How to Microwave a Potato at 1100 Watts

Microwaving your potatoes allows you to prepare them faster than other cooking methods.

Microwaves allow you to cook your potatoes in a fraction of the time you would use boiling or steaming them. However, microwave recipes are not as straightforward as they seem. This is because most microwave recipes are written for the average microwave wattage of 700. However, you can cook your potatoes in an 1,100-watt microwave oven as easily as in a 700-watt machine.

Things You'll Need

• 4 medium baking potatoes
• Vegetable peeler
• Knife
• 2 qt. microwave-safe baking dish with lid
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. Place them in the baking dish and cover.

2. Microwave the baking dish on high for three minutes and 30 seconds.

3. Remove the dish and stir the potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and microwave for an additional three to five minutes.

4. Let the potatoes stand, covered, for three minutes. Test the potatoes to make sure they are tender and fluffy. If not, return them to the microwave and heat them for one-minute increments until they are done.

Tips & Warnings

• Because microwaves make potatoes slightly mushy, they are not appropriate for baked potatoes. However, you can use them to prepare boiled or mashed potatoes.

References

• "The Joy of Cooking: 75th Anniversary Edition"; Irma S. Rombauer et. al.; 2006.
• Utah State Office of Education; What Wattage is My Microwave Oven?; Nancy Dexter
• Zesco: Microwave Summary Table