Steamed Red Potatoes

Difference Between White and Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are waxy and firm, with thin red skins that make them perfect for salads and roasting.

Red and white potatoes are similar in calories, but their starch content makes them slightly different.

A medium red potato has about 110 calories, while a medium white potato contains around 130 calories.

The extra calories in white potatoes come from their higher carbohydrate content. White potatoes have a starchier, fluffier texture and tan skins, which make them perfect for mashing and baking.

Can You Steam Red Potatoes?

Steaming is a great way to cook red potatoes because it preserves their natural flavor.

Unlike boiling, where some nutrients can leach into the water, steaming cooks the potatoes in a steamer basket above boiling water. This cooking method prevents waterlogging, keeping their texture firm and fluffy.

Steamed potatoes can be used in salads or as a side dish. They can also be mashed like boiled potatoes.

What You Need

• Red potatoes, scrubbed clean and quartered. Cut the potatoes into halves or quarters if they are larger than bite-sized.
• Unsalted butter
• Kosher salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Other Herbs: You can use other herbs such as cilantro, thyme, parsley, dill, mint, or chives to flavor your steamed red potatoes.

How to Steam Red Potatoes

1. Add 1-inch of water to a large pot and place a steamer basket inside. The water should be just below the steamer basket.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Place the potatoes in the steamer basket, cover the pot with a lid, bring back to a boil, and reduce the heat to medium.
4. Steam for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Carefully transfer the cooked potatoes to a bowl and toss with butter, salt, and pepper while still warm.
5. Season with salt to taste and fresh parsley.

Seasoning Ideas

For added flavor, try any of the following:

1. Steam garlic cloves with the potatoes
2. Top the potatoes with sour cream or grated Parmesan or Locatelli before serving.
3. Toss the hot potatoes with butter and toss with chopped parsley.
4. Mix with grated Parmesan and chopped chives.
5. Coat the cooked potatoes with our Cajun blackened spice blend for a bold, Southern-inspired dish.

Storage and Reheating

Allow cooked red potatoes to cool completely before refrigerating. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

Reheat potatoes in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter or water. Or you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.

Popular Dishes with Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are the main ingredient in New England Clam Bakes. Picture fresh lobsters, corn on the cob, and red potatoes-a delicious meal!

Steamed red potatoes also pair perfectly with corned beef and cabbage.

When boiling corned beef, a stew, or soup, red potatoes can be added to the pot and will hold up nicely.

They hold their shape and don't fall apart during cooking.