Steaming Baby Potatoes: Rice Cooker Quick Fix

Steaming baby potatoes in a rice cooker is a convenient and healthy way to prepare this staple ingredient. Rice cookers are a versatile appliance, perfect for those who want to cook more than just rice. Steaming baby potatoes is a great way to retain their nutritional value, enhance their flavour and texture, and add them to a variety of dishes. The first step is to wash and peel the potatoes, and cut them into evenly-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Then, add water to the rice cooker, place the potatoes in the steaming basket, and cook for around 15-20 minutes, or until tender.

Preparing the potatoes for steaming

First, start by washing the baby potatoes under cool running water. Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub away any dirt or debris from the skin. This ensures that your potatoes are clean and ready for the next steps.

Next, decide whether you want to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on. Leaving the skin intact can provide added nutritional value, as many nutrients are concentrated near the skin. If you prefer a smoother texture or want to avoid the skin, use a vegetable peeler to remove it evenly from all sides of the potatoes.

After that, cut the baby potatoes into evenly-sized pieces. This step ensures that the potatoes cook uniformly and prevents some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked. Aim for bite-sized cubes or wedges, depending on your preference and how you plan to use the steamed potatoes.

If you've peeled the potatoes and need to delay cooking, you can optionally soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water. This prevents them from turning brown due to exposure to air. Just remember to drain the potatoes well before placing them in the rice cooker.

Finally, you have the option to season the potatoes before steaming them. Drizzle them with olive oil, and add salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs or spices such as rosemary, garlic powder, or paprika. This step will add extra flavour to your steamed baby potatoes.

By following these steps, your baby potatoes will be prepared and ready for steaming in your rice cooker.

Setting up the rice cooker

Firstly, check that your rice cooker has a steaming function. Not all rice cookers have this feature, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions or check the control panel. Once you've confirmed the steaming function, locate the detachable steaming tray or basket that comes with your rice cooker. This tray or basket is designed to sit above the water level, allowing steam to circulate and cook the potatoes evenly.

Next, add water to the rice cooker. Consult the user manual to determine the appropriate amount of water required for steaming. Typically, a few cups of water should be sufficient, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific model. After adding the water, place the steaming tray or basket into the rice cooker, ensuring it is secure and level.

Now, it's time to arrange the prepared potatoes on the steaming tray or basket. Spread them out in a single layer, leaving sufficient space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the tray, as this can impede the steam circulation and lead to uneven cooking.

Once the potatoes are in place, close the lid of the rice cooker tightly to create a sealed environment. This seal will help trap the steam and cook the potatoes effectively.

With these steps, your rice cooker is now set up for steaming potatoes. You can then proceed to start the steaming process, following the cooking instructions provided earlier. Remember to monitor the potatoes periodically to ensure even cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time for baby potatoes in a rice cooker will depend on the size of the potatoes and the quantity being cooked. On average, baby potatoes will take around 15-20 minutes to cook in a rice cooker. However, it is important to monitor the potatoes during the cooking process to ensure they are cooked evenly.

To begin, set up your rice cooker by adding the recommended amount of water as specified in the user manual. Most rice cookers will require a few cups of water for steaming. Then, place the prepared baby potatoes onto the steaming tray or basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each potato to allow for even cooking. Close the lid of the rice cooker tightly and select the steaming function if your rice cooker has one. If not, set the cooker to its regular cooking mode.

During the cooking process, periodically check on the potatoes to ensure they are cooking evenly. If necessary, gently shuffle or flip the potatoes to ensure that all sides are exposed to the steam. After the recommended cooking time has elapsed, carefully insert a fork or skewer into one of the potatoes to check for doneness. If it easily slides in and out without resistance and the potatoes feel tender, they are ready. If they are still too firm, continue steaming for a few more minutes and test again until they reach the desired level of tenderness.

Once the baby potatoes are cooked to your liking, turn off the rice cooker and unplug it from the power source. Remove the lid and allow the steam to escape before handling the potatoes. Your steamed baby potatoes are now ready to be served as a side dish or used in various recipes such as potato salads, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes.

Seasoning and serving suggestions

The great thing about baby potatoes is that they are cooked whole, so there's no chopping, no mess—just throw the potatoes in the pot and go!

Baby potatoes are a fantastic side dish, and you can season and serve them in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

Herb butter

A classic and simple way to season baby potatoes is with herb butter. After steaming the potatoes, toss them in a pan with butter, kosher salt, and fresh herbs. Literally, any kind of herb you like will work. Rosemary is a fantastic choice for its salty, buttery flavor. You can also use parsley, tarragon, basil, or mint. If you don't have fresh herbs, salted buttered baby potatoes are still delicious.

Olive oil and garlic

For a more savory flavor, dress your steamed baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Mince the garlic and heat it with olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat until it's fragrant. Then, toss your steamed potatoes in this mixture. You can also add some freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Stock

For added flavor, you can steam your baby potatoes in stock instead of water. Use chicken or vegetable stock, depending on your preference. This will give your potatoes a more savory taste.

Mashed potatoes

If you're looking for a creamier texture, you can make mashed potatoes in your rice cooker. Simply steam the potatoes as you usually would, then mash them inside the rice cooker with a rice paddle or plastic masher. Add milk, olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper, and mix until fluffy and smooth.

Pairings

Steamed baby potatoes go well with a variety of main dishes. Try serving them with cast iron skillet salmon, prime rib, or a lemon kale salad. They're also great with pan-seared strip steak, salmon with crispy skin, marinated grilled chicken, or marinated tofu steak.

With these ideas, you can enjoy delicious and versatile steamed baby potatoes any time!

Tips for perfect steamed potatoes

Steaming is one of the best ways to guarantee deliciously tender potatoes every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect steamed potatoes using a rice cooker:

Choose the right type of potatoes

Small waxy potatoes, such as baby potatoes or new potatoes, are ideal for steaming. They have a rich, buttery texture that pairs well with various herbs and seasonings. If you want to get creative, you can even use a mix of golden, red, and purple potatoes for a colourful dish.

Prepare the potatoes

There is no need to peel or chop baby potatoes. Simply give them a good rinse and toss them into your rice cooker or steamer basket. If you are using larger potatoes, cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Add water and salt

Add about one inch of water to your rice cooker or a pot with a steamer basket. Adding a pinch of salt to the water can enhance the flavour of the potatoes.

Steam the potatoes

Place the potatoes in the rice cooker or steamer basket, cover, and cook. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and the power of your rice cooker. For small baby potatoes, steam for around 10 to 20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

Season and serve

Once the potatoes are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. You can then add butter, fresh herbs, and additional salt to taste. Mix well to coat the potatoes evenly. Some popular herb options include parsley, chives, dill, cilantro, thyme, and basil. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile.

Frequently asked questions