How to Cook Yam

Do you want to learn how to cook yam? You have come to the right place!

When it comes to starchy root vegetables, the yam is a must-try for everyone. Even on its own, it has an absolutely delicious flavor and quality.

It’s also easy to cook yam until you unleash its starchy and sweet taste. Every bite gives you the delightful experience of savoring a soft and tender delicacy.

In this blog, you’ll learn the basics of preparing and cooking yam—including what to look for when buying, how to store yam, and the most delicious ways to cook it.

Welcome to the complete guide on learning how to cook yam!

How to Cook Yam

While raw yams are tough, cooking them can give them a soft and tender texture. Learning how to cook yam might even be your new favorite recipe!

Ingredients

The first step in knowing how to cook yam is to use the right ingredients:

Yam

What are yams best known for?

They are dry and starchy root vegetables that thrive in tropical countries. Yams come in different varieties, such as Chinese yam, ube, and more! 

Yams also have an earthy and neutral flavor which makes them perfect for serving with sweet and savory dishes. You can’t eat them raw, so make sure to cook them however you like. 

Check out these health benefits you can get from yams:

Enjoy these life-changing benefits that yams can offer by cooking yams properly. For the best flavor and texture, you can fry, roast, and boil the yams. 

Once you try the yam, you’ll know why it’s a staple in many places like Africa. In fact, I suggest cooking Yam Fritters, Yam Porridge, and Yam and Egg Frittata to make the most of these yams!

Salt

A little salt goes a long way, so season the water with salt to make the yams more flavorful. They prevent the yams from becoming bland after cooking. Don’t forget to add it! 

Learning how to cook yam with a three-ingredient recipe is surely the easiest guide for you. It’s simple yet incredibly delicious, soft, and satisfying!

Directions

With these steps, you will learn how to cook yam in no time!

1. Slice the yam into circles using a knife. 
2. Peel off the skin from each slice. 
3. Place the peeled and sliced yams in a bowl of water.
4. Rinse off the starch from the yams and place them in a pot. 
5. Put the pot over medium heat. 
6. Then, add water and salt. 
7. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. 
8. Use a fork to check for doneness. 
9. Once soft, remove it from heat and serve! 

Don’t you just love how tasty and soft these yams are? You will surely appreciate their quality with your favorite main dishes. 

Tips

Buying yams

• Medium suggests buying yams that feel firm to the touch.
• Also, look for yams with little to no cracks. 
• Avoid ones that are too wrinkly and soft.

Storing yams

• Yams can last up to three weeks at room temperature. 
• Put them in a well-ventilated area.
• Once cooked, you can store them in the fridge or freezer. 
• An effective yam storage hack is all you need to make your yams last long!

Alternative Ways to Cook Yam

How can you cook yams into fun dishes?

You can prepare the yams in different shapes and sizes to make them more fun for your guests and family. There are also alternative ways to cook yam.

Aside from boiling yams, you can also try Fried Yams for a different texture and flavor. Here are other ways to prepare yams:

Baked Yam

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. 
2. Peel and slice the yams. 
3. Then, poke them with a fork to cook them inside. 
4. Bake them for 40 minutes to an hour or until soft.

Fried Yam

1. Peel and cut the yam in any shape. 
2. Rinse the yam in water
3. Then, season with sea salt
4. Heat oil over medium heat.
5. Deep-fry the yam pieces until fully cooked on the inside.

Microwaved Yam

1. Put the sliced yams in a microwave-safe dish. 
2. Then, cover it with a lid or aluminum foil.
3. Cook each side for five minutes on high heat.

Recommended Tools

• Pot: Cook yam in a pot of water.
• Knife: Slice and peel the yams using a knife.
• Bowl: Rinse the yams in a bowl. 
• Fork: Check them for doneness by poking them with a fork.
• Cutting board: Prepare the yams on a clean cutting board.

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How to Serve Cooked Yam

No matter how simple the yam is, it’s actually a healthy recipe you can enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

They’re family-friendly foods that go well with the best drinks and juices for a balanced flavor. You can serve them for kids and adults to enjoy.

You can also be creative with serving it by cutting them into long strips for french fries-style yams! Serve these with sauces and dips that complement the natural taste of yams. 

I also love to cook with eggs for a Yam and Egg Frittata, Fried Yam, Yam and Plantain Porridge, Pounded Yam, and more! Here are some of the best dishes to serve with boiled yams:

• Smoked Mackerel Stew
• High-Protein Beans
• Assorted Fish Stew
• Assorted Beef Stew
• Egusi Soup
• Gizzard Stew
• Fried Eggs

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Eat the cooked yams within two hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the method of cooking yam?

There are many ways to cook yam. In this recipe, you need to boil the yam in water and salt to infuse it with flavor. Meanwhile, you can also bake, air fry, deep fry, microwave, or steam it.

Is it better to bake or boil yams?

It depends. If you want to give the yams more flavor, then I suggest baking them in spices. On the other hand, boil the yams if you want to go for a healthier recipe.

Should yams be peeled before boiling?

Yes, you should peel the yams before you boil them. It will be harder to peel the yams after they are boiled and soft. Also, peeling them will get rid of any bitter flavor from the skin.

Is it good to boil yam?

Yes, it is good to boil yam. Cooking it in water is an excellent way of seasoning it while retaining its nutrients. It also doesn’t take a lot of time to boil yams.