How to Steam Potatoes

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Reviewed by Ashley Crawford

Last Updated: October 26, 2024 References

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Mashed, fried, baked - there are plenty of delicious ways to eat potatoes. One of the healthiest methods of preparing potatoes is by steaming them. Not only are steamed spuds better for you, they’re also easy to make and require very little time in the kitchen. Serve them plain or tossed with melted butter.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Steamer Basket

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Wash the potatoes thoroughly. To do this, simply vigorously scrub the outside of the potatoes with a scrub brush and water to remove any dirt or chemicals.^{[1]
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- You don’t need to peel the potatoes. In fact, leaving the skins on will help them keep their shape once they soften.
A metal sieve or colander can be used in place of a steamer basket. Make sure the water is not touching the steamer basket.^{[2]
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Place the potatoes in the steamer basket with the largest ones on the bottom. The smaller ones can then go on top.^{[3]
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Research source} If your potatoes don’t all fit in the steamer basket at once, cook them in batches.
- You may want to cut the larger potatoes be the equivalent size of the smaller ones. This will help them cook evenly.
This is an incredibly important step - the lid is what traps the moisture in and steams the potatoes.^{[4]
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Research source} Covering the pot also keeps the temperature inside the pot hotter so that the potatoes can cook faster.
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Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes on medium heat. Keep in mind that larger potatoes may take longer while smaller potatoes could be done in less time.^{[5]
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- You’ll know the potatoes are cooked completely when you can easily cut through them with a butter knife.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cooking Potatoes with Aluminum Foil

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1
Scrub the potatoes under running water. Use a scrub brush to get rid of dirt or debris on the skins. Don't soak the potatoes as this can actually remove some of their nutrients. ^{[7]
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- There's no need to peel the potatoes.
You don't need much water, just enough to create moisture when covered with a lid later on. The more water you put in the pot, the longer it will take to boil. A sprinkle of sea salt in the water will add flavor to your potatoes.
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Place 3 balls of aluminum foil in the pot, laying a heat-proof plate on top. Make the balls about the size of a golf ball, or at least big enough that the plate is not in the water. They should all be the same size, too.^{[8]
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- You can use a small baking rack instead of a plate, if desired.
You'll know it's ready when the water is bubbling and steam is coming out of the pot.^{[9]
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Research source} If you notice that a lot of the water has evaporated from boiling, pour more in so it doesn't dry up completely.
The lid will make sure moisture can’t escape.^{[10]
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Research source} Spread the potatoes out evenly around the plate (don't pile them up in the middle) to make sure they all get cooked evenly.
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Cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes. Check the potatoes frequently by removing one potato and cutting into it with a knife to see if they are soft.^{[11]
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Research source} Always cut at the thickest section of the potato because this will be the last part to cook through. ^{[12]
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- Baby potatoes work best for steaming. Larger potatoes can take 20 minutes or more.^{[13]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Microwaving the Potatoes

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1
Clean the potatoes with water and a scrub brush. You don't need to use soap or anything else on your spuds. Simply scrub the outsides and rinse with water in the sink. ^{[14]
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- Leave the skin of the potatoes intact.
Only put enough water in the bowl to cover about 1/8 of the potatoes. You can microwave the potatoes without water as well but there’s a greater chance they’ll dry out.^{[15]
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You can place a microwave-safe plate over the top of the bowl as an alternative.^{[16]
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Research source} As long as no moisture can get out, any cover will do.
The cooking time will depend on the strength of your microwave. The potatoes should be crisp yet easily pierced with a fork when they're done.^{[17]
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Research source} Check the potatoes every 1-2 minutes so they don’t overcook.

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Can you freeze steamed potatoes?

Maura Behan

Community Answer

Yes, but it's best to let them cool completely first. Cut them into chunks or slices if you like. Then store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. They'll keep well for a few months. When you want to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This works great for saving time in cooking later on!

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