Description
Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes are tender, sweet, and naturally caramelized thanks to low, slow roasting. Using Japanese varieties like Satsumaimo or Murasaki, this simple recipe delivers irresistibly fluffy flesh and crisp, sugary skin with minimal effort. Dress them up with vegan butter, flaky salt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a comforting, healthy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 4 Japanese sweet potatoes (such as Murasaki or Satsumaimo)
Optional Toppings
- Vegan butter, as desired
- Flaky salt, to taste
- Cinnamon, as desired
- Sesame seeds, as desired
- Maple syrup, as desired
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and aids cleanup.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry completely using a clean towel to ensure they roast evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the whole sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart so heat can circulate around each one.
- Bake: Roast the sweet potatoes for 90–120 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The skins should become wrinkly and a skewer should easily pierce through the center when they’re done.
- Optional Extra Caramelization: For even sweeter, more caramelized potatoes, lower the oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended for maximum flavor.
- Serve: Let the sweet potatoes cool slightly, then slice open and enjoy plain or with your choice of vegan butter, flaky salt, cinnamon, sesame seeds, or maple syrup.
Notes
- Choose Japanese sweet potato varieties like Satsumaimo or Murasaki for the best results; regular sweet potatoes will differ in flavor and texture.
- The extra caramelization step brings out even more natural sweetness, making these extra decadent.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- These potatoes are naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sweet potato
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg