Instant Pot Steamed Baby Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

• 454 g (1 lb)baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red)
• 240 ml (1 cup)water

Instructions

1. 1

   Wash the potatoes

   Rinse and clean the potatoes under water. Pour 240 ml (1 cup) of water into the Instant Pot insert, set the trivet in place, and arrange the potatoes in the steamer basket.

2. 2

   Cook under pressure

   Close the lid and set the pressure valve to Sealing. Cook at High Pressure for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Release and check

   When the Instant Pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid. Test a potato by inserting a knife or fork into its centre to check that it is tender.

What are Instant Pot steamed baby potatoes?

Baby potatoes are small, young potatoes cooked whole, so their thin skins and creamy centres make them well suited to steaming. This simple American-style side uses an electric pressure cooker to cook them with water rather than submerging them in a saucepan.

The method keeps the ingredient list short and leaves the potatoes ready to serve plain or season to taste.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 87 calories, 2g protein, 20g carbs, 1g fat.

The potatoes provide most of each serving's carbohydrates, with a small amount of protein; the recipe adds very little fat. Pair a serving with a protein-rich main and vegetables for a more varied plate.

Choosing the potatoes

Yukon Gold: These have a naturally buttery texture and tend to stay creamy after cooking.

Red potatoes: Their waxier flesh can hold its shape well, making them a good choice if you want distinct whole potatoes.

Setting up the pot

Water: The measured water goes into the Instant Pot insert to create steam; the potatoes sit above it rather than directly in the liquid.

Trivet and basket: Keep the potatoes arranged in the steamer basket on the trivet so they cook by steam. Rinse them first, especially around any creases in the skin.

Checking for doneness

Knife test: Insert a knife or fork into the centre of a potato after the natural pressure release. It should slide in easily if the potato is tender.

Size matters: The recipe gives a 5-minute High Pressure cook, but the potatoes' size can affect how tender they feel. Check the centre rather than relying only on the outside.

Timing and pressure release

Pressure cooking: Set the cooker to High Pressure for 5 minutes once the lid is closed and the valve is set to Sealing.

Natural release: Wait for the pressure to release naturally after the beep before opening the lid. The recipe does not give a separate release time, so allow for this step when planning the meal.

Serving the potatoes

These potatoes work alongside roasted vegetables, fish, chicken or other mains. For a more complete plate, pair them with a protein and a vegetable, then add seasonings at the table to suit the rest of the meal.

Recipe notes & tips

• Choose potatoes of roughly similar size so they are more likely to become tender together.
• Rinse the potatoes thoroughly before putting them in the steamer basket.
• Keep the potatoes above the water on the trivet rather than placing them directly in the insert.
• Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid, as directed.
• Test a potato in its centre, since the outside can feel tender before the middle is cooked.

Variations

• Fresh herbs: Toss the cooked potatoes with chopped herbs at the table.
• Garlic: Add a little minced garlic after cooking for a savoury finish.
• Butter: Stir in a small knob of butter while the potatoes are hot.
• Olive oil: Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste before serving.
• Peppery finish: Add freshly ground black pepper just before serving.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the rinse: Dirt can cling to the skins, so wash the potatoes before cooking.
• Putting potatoes in the water: They are meant to steam in the basket above the water, supported by the trivet.
• Opening the lid straight away: Wait for the natural pressure release before opening the cooker.
• Judging by appearance alone: Check the centre with a knife or fork to confirm tenderness.
• Using very different sizes: Mixed sizes can cook unevenly; choose potatoes of similar size where possible.

How to store

Refrigerate leftover potatoes in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat until hot in the microwave or in a covered pan with a small splash of water.

Frequently asked questions