Steamed New Potatoes with Herbs
Tender, creamy new potatoes steamed until just fork-tender, then tossed with melted butter and a generous mix of fresh garden herbs. This simple side dish lets the natural sweetness of young potatoes shine through, with bright herbaceous notes and a subtle richness from butter. Ready in under 30 minutes, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish.
For 4 servings
- prep
Scrub and prep the new potatoes.
Scrub the new potatoes under cool running water to remove any dirt. Pat dry. If any potatoes are larger than a golf ball, halve them so all pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
TIPChoose potatoes of similar size so they finish steaming at the same time. - steam · ~15 min
Steam the potatoes until tender.
Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Place the steamer basket in the pot, making sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. Add the potatoes to the basket, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and steam until fork-tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
TIPCheck for doneness by piercing a potato with a paring knife — it should slide in easily with no resistance. - mix
Toss with butter and fresh herbs.
Transfer the hot steamed potatoes to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the melted butter, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then add the chopped parsley, chives, and dill. Toss gently until the potatoes are evenly coated and the herbs are well distributed.
TIPToss while the potatoes are still hot so the butter melts completely and the herbs release their fragrance. - serve
Serve warm.
Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately while warm.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Scrub potatoes gently with a brush to remove thin skins without damaging them.
- 2Keep potatoes whole if they are bite-sized to preserve their creamy texture.
- 3Do not overcrowd the steamer basket — steam needs to circulate for even cooking.
- 4Test doneness with a knife at 12 minutes; smaller potatoes may need only 10.
- 5Melt butter gently in a small saucepan to avoid browning or separating.
- 6For the best flavor, use a mix of tender herbs like tarragon or chervil in addition to parsley and chives.
- 7Serve immediately after tossing, as potatoes lose their warmth quickly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Garlic-herb
Add 1 minced garlic clove to the melted butter and let it infuse for 1 minute before tossing — ideal for those who love a subtle garlicky warmth.
low oilLow-oil
Replace butter with a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to reduce saturated fat while keeping herbal freshness — great for a lighter everyday side.
veganVegan
Substitute vegan butter or a high-quality olive oil for the butter to make the dish plant-based, and add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
lemon pepperLemon-pepper
Add 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest and an extra pinch of black pepper for a zesty, peppery kick that complements fish dishes perfectly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Potassium
New potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure and muscle function.
Source of Vitamin C
Steaming preserves vitamin C in potato skins, contributing to immune health and collagen production.
Low in Fat
With just 2 tablespoons of butter for the whole dish, this side is relatively low in fat compared to creamy potato preparations.
Contains Antioxidants
Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill provide flavonoids and other antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.
Naturally Gluten-Free
This recipe uses no grains or flour, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you will need to peel them and cut into 1-inch cubes; steam time will increase by about 5 minutes.
