8 Tasty Japanese Sweet Potato Recipes To Try Today - Chef JA Cooks (2024)

Are you looking for easy-to-make Japanese sweet potato recipes? You’ll find straightforward instructions and eight delicious recipes to enjoy their delightful flavors to the fullest!

If you haven’t cooked Japanese sweet potato yet, you’re missing out on the delicious flavors! This versatile vegetable will delight your taste buds whether you bake them or add them to soups.

In this guide, you will learn how to cook Japanese sweet potatoes, different cooking methods, and easy-to-make recipes you can try immediately!

This guide is for you if:
• You love Japanese sweet potatoes.
• You are looking for how to cook Japanese sweet potatoes.
• You are searching for easy Japanese sweet potato recipes.

Let’s get started!

What is Japanese Sweet Potato?

Japanese sweet potatoes, satsumaimo in Japanese, are magenta and have white flesh inside. The standard size is about 300g to 400g, available year-round, but the best season is fall to winter.

Japanese sweet potatoes are loved for their chestnut-like flavor, creamy texture, and nutty undertones. Their natural sweetness makes them perfect for baking and creating delicious desserts.

Compared to other types of sweet potatoes, such as orange sweet potatoes, Japanese sweet potatoes tend to be sweeter and creamer. Despite that, Japanese sweet potatoes can be enjoyed in various savory dishes. From crispy tempura and flavorful miso soup to refreshing salads and comforting simmered dishes.

It’s worth noting that Japanese sweet potatoes differ from Japanese yams, as they have a non-sticky and non-slimy texture.

Health Benefits

Japanese sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest vegetables and contain numerous health benefits, which makes them a valuable addition to your diet!

• Promotes digestive health: Japanese sweet potatoes are excellent for promoting digestive health, thanks to their high dietary fiber content. The fiber found in sweet potatoes helps maintain a healthy digestive system, encourages regular bowel movements, and contributes to overall well-being.

• Lower blood pressure: Japanese sweet potatoes, similar to other potato varieties, are rich in potassium. Potassium has the important function of flushing out excess sodium from the body. This makes it effective in reducing swelling and lowering blood pressure.

• Immune support: Japanese sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin C. They contain about ten times more vitamin C than apples, and the vitamin C in sweet potatoes remains stable even after cooking. This vitamin C helps boost the immune system, aiding the body’s defense against illnesses and infections.

Click here to find more health benefits.

How To Cook Japanese Sweet Potatoes

Japanese sweet potatoes are versatile and can be cooked in various ways in Japanese cuisine. Here are some basic cooking methods to try:

• Baking: Wrap sweet potatoes with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes. This is a tasty traditional Japanese dessert.

• Roasting: Cut sweet potatoes into chunks/wedges. Toss with oil, salt, and seasonings. Roast for 25-30 minutes.

• Grilling: Slice sweet potatoes, brush with oil, and grill for 4-5 minutes per side. Ideal for accompaniments or vegetable skewers.

• Frying: Cut sweet potatoes into small pieces. Fry until golden and crispy. Enjoy as a tasty snack or side dish.

• Boiling or Steaming: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into pieces. Boil or steam until tender. Use it for a salad or a mash.

• Stewing: Cut sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Simmer in soup until tender. Serve as a comforting dish or side.

8 Flavorful Japanese Sweet Potato Recipes

Let’s dive into some delicious and easy Japanese sweet potato recipes! I hope you’ll find your favorite among them!

1. Yaki Imo (Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes)
2. Japanese Sweet Potato Tempura
3. Daigaku Imo
4. Crispy Japanese Sweet Potato Fries
5. Creamy Japanese Sweet Potato Soup
6. Japanese Sweet Potato Miso Soup (Satsumaimo Recipe)
7. Japanese Sweet Potato Rice (Satsumaimo Gohan)
8. Mashed Japanese Sweet Potato Recipe

1. Yaki Imo (Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes)

This recipe is a traditional Japanese dessert and the best way to savor Japanese sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness and creamy texture. During Japan’s fall and winter seasons, you might come across street vendors selling deliciously roasted yaki imo (grilled sweet potatoes).

2. Japanese Sweet Potato Tempura

Tempura is an iconic Japanese dish, and sweet potato is a popular ingredient. The combination of its crispy exterior and fluffy interior is worth experiencing.

3. Daigaku Imo (Candied Japanese Sweet Potatoes)

This Daigaku imo is a popular snack in Japan. Fried sweet potatoes are coated in a delightful soy sauce and sugar mixture and topped with black sesame seeds.

4. Crispy Japanese Sweet Potato Fries

These fries are incredibly easy to make. Fry sticks of Japanese sweet potato in olive oil until golden and crispy. Finish them off with a pinch of sea salt for a delicious touch.

5. Creamy Japanese Sweet Potato Soup

You’ll love this Japanese sweet potato soup if you enjoy simple yet comforting creamy soups!

6. Japanese Sweet Potato Miso Soup (Satsumaimo Recipe)

The natural sweetness of Japanese sweet potato complements the savory notes of miso paste. It’s a truly flavorful and satisfying combination!

7. Japanese Sweet Potato Rice (Satsumaimo Gohan)

This recipe is our family’s favorite rice dish featuring fluffy Japanese rice and creamy sweet potato. It becomes even more delicious when transformed into onigiri rice balls!

8. Mashed Japanese Sweet Potato Recipe

Where To Buy Japanese Sweet Potatoes

If you live in the US, Japanese sweet potatoes are widely available at Japanese grocery stores such asMitsuwa Marketplace, local Asian grocery stores, Whole Foods Market, or well-stocked grocery stores.

How to Store Japanese Sweet Potatoes

• Room temperature: Japanese sweet potato is best stored at room temperature in a dry and dark place for about one month.

• Refrigerate: Once you cut it, it’s best to wrap it in plastic and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days.

• Freeze: You can also freeze it. Cut it into your desired size pieces, then place them in a Ziploc bag. When using, there’s no need to thaw before cooking, and you can directly cook them from frozen.

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Chef JA Cooks is a Japanese food blog that shares simple and healthy Japanese home cooking recipes, including vegan and vegetarian. From traditional Japanese recipes to modern recipes with step-by-step instructions.

More Recipes You Might Like

• Japanese Sweet Potato Tempura
• Yaki Imo (Roasted Japanese Sweet Potato)
• Daigaku Imo
• Creamy Japanese Sweet Potato Soup
• Japanese Sweet Potato Rice
• Mashed Japanese Sweet Potato Recipe