Steamed Red Potatoes with Butter and Parsley is a simple and delicious side dish. It only takes 20 minutes to make and pairs perfectly with everything from grilled chicken to roasted fish.
If you love potatoes, try these roasted tiny red potatoes, oven roasted russet potatoes with garlic, poached garlic mashed potatoes, and fish and mashed potatoes.
This recipe is gluten free and vegetarian.
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
- Add 1-inch of water to a large pot and place a steamer basket inside. The water should be just below the steamer basket.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Place the potatoes in the steamer basket, cover the pot with a lid, bring back to a boil, and reduce the heat to medium.
- 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.
- Season with salt to taste and fresh parsley.
Seasoning Ideas
For added flavor, try any of the following:
- Steam garlic cloves with the potatoes
- Top the potatoes with sour cream or grated Parmesan or Locatelli before serving.
- Toss the hot potatoes with butter and toss with chopped parsley.
- Mix with grated Parmesan and chopped chives.
- 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.
What Goes with Red Potatoes?
The best main courses for steamed potatoes are:
- Blackened Baked Snapper with Key Lime Butter
- Lemon Basil Roasted Chicken
- Sheet Pan Fish and Vegetables
- Seared Baby Lamb Chops
- Pan Seared Chuck Steak Recipe
- Florida Blackened Swordfish
- Air Fryer Snapper with Old Bay
FAQ Steamed Red Potatoes
Steam red potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Steamed red potatoes have 80 calories per serving without added fat. With the addition of butter, steamed red potatoes have 130 calories.
Yes, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the steaming water for added aroma, but season the potatoes with salt, butter, or other spices after steaming for the best flavor.
"📖 Recipe"
Steamed Red Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 pound Red potatoes, quartered
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Add 1 inch of water to a large pot and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil.
- Place the potatoes in the steamer basket, cover the pot with a lid, bring back to a boil, and reduce the heat to medium.
- 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.
- Season with salt and fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
-
- Steam garlic cloves with the potatoes
-
- Top the potatoes with sour cream or grated Parmesan or Locatelli before serving.
-
- Toss the hot potatoes with butter and toss with chopped parsley.
-
- Mix with grated Parmesan and chopped chives.
-
- Coat the cooked potatoes with our Cajun blackened spice blend for a bold, Southern-inspired dish.
Felice Kaufman
We love this recipe!