Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat dry with a kitchen towel.

Using a fork, poke several holes all over each sweet potato to allow steam to escape.

Pour olive oil over the sweet potatoes and rub it evenly over the skin.

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the oil-coated sweet potatoes.

Place sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 5 minutes.

Continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until desired softness is reached.

Carefully slice open each cooked sweet potato and add butter or garnishes before serving.