Steaming Red Potatoes: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Steamed red potatoes are a simple, healthy, and gluten-free side dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. This classic tasty dish is a one-pot recipe that uses a handful of pantry staples. The key to perfectly steamed potatoes is to cut them into even-sized pieces. You can steam any size of potato, but smaller potatoes are preferable as they cook faster. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare delicious steamed red potatoes.

How to prepare red potatoes for steaming

Preparing red potatoes for steaming is a simple and straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash and Cut the Red Potatoes

Start by washing the red potatoes thoroughly under running water. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the surface and remove any dirt or chemicals. If you're using small baby potatoes, you don't need to cut them. However, if you have larger red potatoes, cut them into evenly sized pieces. You can halve or quarter them, or cut them into 1-inch cubes, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Steamer

Fill a large pot with about 1 inch of water. Add a steamer basket to the pot. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can create a makeshift one by placing three golf ball-sized balls of foil in the bottom of the pot and resting a heat-proof plate on top.

Step 3: Steam the Red Potatoes

Place the red potatoes in the steamer basket, making sure they are in a single layer if possible. Cover the pot and turn the heat to high. Once the water boils and steam starts escaping from the lid, reduce the heat to medium. Steam the potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes for smaller potatoes, and up to 30 minutes for larger pieces. The potatoes are ready when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork or knife.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Transfer the steamed red potatoes to a bowl. You can now season them as desired. A simple and classic option is to melt butter and toss the potatoes in it, along with some herbs like parsley, dill, chives, rosemary, or thyme. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the potatoes hot, warm, or at room temperature. Enjoy!

How to steam red potatoes

Steaming red potatoes is a simple and healthy way to cook this versatile vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam red potatoes:

What You Need:

• Red potatoes (baby or small potatoes are best)
• Water
• Salt
• Butter
• Fresh herbs (optional): e.g. parsley, dill, chives, rosemary, thyme, basil, or tarragon
• Steamer basket
• Large pot with a lid
• Bowl
• Knife or fork

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Steamer

Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. If using larger red potatoes, cut them into smaller, even-sized pieces. If using baby potatoes, there is no need to cut them.

Add about one inch of water to the bottom of a large pot. Place a steamer basket in the pot, and put the pot on the stovetop.

Step 2: Steam the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in the steamer basket, arranging the largest potatoes at the bottom and the smallest on top. Cover the pot with a lid.

Turn the heat to high and wait for the water to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Steam the potatoes for 10-15 minutes for baby potatoes, and 20-40 minutes for larger potatoes. The potatoes are ready when they are tender and a knife or fork can easily slide into them.

Step 3: Season and Serve

Transfer the steamed potatoes to a bowl. Add butter, salt, and any desired herbs. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly in the butter, salt, and herbs.

Serve the potatoes hot, warm, or at room temperature. Enjoy!

How to make garlic herb butter

Here's a recipe for garlic herb butter that you can use to make steamed red potatoes:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz unsalted butter, about 1 cup, softened at room temperature
• 4 cloves of garlic, grated or finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, minced
• 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tbsp lemon zest (optional)

Method:

• Mince the fresh thyme, rosemary, and chives.
• Place the softened butter in a bowl and add the minced herbs, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Mix well until the herbs, garlic, and seasonings are fully incorporated into the butter.
• Take a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper and place the butter in the center.
• Fold one half of the plastic over the butter and form a log shape with your hands.
• Roll the plastic and keep rolling until it forms a tight cylinder.
• Twist and tighten the ends of the plastic in opposite directions to seal the log.
• Refrigerate the garlic herb butter log for at least 1-2 hours until solid.

You can store the garlic herb butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Steamed Red Potatoes:

Now that you have your garlic herb butter ready, here's how you can make steamed red potatoes:

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can leave the skin on, but if you prefer peeled potatoes, go ahead and peel them. Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.

In a large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1-2 inches of water to a boil. Add the potatoes, cover, and steam until they are fork-tender, about 14-16 minutes for small potatoes and up to 30 minutes for larger potatoes.

Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully transfer them to a large bowl. Add the garlic herb butter, along with some salt and chopped fresh herbs if desired. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly. Serve the steamed red potatoes hot or warm.

How to serve steamed red potatoes

Herb butter

For a simple, classic side dish, toss steamed red potatoes in melted butter with a mix of fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, chives, rosemary, thyme, or sage. You could also add lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Yogurt

For a protein-packed, lower-calorie option, toss the potatoes in Greek yogurt with butter, herbs, and seasoning.

Garlic

If you're a garlic lover, add some minced garlic to the mix.

Old Bay

For a classic New England twist, season your potatoes with Old Bay.

Parmesan

For a little extra indulgence, sprinkle some grated or shredded Parmesan over your potatoes.

No-fuss

For a super-simple option, just melt some butter over your steamed potatoes and sprinkle with salt.

With meat

Steamed red potatoes make a great side for meat dishes, such as steak, chicken, or pork.

With other veggies

Try serving your potatoes with other steamed veggies, such as broccoli, butternut squash, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.

How to store leftover steamed red potatoes

To store leftover steamed red potatoes, it is important to let them cool down first. Once they have cooled, store them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge. They will generally be good to eat for about three to four days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them.

If you are storing uncooked potatoes, it is best to keep them in a cool, dry place away from light, like a dark corner of the kitchen or in a cabinet. Keep them well ventilated and away from other fruits (like bananas or onions) that can cause them to spoil faster. They will last up to three months in these conditions.

Frequently asked questions