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.

Daigaku Imo 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

Daigaku imo dish, glazed with syrup and sesame seeds — Japanese caramelized sweet potato

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.

The Daigaki Imo recipe is easy and simple. However, I’m not a fan of deep-fry dishes, so baked these Japanese sweet potatoes instead. Here’s how to cook Daigaku Imo – Candied Sweet Potatoes:

Easy Daigaku Imo – Candied Sweet Potatoes

A beloved Japanese snack that features soft, caramelized sweet potato cubes coated in a sweet, sticky glaze.

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Total Time 35

Course Snack

Cuisine Asian, Japanese

Servings 4

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium-sized Japanese 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.

Keyword candied sweet potatoes, Daigaku Imo, easy Japanese recipes, Japanese street food

Variations

1. Syrup Variations

Honey Syrup: Swapping sugar with honey in the syrup brings a unique flavor.
Soy Sauce Addition: Adding a bit of soy sauce gives the syrup a savory, umami twist that balances its sweetness.

2. Toppings

Black Sesame Seeds: A common garnish for added texture and visual appeal.
Nuts or Coconut Flakes: Chopped nuts or toasted coconut offer a satisfying crunch.

3. Sweet Potato Types:
This dish traditionally uses Japanese sweet potatoes (Satsumaimo) with purple skin and creamy yellow flesh. Other varieties, like Beauregard or Northern Star, work well too.

Serving and pairing suggestions

1. As a Snack: It’s often eaten on its own as a sweet treat.

2. As Part of a Meal: While typically a snack, it can be served with other dishes:

Mezze Platters: With a sprinkle of tahini or sesame seeds, this treat can fit beautifully on a mezze platter with hummus, baba ghanouj, and grilled meats.
Japanese Fried Chicken (Karaage): The crispy textures of both make a tasty pairing.
Kimchi Pancakes: The spiciness of kimchi pancakes contrasts well with the sweetness of Daigaku Imo.
Rice Dishes: It also works well with rice, adding a sweet contrast to savory flavors.

2. With Drinks: Daigaku Imo pairs nicely with certain beverages:

Green Tea: The bitterness of green tea balances the sweet flavor of the potatoes.
Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea): Adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish’s sweetness.
Matcha Latte: The creamy, smooth texture of a matcha latte complements the crispy texture of the sweet candied potatoes.
Sake: A light, fruity sake balances the sweet notes of Daigaku Imo for a refreshing pairing.

Contents

Daigaku Imo recipe