Introduction
Red potatoes are a staple ingredient in many households. Not only are they delicious, but they are also easy to cook and offer numerous health benefits. However, cooking red potatoes can be intimidating, especially for beginners. That’s why we’ve compiled this ultimate guide to cooking red potatoes.
In this article, we will explore the basic cooking techniques for red potatoes, chef-approved recipes, healthy meal ideas, and one-pot wonders. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this guide will help you master the art of cooking red potatoes.
5 Simple Ways to Cook Delicious Red Potatoes: A Beginner’s Guide
Red potatoes can be cooked in many different ways, but there are five basic techniques that every beginner should know. These techniques include boiling, roasting, grilling, steaming, and sautéing. Let’s take a closer look at each technique.
Boiling
Boiling is the most common technique for cooking red potatoes. To boil red potatoes, first, wash and scrub the potatoes. Then, place them in a pot of cold water and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer for 15-20 minutes or until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and season them with salt, pepper, and butter.
Quick and easy recipe: Boiled Red Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs
- 1 pound red potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Place the washed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are boiling, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Once potatoes are done boiling, drain them and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the garlic and herb mixture and toss to coat the potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Roasting
Roasting is a great way to cook red potatoes if you want them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To roast red potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash and scrub the potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any seasonings you like. Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Quick and easy recipe: Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes
- 1 pound red potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Wash and scrub the potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Spread out the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and serve.
Grilling
If you’re looking for a way to add some smoky flavor to your red potatoes, try grilling them. To grill red potatoes, slice them into ¼-inch rounds and brush them with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Place the potatoes on a preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until they are tender and golden brown.
Quick and easy recipe: Grilled Red Potato Salad
- 1 pound red potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
- Add sliced red potatoes to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the potatoes on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until they are tender and golden brown.
- Remove from the grill and let cool for a few minutes.
- Toss with additional dressing if desired and serve.
Steaming
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the nutrients in red potatoes. To steam red potatoes, wash and scrub them, then slice them into ½-inch rounds. Place a steamer basket in a pot with an inch of water and bring the water to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes to the steamer basket and steam for 10-15 minutes or until they are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and butter.
Quick and easy recipe: Steamed Red Potatoes with Lemon-Herb Butter
- 1 pound red potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Wash and scrub the potatoes, then slice them into ½-inch rounds.
- Place a steamer basket in a pot with an inch of water and bring the water to a boil.
- Add the sliced potatoes to the steamer basket and steam for 10-15 minutes or until they are tender.
- While the potatoes are steaming, make the lemon-herb butter by mixing together butter, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Once the potatoes are done steaming, place them in a large bowl and add the lemon-herb butter. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Sautéing
Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook red potatoes. To sauté red potatoes, wash and scrub them, then slice them into thin rounds. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes or until they are tender and golden brown. Season with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
Quick and easy recipe: Sautéed Red Potatoes with Mushrooms
- 1 pound red potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Wash and scrub the potatoes, then slice them into thin rounds.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced potatoes and cook for 10-15 minutes or until they are tender and golden brown.
- Add sliced mushrooms, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Stepping Up Your Side Dish Game: Chef-Approved Red Potato Recipes
If you’re looking for more advanced red potato recipes, try these chef-approved dishes. Not only are they delicious, but they are also easy to make. Let’s take a closer look at each recipe.
Potato Salad with Red Potatoes and Dijon Vinaigrette
- 2 pounds red potatoes
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and chives
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Directions:
- Wash and scrub the potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. Add the cooked potatoes and toss to coat them evenly.
- Add chopped fresh parsley and chives, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Top with crumbled blue cheese.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, then serve.
Herb-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Aioli
- 1 1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and chives
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Wash and scrub the fingerling potatoes, then slice them in half lengthwise.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- While the potatoes are roasting, make the aioli by whisking together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with the aioli.
Roasting, Boiling, or Mashing? How to Cook Red Potatoes for Every Meal
Red potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different meals throughout the day. Here are some meal ideas and the best ways to cook red potatoes for each meal.
