How to Cook Yams on the Stove

Potatoes are a classic side dish for chicken, steak, pork chops, and other main courses, but they can definitely get a little boring. If you're tired of the usual potato sides, you may want to switch things up with some tasty yams. A type of sweet potato, they can be cooked on the stove in the same way that you would white potatoes. Whether you prefer boiled, mashed, or skillet-roasted yams, you can whip up a tasty side quickly and easily right on your stove top.

Ingredients

Boiled Yams

  • 1 pound (450 g) yams
  • Water
  • Dash salt
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Makes 2 to 4 servings

Mashed Yams

  • 4 medium yams
  • 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
  • ½ cup (118 g) milk
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
  • 3 scallions, sliced (optional)

Makes about 6 servings

Skillet Roasted Yams

  • 1 large yam
  • 2 teaspoons (9 g) coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon (2 g) dried parsley
  • Ground cinnamon to taste

Makes 2 servings

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Preparing Boiled Yams

  1. Image titled Cook Yams on the Stove Step 1
    1
    Clean and peel the yams.[1] For the recipe, you’ll need 1 pound (450 g) of yams. Run them under cool water and scrub them gently with a clean produce brush. Rinse the yams again with cool water, and use a vegetable peeler to remove their skin.[2]
    • 1 pound (450 g) usually amounts to 2 medium yams.
    • If you don’t have a vegetable peeler, you can use a paring knife to remove the skin.
  2. Image titled Cook Yams on the Stove Step 2
    2
    Trim and cut the yams into cubes.[3] When the yams are peeled, use a sharp knife to trim away the ends and any woody bits. Next, chop the yams into bite-size cubes -- aim for cubes that are about ½- to 1-in(1.25- to 2.5-cm) in size.[4]
    • However big or small you cut the yams, make sure that they’re roughly the same size so they’ll cook at the same rate.
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  3. 3
    Combine the water and salt and bring it to a boil. Fill a medium pot about halfway with water. Sprinkle a pinch of salt into the water, and place it on the stove. Heat the water on high until it comes to a full boil, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.[5]
    • A 2 quart (1.9 l) pot is usually large enough for the yams.
  4. 4
    Add the yams and cover the pot. Once the water is boiling, drop the yam cubes into the pot. Place the lid on the pot to cover it.[6]
  5. Image titled Cook Yams on the Stove Step 5
    5
    Cook the yams until they’re tender. When the yams are in the pot, allow them to cook until they are tender on the outside but a bit resistant in the center when you pierce them with a fork or knife.[7] It should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.[8]
    • If you want particularly soft yams, cook them for 20 to 25 minutes.
  6. 6
    Drain the yams in a colander. When the yams are as tender as you’d like, remove the pot from the heat. Place a colander in the sink, and pour the yams into it to fully drain all of the water from them.[9]
  7. 7
    Mix the yams with the butter, salt, and pepper. Place the boiled yams in a large bowl, and add 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter and salt and pepper to taste. Toss the mixture well, so the yams are fully coated with the butter and seasonings.[10]
    • You can add whatever spices, herbs, or seasonings that you like to the yams. Cinnamon is a common option, but you may prefer some spices with heat to contrast with the yams’ natural sweetness. Cayenne, paprika, and chili powder can be tasty.
  8. Image titled Cook Yams on the Stove Step 8
    8
    Serve the yams while still warm. When the yams are coated with the butter and seasonings, transfer them to a dish or platter. Pair them with your favorite main course, such as roast chicken, steak, pork chops, or mild fish.[11]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making Mashed Yams

  1. 1
    Peel and cut the yams.[12] For the recipe, you’ll need 4 medium yams. Use a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the skin. Next, use a sharp knife to chop the yams into large chunks.[13]
    • You can also use a knife to remove the skin. It’s easy to cut yourself, though, so take your time.
    • Try your best to make the chunks as uniform in size in possible. This will ensure that they’ll cook evenly.
  2. 2
    Place the yams in a pot and cover them with water.[14] Add the chopped yams to a medium pot, and cover them with water. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon (3 g) of salt into the pot and stir gently.[15]
  3. 3
    Bring the mixture to a boil. Place the pot on the stove, and heat the yams on high. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.[16]
  4. Image titled Cook Yams on the Stove Step 12
    4
    Lower the heat and cook the yams until tender. When the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium. Let the yams cook until they are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork or knife, which should take about 20 minutes.[17]
  5. 5
    Heat the milk and butter. While the yams are boiling, add ½ cup (118 g) of milk and 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter to a small saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat for about 3 minutes or until the butter melts completely.[18]
  6. 6
    Drain the yams and return them to the pot. When the yams are fork tender, remove the pot from the heat. Place a colander in the sink, and pour them into it to fully drain the water from them. When the excess moisture is removed, place the yams back in the pot.[19]
  7. 7
    Mix in the milk mixture and remaining salt and mash the yams. Add the butter and milk mixture and ½ teaspoon (3 g) of salt to the yams. Use a potato masher to mash the yams until they are smooth and the milk and butter are fully incorporated.[20]
    • You can use an electric hand mixer to mash the yams if you want them to be completely lump-free.
  8. Image titled Cook Yams on the Stove Step 16
    8
    Garnish the yams with the scallions and enjoy. When the yams are nice and smooth, transfer them to a serving bowl. Sprinkle 3 sliced scallions over the top of the mashed yams, and serve while they’re still warm.[21]
    • Adding the scallions is an optional step. You can omit them if you prefer.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making Skillet Roasted Yams

  1. Image titled Cook Yams on the Stove Step 17
    1
    Peel and chop the yams. For the recipe, you’ll need 1 large yam. Use a vegetable peeler to take off all of the skin, and dice the yams into ½-inch (1.25-cm) cubes with a sharp knife.[22]
  2. Image titled Cook Yams on the Stove Step 18
    2
    Heat the coconut oil in a skillet. Add 2 teaspoons (9 g) of coconut oil to a large skillet. Place the skillet on the stove, and allow the oil to heat until it melts completely, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.[23]
    • You can substitute olive oil for the coconut if you prefer.
  3. 3
    Add the yam and stir well. Once the coconut oil is melted, add the chopped yams to the skillet. Mix them well to ensure that they are well coated with the coconut oil.[24]
  4. 4
    Mix in the salt, parsley, and cinnamon. When the yams are coated with the oil, add ½ teaspoon (3 g) of sea salt, 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (2 g) of dried parsley, and ground cinnamon to taste to the skillet. Stir well to ensure that all of the seasonings are fully incorporated.[25]
    • You can substitute other seasonings for the cinnamon and parsley if you prefer. For a spicy kick, try smoked paprika, cayenne, or chipotle pepper seasoning.
  5. Image titled Cook Yams on the Stove Step 21
    5
    Cook the yams until they’re crispy. Once the yams are seasoned, allow them to cook until they get nice and crispy on the outside, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to stir the yams occasionally so they don’t burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.[26]
  6. 6
    Transfer the yams to a dish and serve them while warm. When the yams are as crisp as you’d like, remove them from the stove. Place them in a serving dish, and pair them with your favorite main course, such as roast chicken, pot roast, or pork chops.[27]
  7. Image titled Cook Yams on the Stove Step 23
    7
    Finished.
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Things You’ll Need

Boiled Yams

  • Produce brush
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Sharp knife
  • Medium pot
  • Colander
  • Medium bowl
  • Wooden spoon

Mashed Yams

  • Vegetable peeler
  • Sharp knife
  • Medium pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Potato masher

Skillet Roasted Yams

  • Vegetable peeler
  • Knife
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon

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References

  1. ↑ Dorrenda Smith. Personal Chef. Expert Interview. 26 October 2021.
  2. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-boil-sweet-potatoes/
  3. ↑ Dorrenda Smith. Personal Chef. Expert Interview. 26 October 2021.
  4. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-boil-sweet-potatoes/
  5. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-boil-sweet-potatoes/
  6. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-boil-sweet-potatoes/
  7. ↑ Dorrenda Smith. Personal Chef. Expert Interview. 26 October 2021.
  8. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-boil-sweet-potatoes/
  9. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-boil-sweet-potatoes/
  1. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-boil-sweet-potatoes/
  2. ↑ http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-boil-sweet-potatoes/
  3. ↑ Dorrenda Smith. Personal Chef. Expert Interview. 26 October 2021.
  4. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/food/mashed-yams
  5. ↑ Dorrenda Smith. Personal Chef. Expert Interview. 26 October 2021.
  6. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/food/mashed-yams
  7. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/food/mashed-yams
  8. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/food/mashed-yams
  9. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/food/mashed-yams
  10. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/food/mashed-yams
  11. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/food/mashed-yams
  12. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/food/mashed-yams
  13. ↑ https://www.ourpaleolife.com/skillet-sweet-potatoes/
  14. ↑ https://www.ourpaleolife.com/skillet-sweet-potatoes/
  15. ↑ https://www.ourpaleolife.com/skillet-sweet-potatoes/
  16. ↑ https://www.ourpaleolife.com/skillet-sweet-potatoes/
  17. ↑ https://www.ourpaleolife.com/skillet-sweet-potatoes/
  18. ↑ https://www.ourpaleolife.com/skillet-sweet-potatoes/

About This Article

Dorrenda Smith
Co-authored by:
Dorrenda Smith
Personal Chef
This article was co-authored by Dorrenda Smith. Dorrenda “Renny” Smith is a Personal Chef and the Co-Founder & CEO of The Crain Experience. With almost 15 years of experience in the food industry, she specializes in creating soul food with a healthier spin. Chef Renny and her partner provide event catering, event planning, and restaurant and food truck consultations. This article has been viewed 113,131 times.
6 votes - 70%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: November 28, 2022
Views: 113,131
Categories: Featured Articles | Fruits and Vegetables
Article SummaryX

To boil yams on the stove, wash the yams with cold water and peel them with a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Trim off the ends of the yams and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Fill a pot halfway with water and add a pinch of salt, then bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the yams to the pot and cover it, then reduce the heat a bit so it doesn’t boil over. Cook the yams until they are tender and easy to pierce with a fork, which should take 10-15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and pour the yams into a colander to drain them. Toss the yams in butter, salt, and pepper, add any other seasonings of your choice, and serve them warm. For tips on how to make mashed yams on the stove, keep reading!

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