Cooking soft and fluffy steamed purple sweet potatoes is one of the easiest things you can make in your kitchen. They turn out naturally sweet, creamy on the inside, and full of beautiful purple color. This healthy side dish takes only a few minutes of prep and tastes amazing with both sweet and savory toppings!

Purple sweet potatoes are one of my favorite vegetables to keep on hand. They are slightly drier and a little less sweet than the orange ones, but the flavor is rich, nutty, and almost like vanilla. This step-by-step purple sweet potato recipe shows you how to steam them perfectly using just 2 ingredients - purple sweet potatoes and water.

Steaming is hands down the best way to cook them. It keeps the color vibrant, locks in nutrients, and the texture comes out smooth and fluffy every single time. Perfect for meal prep, baby food, or a quick healthy snack the whole family will love.

Recipe Ingredients

Purple sweet potatoes. 3 medium-sized purple sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds total), washed and scrubbed well. Stokes Purple and Okinawan sweet potatoes both work great in this recipe.

Water. About 1 to 2 cups for steaming, depending on your pot or pressure cooker.

Salt (optional). Just a tiny pinch if you are serving them savory.

How to Steam Purple Sweet Potatoes

You can steam purple sweet potatoes on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker. Both methods give you tender, fluffy results - pick whichever one fits your kitchen.

Stovetop method

1. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes really well to remove any dirt. Leave the skin on for the best nutrition.
2. Fill a pot with about 1 inch of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Add the sweet potatoes in a single layer, cover with a lid, and steam over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Check for doneness by poking with a fork. It should go in easily with no resistance.

Pressure cooker / Instant Pot method

1. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. You can leave them whole or cut them in half.
2. Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot and place a trivet or steamer basket inside.
3. Add the sweet potatoes on top of the trivet in a single layer.
4. Close and lock the lid. Pressure cook on HIGH for 12 minutes for whole potatoes, or 8 minutes for halves.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
6. Carefully open the lid and serve.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Steamed purple sweet potatoes are a great option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a quick healthy snack. They are ready in about 30 minutes with very little mess and no oil at all. Perfect for busy moms and families who want something nourishing and delicious.

I also love that purple sweet potatoes have a deep, earthy flavor that pairs with so many toppings. My kids actually get excited because of the bright color - eating purple food is just fun!

Topping Ideas

One of the best parts about steamed purple sweet potatoes is how versatile they are. You can keep them simple or dress them up with your favorite toppings.

• Drizzle with a little melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
• Top with a spoonful of coconut milk and toasted coconut flakes.
• Add a drizzle of pure maple syrup or honey.
• Mash them up with butter, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg.
• Serve savory with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh herbs.
• Top with Greek yogurt and chopped pecans for a healthy breakfast bowl.
• Pair with grilled chicken or salmon for a balanced dinner.

Tips for Perfectly Steamed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Pick similar sized potatoes. If they are all about the same size, they cook at the same rate, so nothing comes out raw or mushy.

Do not peel them before steaming. The skin holds in moisture and nutrients while cooking. Plus, it slips right off after steaming if you don't want to eat it.

Cut larger potatoes in half. If your sweet potatoes are very big, slice them in half lengthwise. This cuts cook time almost in half and helps them cook evenly.

Check with a fork, not a knife. A fork tells you the true texture. If it slides in like butter, they are done.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between purple and orange sweet potatoes?

Purple sweet potatoes have a deep purple flesh and a drier, slightly less sweet texture compared to orange ones. They also have a more nutty, vanilla-like flavor. Orange sweet potatoes are moister and sweeter.

Are purple sweet potatoes healthy?

Yes! Purple sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give them the bright color. They are also high in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, and low in fat.

Can I steam purple sweet potatoes with the skin on?

Absolutely. Steaming them with the skin on keeps in moisture and nutrients. You can eat the skin or peel it off after cooking - it comes off easily.

How long does it take to steam purple sweet potatoes?

On the stovetop, it takes about 20 to 25 minutes for halves or 1-inch rounds. In a pressure cooker, it takes 8 to 12 minutes plus natural pressure release.

Are Okinawan and Stokes Purple sweet potatoes the same?

No, they are different varieties. Okinawan has tan or beige skin with purple flesh, while Stokes Purple has purple skin and flesh. Both can be steamed the same way and taste similar.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover steamed purple sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze cooked and cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or in a steamer basket for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

More Healthy Side Dish Recipes

• Ninja Foodi baked sweet potato
• Air fryer frozen sweet potato fries
• Steamed rainbow trout
• Steamed snow crab legs

Hope you will love this steamed purple sweet potato recipe as much as my family does. Rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions!

Recipe

<a id="recipe-card"></a>

Steamed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Yield: 3 servings Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

Soft, fluffy, and naturally sweet steamed purple sweet potatoes are a quick and healthy side dish. Made with just 2 ingredients on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker, they are perfect for meal prep and pair with sweet or savory toppings.

Ingredients

• 3 medium purple sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 to 2 cups water
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

Stovetop method

1. Wash and scrub purple sweet potatoes well. Cut in half lengthwise or into 1-inch rounds.
2. Fill a pot with 1 inch of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring to a boil.
3. Add sweet potatoes in a single layer, cover, and steam for 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Check with a fork. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Pressure cooker method

1. Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot and place a trivet inside.
2. Add whole or halved purple sweet potatoes on top.
3. Lock the lid and pressure cook on HIGH for 12 minutes (whole) or 8 minutes (halved).
4. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
5. Open carefully and serve.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or steam again for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 130 Total Fat: 0g Saturated Fat: 0g Trans Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 70mg Carbohydrates: 30g Fiber: 4g Sugar: 6g Protein: 2g

© Tatiana Cuisine: American / Category: Side dishes