Simple Steamed Potatoes with Herbs

March 21, 2022

Steamed potatoes with fresh herbs in circular white bowl.

These Steamed Potatoes with herbs are a simple and healthy side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. With only a few minutes of hands-on time, you can turn basic potatoes into a savory delicious side dish. It’s a great recipe to have on hand for any occasion from a weeknight meal, Sunday supper or holiday dinner!

I originally shared this recipe on 3/26/15. I have updated the post to share it with you again today.

Why We Love This Recipe For Simple Steamed Potatoes with Herbs

Potatoes are wonderful to enjoy year-round because, like other root vegetables, they’re a perfect storing crop. We love buying them from local farms to help reduce our carbon footprint to help protect this beautiful planet.

So, no matter when you enjoy potatoes, you will love this simple recipe for steamed potatoes! It can be customized with various herbs depending on your menu and the season. Plus, it is ready in under 30 minutes.

The best part is they’re simple to prepare, leaving you tons of time to worry about the rest of dinner. Just wash, chop, steam, and toss with butter, yogurt, salt, and herbs – that’s it. It really can’t get any simpler than that!

Plus, this recipe is a wonderful side for a special holiday dinner or can be paired with comforting dishes for a cozy Sunday supper. Of course, it is also a basic side for a busy but tasty weeknight dinner. It’s healthy, easy to make, and pairs well with so many meals.

Key Ingredients for this Recipe

the ingredients on a white table with text overlay

Thin Skinned Potatoes

Be sure to use waxy potatoes (not russet or floury potatoes.) Waxy potatoes are thin-skinned potatoes that have a moist and creamy interior that stand up to wet heat cooking methods extremely well (like steaming or boiling). On the other hand flour potatoes, such as russets, are best baked.

In the market, thin-skinned waxy potatoes can be sold as any of the following: Yukon Gold, Red Potatoes, Red Bliss, Baby Potatoes, New Potatoes, White Potatoes, Chef’s Potatoes and more! Any color or even a mix of waxy potatoes will work.

No matter which size or color you choose, the key to perfectly steamed potatoes is to cut them so they are even in size. If you work with mini or baby potatoes, no need to cut them; however, the cooking time will vary slightly.

Chopped Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs add a flavorful freshness to this dish. We used a blend of parsley, dill, and chives; however, feel free to use your own blend, keeping with tender stemmed herbs such as tarragon or basil. Woody herbs like rosemary or thyme are too strong for this savory dish.

Unsalted Butter

So, we always recommend using unsalted butter to ensure a fresh product as well as controlling the salt content in each recipe.

And, for this particular dish, use room temperature unsalted butter so that the butter melts into the hot potatoes more easily.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt adds a protein-packed, lower-calorie, slightly creamy tanginess to the butter-herb coating. Feel free to use regular or low-fat plain Greek yogurt.

Seasonings

Pepper, preferably white pepper
Coarse Kosher Salt

How To Steam Potatoes

Preparing pot with steamer basket. And adding potatoes and covering.

Step 1: Prepare Pot

In a large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1-2 inches of water to a boil.

Step 2: Cook Potatoes

Add potatoes, cover, and cook until fork-tender, 14-16 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of the potatoes and the exact variety. Smaller pieces or marble potatoes will cook faster.

Mixing steamed potatoes with butter, oil, yogurt, salt, herbs, and pepper.

Step 3: Dress Potatoes

Carefully transfer potatoes to a large bowl. Add butter, oil, yogurt, salt, herbs, and pepper. The butter will melt into the potatoes as you toss to coat. Serve hot or warm.

Steamed potatoes in circular white serving bowl with a spoonful of potatoes in serving spoon.

FAQs For Steamed Potatoes

How long do you steam potatoes?

Steam potatoes for about 14-16 minutes on medium heat. Keep in mind, the cooking time will depend on the size of your potato; larger will take longer while smaller will be done quicker. You will know when the potatoes are done when you can easily pierce with a paring knife or fork.

What are the best potatoes for steaming?

Baby potatoes also referred to as new potatoes, are the best for steaming. These potatoes are harvested before reaching maturity, except for mature round red potatoes which are also called new potatoes because of their small stature. Due to their size, these smaller spuds cook the quickest when steamed and therefore, the preferred type.

Can you steam potatoes without a steamer basket?

Yes, you can steam potatoes without a basket! Here are a few methods you can use to achieve the same effect:
1) Fill a medium pot with a 1/2 inch of water and place three golf ball-sized balls of foil in the bottom. Rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Then, add the potatoes to the plate, cover, and steam until fork tender. Carefully remove the potatoes from the plate and follow the rest of the directions according to the card.
2) Place potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water, cover with plastic wrap (or you can use a microwave-safe plate), and cook until tender, checking frequently – approximately 5 minutes. Be aware that the potatoes may have a slightly shriveled appearance but will give you that “steamed” flavor you are looking to achieve in this dish.

Do you wash potatoes before cooking them?

Since the potatoes aren’t peeled, you will want to wash them thoroughly. To do this, vigorously scrub the outside with a scrub brush and water to remove any dirt or chemicals.

Can you steam potatoes in a rice cooker?

Sure can! Place potatoes and water in your rice cooker and choose the steam function. Set the timer for 45 minutes and that’s it!

What is the best way to store potatoes?

Potatoes are “live” and will start sprouting after a few days. Keep them in a cool, dark place in a breathable bag made from mesh or paper. Keep them away from onions too as they will encourage sprouting. Use within a few days or store them in the refrigerator for longer storage. Note: refrigerated potatoes should not be cooked with high dry heat cooking methods such as roasting, grilling or frying. Steaming them however is fine since acrylamide is only an issue above 248 degrees F.

Expert Tips

Serving Tips

These simple steamed potatoes can be served hot, warm or at room temperature. Even if you are planning on making ahead and serving at a later time, be sure to add the butter and yogurt to the potatoes while they are piping hot to ensure that the butter will melt properly.

If serving this dish at a holiday meal, this easy recipe pairs well with roasted ham, roasted turkey, and even pork loin. Or whip up this recipe for a Sunday supper or family meal and pair with crispy chicken or this delicious spatchcocked roasted chicken with tarragon. And finally, this side is perfect for a variety of easy weeknight meals, too!

Make Ahead

These steamed potatoes with herbs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until warmed through.

Variations And Substitutions

The best part of this easy, simple recipe is that you can add your favorite seasoning based on what fresh herbs you can get your hands on. Some of our favorite variations are mixing in tarragon or basil in places of the chives, parsley, and dill.

Additional Easy Steamed Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

Easy Garlic and Herb Butternut Squash is a simple yet flavorful side dish. Naturally vegan, paleo, Whole30 approved, and gluten-free, this dish can be made entirely on the stove-top for a fast side that the whole family will enjoy.
Flavorful Steamed Cauliflower with Herbs is easy to whip up and is a naturally low-calorie, low-carb side dish to round out your dinner.
This easy Broccoli with Garlic and Lemon is a naturally gluten-free, paleo simple side that tastes incredible; even the kids will enjoy it, too!
Simple Brussels Sprouts is an easy steamed dish that’s tossed with garlic butter and olive oil for a quick, tasty side that’s ready in 8 minutes flat.
Stove-top Steamed Brussels Sprouts with Hazelnuts is a 30-minute vegetable side dish that pairs with a variety of menus.
These Balsamic Green Beans with Walnuts are simple, quick, elegant, and delicious. Plus, they only take 15 minutes to make!

Additional Healthy Potato Recipes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a naturally gluten-free, lighter-calorie side dish made with non-fat plain yogurt but are full of flavor with layers of garlic.
Classic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes are creamy, tangy, and the perfect lower-calorie side dish to serve next to a variety of main courses.
Easy Grilled Potatoes incorporates grilled scallions and a tasty maple mustard dressing for one delicious, healthy summer side dish.
Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes are a fun, fresh twist on a classic. This easy-to-make dish is full of flavor from Za’atar, garlic and fresh herbs!
Za’atar Roasted Fingerling Potatoes topped with creamy Greek yogurt tahini, and a spring of fresh mint is a simple to prepare gluten-free side that requires only 12 minutes of hands-on prep!
This Roasted Potatoes with Apples, Sausage, and Maple Mustard Glaze is a one-pan, dairy-free, wheat-free, kid-friendly dinner that’s on the table in just a little over an hour!
Skinny Oven Fries are a healthy makeover of the all-time favorite side dish – French Fries! This vegan, 3-ingredient side is ready in just 40 minutes.
Baked Cajun Fries are the perfect side to turkey burgers, sandwiches, and more! Made with just 4 ingredients and 45 minutes to bake is all you need to make this addictive side.
Healthy Potato and Kale Soup with Andouille Sausage is a gluten-free, hearty, low-calorie soup, that’s ready in just 45 minutes!

Close -up overhead shot of steamed potatoes with fresh herbs in a circular white bowl.

Thanks so much for reading. If you are new here, you may want to sign up for my free weekly email newsletter for healthy recipes delivered right to your inbox. Or follow me on Instagram. If you make these recipes, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It is very appreciated. Happy Cooking! ~Katie