosemary and olive oil.

Method 4: Air fryer sweet potato cubes

  1. Heat air fryer to 200°C.

  2. Toss 2 to 3 cm cubes with oil and salt.

  3. Cook 10 to 15 minutes, shaking once at the halfway mark, until crisp outside and tender inside.

Great for: quick sides, meal prep bowls, kid friendly snacks.

Method 5: Microwave sweet potatoes

  1. Scrub and dry. Pierce the skin a few times.

  2. Microwave one medium potato on high for 5 to 6 minutes, turning halfway.

  3. If still firm, continue in 30 to 60 second bursts until tender.

Pro move: microwave 2 to 3 minutes to soften, then finish in a 220°C oven for 15 to 20 minutes for crisp skin.

Serving ideas with Filipino flair

  • Simple merienda: split open, add butter, a sprinkle of muscovado sugar, and a pinch of salt.

  • Savory bowl: roasted cubes with garlic rice, fried egg, and chili oil.

  • Ginataang style side: stir warm chunks into coconut milk with ginger and a little brown sugar.

  • Loaded snack: top with grated cheese and spring onions.

Storage and meal prep

  • Cooked sweet potatoes keep 3 to 5 days in the fridge in a sealed container.

  • Reheat in a pan, microwave, or air fryer. For cubes, 2 to 4 minutes in a hot air fryer brings back the crisp.

  • For longer storage, freeze cooked sweet potatoes.

FAQ

Which method keeps the most nutrients Gentle, low water methods like steaming and microwaving help preserve water soluble vitamins. Cooking can also increase the bioavailability of some antioxidants. Choose the method that fits your meal and what you enjoy eating.

Skin on or off Keep the skin on if you like the texture. It adds fiber and antioxidants. Scrub well before cooking.

Ready to try it with our Orange Kalim aw kamote from Bukidnon? Order at baligya.store for pickup or delivery in Metro Manila.

Sources

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