If you’re tired of waiting ages for your potatoes to cook, here’s a game-changing trick to get perfectly boiled potatoes in just 5 minutes. This method uses steam and microwave power to cut down on cooking time without sacrificing texture or flavor.
What You’ll Need
- Potatoes (small to medium-sized work best)
- Microwave-safe dish with a lid (or plastic wrap if you don’t have a lid)
- 1/4 cup water
The 5-Minute Potato Method
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt.
- For larger potatoes, cut them into smaller chunks for faster cooking.
- Pierce whole potatoes with a fork 2–3 times to allow steam to escape.
Step 2: Use a Microwave-Safe Dish
- Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add about 1/4 cup of water to the dish—this will create steam to help cook the potatoes evenly.
- Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam to vent.
Step 3: Microwave on High
- Microwave the potatoes on high power for 5 minutes.
- If you’re cooking a large batch, you may need to increase the time slightly (add 1–2 minutes).
Step 4: Check for Doneness
- After 5 minutes, carefully remove the dish (it will be hot!) and test the potatoes with a fork.
- If they’re not tender, microwave in 1-minute increments until fully cooked.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
- Drain any remaining water and season the potatoes with butter, salt, pepper, or your favorite toppings.
- Use them as a side dish, mash them, or add them to your favorite recipes.
Why This Method Works
The microwave traps steam, speeding up the cooking process by creating a high-heat, moist environment. Cutting the potatoes into smaller pieces ensures even cooking.
Pro Tips
- Small Potatoes Work Best: Fingerlings, baby potatoes, or chunks of larger potatoes cook faster.
- Season Before Cooking: Add a pinch of salt to the water for infused flavor.
- Save Time on Mashed Potatoes: Use this method to pre-cook potatoes before mashing.
Enjoy perfectly cooked potatoes in just 5 minutes with this quick and easy method! 🥔✨
