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Sweet potato salad with avocado and greens

Name: How to Steam Sweet Potatoes

Summary: Learn the simplest and healthiest way to cook sweet potatoes. Steaming locks in flavor, preserves nutrients, and delivers a soft, perfectly cooked texture—ideal for meal prep, side dishes, or baby food.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 2 –3 medium sweet potatoes orange-fleshed recommended
  • 2 cups filtered water
  • Optional Aromatics like rosemary, lemon slices, garlic

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • Steamer basket or metal colander
  • Large pot with lid
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Fork or skewer for doneness testing
  • (Optional) Instant Pot or silicone steamer basket

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Rinse and scrub sweet potatoes well. Peel if desired.
  3. Cut into ½-inch rounds, 1-inch cubes, or halves (for faster cooking, use smaller cuts).
  4. Add 2 inches of water to a pot and place steamer basket inside, ensuring water doesn’t touch the basket.
  5. Layer sweet potatoes evenly in the steamer basket. Cover with a lid.
  6. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and steam.
  7. Cubes: 10–12 minutes
  8. Rounds: 8–10 minutes
  9. Whole: 30–45 minutes
  10. Test doneness with a fork. Sweet potatoes should be tender and easy to pierce.
  11. Remove from heat and let rest uncovered for 2–3 minutes before serving or storing.

Notes

Notes:
Steaming with skin on retains more nutrients.
Add herbs or citrus to water to subtly infuse flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Reheat by steaming or microwaving until warm.