Besides popular savory street foods like takoyaki, curry bread, or korokke, Japan also has some sweet street foods! One of my faves is Daigaku Imo or Candied Sweet Potatoes.
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Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe
Daigaku Imo is a popular Japanese snack made from sweet potatoes. It’s characterized by its crispy exterior and chewy, fluffy interior. These candied sweet potatoes are typically deep-fried and coated with a sweet syrup made from sugar and soy sauce
Its name translates to “university potato,” supposedly because it was a popular snack among university students in the early 20th century. The snack gained popularity for its affordability and energy-boosting properties.
Apart from being a beloved street food, this Japanese sweet potato dessert is also a popular treat in Japanese festivals and celebrations, like Shichi-Go-San, a celebration of children’s growth.
These candied sweet potatoes can be enjoyed alone or alongside traditional Japanese meals. It also complements autumn comfort foods like warm rice or savory dishes. A garnish of black sesame seeds or flaky salt adds a nice textural contrast. You can enjoy it with drinks like green tea, coffee, or milk.
The Daigaki Imo recipe is easy and simple. However, I’m not a fan of deep-fry dishes, so I baked these Japanese sweet potatoes instead. Here’s how to cook Daigaku Imo – Candied Sweet Potatoes:
Easy Daigaku Imo – Candied Sweet Potatoes
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin sweet rice wine
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the sweet potatoes carefully and cut them into bite-sized pieces or wedges. Don't peel the skin.
- In a large bowl, combine salt and water, and fully soak the sweet potato pieces for about 30 minutes. This helps to remove excess starch and ensures a crispier texture when baked.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside.
- Drain and pat dry the sweet potato pieces.
- Toss the sweet potatoes with vegetable oil to coat evenly. This helps sweet potatoes more brown and crisp.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are golden and crispy, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
- Once the sweet potatoes are baked, transfer them to a bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the baked sweet potatoes and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the glazed sweet potatoes for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you don’t have an oven, you can use an air fryer instead or just deep fry sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes, and then transfer them to the wire rack to drain the oil.
- If you don’t have mirin, try these options:
- Mix 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for every tablespoon of mirin.
- Use equal parts white wine or sake and add ½ teaspoon sugar per tablespoon.
- Combine 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon honey or sugar.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
There are many versions of these Candied Sweet Potatoes. You can try one of these:
- Spicy Glazed Sweet Potatoes add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the soy-mirin sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Garlic Butter Glazed Sweet Potatoes swap the vegetable oil with butter and sauté some minced garlic before tossing with the baked sweet potatoes for a rich, savory flavor.
- Honey-Soy Candied Sweet Potatoes replace sugar with honey for a naturally sweet and glossy glaze.
- Miso-Glazed Sweet Potatoes stir in a tablespoon of white miso paste into the glaze for a deeper umami taste.
- Sesame & Scallion Sweet Potatoes finish with toasted sesame oil and freshly chopped scallions instead of plain sesame seeds for extra aroma and freshness.
- Maple Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes use maple syrup in place of sugar for a caramelized, earthy sweetness.
- Citrus-Soy Candied Sweet Potatoes add a splash of orange or yuzu juice to the glaze for a bright, tangy twist.