Discover How Do You Steam Potatoes
Steaming potatoes may seem simple, but there are actually many considerations. Here is a sharing on how to steam potatoes!
How Do You Steam Potatoes?
Steaming potatoes is indeed relatively straightforward. However, by mastering the following tips, you can make the potatoes softer, waxier, and more flavorful:
Firstly, choosing the right potatoes is crucial. I recommend selecting yellow - skinned potatoes with smooth skins, no damage, no sprouting, or no greening. Such potatoes have a soft and waxy texture, offering a better eating experience. Secondly, it is important to choose potatoes of relatively uniform size so that they can be heated evenly during steaming.
Secondly, pay attention to controlling the heat when steaming potatoes. After putting the potatoes in the steamer and adding an appropriate amount of water, bring the water to a boil over high heat first. When the steam is billowing, turn to medium heat and maintain a stable heat to steam slowly.
Generally speaking, if the potatoes are small, steaming for 15 - 20 minutes is sufficient. For larger potatoes, steaming for 25 - 30 minutes is usually about right. After the time is up, you can gently insert a chopstick. If it can penetrate easily, it means the potatoes are fully cooked!
The next step is very important. After steaming, don't rush to open the lid. Let it sit for 3 - 5 minutes to make the potatoes even softer and more flavorful.
Can You Steam Potatoes With the Skin On?
Potatoes can be steamed with the skin on.
Potato skins are actually edible and are rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. Steaming potatoes with the skin on can preserve the nutrients of the potatoes to the greatest extent and provide the body with more nutrients.
From this, we can know that potatoes can be steamed with the skin on, but the following points need attention:
Clean Thoroughly: Before steaming potatoes with the skin on, wash the surface of the potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt and impurities. If there are signs of rot or sprouting, the potatoes should be discarded.
Steam Whole: When steaming potatoes with the skin on, I suggest steaming them whole as much as possible and avoid cutting them. This can better preserve the nutrients. Cutting the potatoes will cause some nutrients to be lost.
Steaming Time: For medium - sized potatoes, the steaming time is about 20 - 25 minutes until a chopstick can easily penetrate them.
How Long Does It Take to Steam Potatoes?
The steaming time of potatoes is affected by many factors, such as the size of the potatoes, the variety of the potatoes, and the power of the steamer.
Potato Size
If the potatoes are small, with a diameter of less than 3 cm, then steaming them whole probably takes about 20 - 25 minutes. If the diameter is about 5 cm, then it will take a bit longer, maybe 25 - 30 minutes or even longer. For very large potatoes, it is recommended to cut them into pieces before steaming to save time.
If the potatoes are cut into pieces for steaming, then the steaming time is affected by the size of the potato pieces. For potato pieces about 2 - 3 cm in size, steaming for about 15 - 20 minutes is usually enough. After cutting, the heat is more easily transferred to the potatoes.
Potato Variety
Generally speaking, starchy potatoes take less time to cook. For example, yellow - hearted potatoes take a little less time to steam than crunchy potatoes. This is because starchy potatoes have a loose texture and are easier to cook.
Steamer Power
For a small - power steamer commonly used at home, the steaming time is relatively longer. For high - power commercial steamers or pressure cookers, the steaming time can be shortened.
When using a pressure cooker to steam potatoes, keep the heat at medium - low after the steam starts. For small potatoes, it takes about 8 - 10 minutes; for cut potatoes, it takes 5 - 8 minutes.
How Do I Steam Potatoes Without a Steamer?
It is possible to steam potatoes even without a steamer:
Saucepan + Steamer Rack
An ordinary saucepan and a steamer rack will do. Place the steamer rack in the pan, put the potatoes on the rack, cover the lid, and steam the potatoes until they are cooked.
Using a Pressure Cooker
Steaming potatoes in a pressure cooker is quite simple. For small potatoes, it takes 8 - 10 minutes; for cut potatoes, it takes 5 - 8 minutes, and for large potatoes, it takes 12 - 15 minutes.
After steaming, turn off the heat and wait for the pressure cooker to release pressure naturally before opening the lid and taking out the potatoes.
Microwave Oven
The operation is simple. Just wash the potatoes, put them in a microwave - safe container, cover the lid or wrap them with plastic wrap, and heat them on high for 3 - 5 minutes.
Is It Better to Steam or Boil Potatoes?
I think steaming potatoes is better.
The biggest advantage of steaming potatoes compared to boiling potatoes is that it can preserve the nutritional components and the original taste of the potatoes to the greatest extent.
When boiling potatoes, you just throw the potatoes into the pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and boil them until they are soft and waxy. During the boiling process, some nutrients will be lost. Relatively speaking, the nutritional value of boiled potatoes is lower than that of steamed potatoes.
If you prefer the original flavor and higher nutritional value of potatoes, steaming potatoes is a better choice. However, if you focus more on the convenience of cooking and the taste of the potato soup, boiling potatoes is also a great option.
Which Cooking Method Is Best for Potatoes?
There are many ways to cook potatoes. Besides steaming and boiling, the main methods are as follows:
Baked Potatoes
You can bake the potatoes whole or slice them and bake. Baked potatoes have a crispy outer layer and a soft inner part.
Fried Potatoes
Fried potatoes are the most popular cooking method in China. Common recipes include hot and sour potato shreds, potato shreds with meat, etc.
Cut the potato shreds thinly, stir - fry them quickly over high heat, and add the corresponding seasonings to complete the dish.
Stewed Potatoes
During the stewing process, potatoes will absorb the flavors of meat and spices. The taste is rich and it is suitable to be served with rice. Common examples include potatoes stewed with chicken, potatoes stewed with beef, etc.
Fried Potatoes (Made into Patties)
After mashing the potatoes or shredding them, add flour, eggs, etc., and fry until both sides are golden brown. They are crispy and can be made into potato cakes or mashed potato cakes.
