Japanese Sweet Potato is one of the vegetables that I miss. My favourite Japanese Sweet Potato dish is ‘Daigaku Imo’ (大学芋) that is deep-fried Sweet Potato coated with sweet and savoury glaze. I have tried to make it using Sweet Potatoes that are available in Australia and none of them was good. Then, today I found Japanese Sweet Potato at a local vegetable shop by accident. I couldn’t believe my eyes. So, for the first time in 20 plus years, I cooked ‘Daigaku Imo’ today.
Makes
4 servings
Ingredients
350 to 400g Japanese Sweet Potato
Salt
Oil for frying
1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Seeds *Black Sesame Seeds recommended
Glazing
1/4 cup Sugar
2 tablespoons Mirin OR Water
1/2 tablespoon Soy Sauce
Method
- Wash Sweet Potato and cut into bite-size pieces. Soak in water for 10 minutes to remove starch, drain, and dry well. *Note: This process can be skipped.
- Sweet Potato pieces need to be fried twice. First fry them in medium hot Oil (150-160℃) for 5 minutes OR until a skewer can be inserted, and transfer to a rack.
- Heat the Oil to relatively hot (180℃) and fry Sweet Potato pieces again for a few minutes OR until outside is crusty. Transfer to the rack to drain the Oil.
- Place Sugar and Mirin (OR Water) in a frying pan or large saucepan, and bring to the simmer. When it is bubbly, add Soy Sauce, and remove from heat. Add Sweet Potato and Sesame Seeds, and mix to combine.
- Spread them over a sheet of baking paper to cool, OR enjoy them warm.
Comments
Jenny
17/04/2023
Hi Hiroko, how can I tell the difference between Japanese sweet potato and the regular one? In the Asian grocer, will they label it as “Japanese sweet potato”? Thank you!
Hiroko
17/04/2023
Hi Jenny. I believe only those who know Japanese Sweet Potato very well can tell the difference. They are labeled as Japanese Sweet Potato in Melbourne where I live. They have reddish purple skin and creamy white flesh that turns yellow, velvety and very sweet when cooked.
John
1/07/2022
I’m interested in locating Japanese sweet potatoes in Melbourne too, of the kind displayed in your article.
Do you have any suggestions as to where they can be purchased?
Hiroko
2/07/2022
I sometimes find Japanese Sweet Potatoes at an Asian green grocer next to ALDI at Ringwood square near COSTCO. Not always, but I occasionally find pretty good ones!
John
2/07/2022
Cheers for the tip!