Steaming Sweet: The Japanese Sweet Potato Perfection

Japanese sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. They are a great source of energy and can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. While they can be baked, roasted, or boiled, steaming is a great option that preserves nutrients and doesn't require any added fat. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Japanese sweet potatoes and provide a step-by-step guide to steaming them to perfection.

How to steam Japanese sweet potatoes in an Instant Pot

Japanese sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy snack, with a sweet, nutty flavour and a fluffy texture. They are a great source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins and fibre.

Ingredients:

• Japanese sweet potatoes (1.5-3 inches thick)
• Water

Utensils:

• Instant Pot
• Wire trivet or steamer basket

Method:

• Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes well. Remove any sprouts or bad spots.
• Place the wire trivet or steamer basket inside the Instant Pot.
• Put the sweet potatoes on top of the trivet/basket, layering if necessary.
• Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot.
• Cover the Instant Pot, locking the lid in place. Turn the vent to "Sealing".
• Press the "Steam" button and adjust the time according to the size of your potatoes. For small potatoes (1.5 inches thick), steam for 15 minutes. For medium potatoes (2.5 inches thick), steam for 20 minutes. For large potatoes (3 inches thick), steam for 30 minutes.
• After steaming, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, open the vent carefully, being cautious of the hot steam.
• Your sweet potatoes are now ready to eat! If you are preparing these for later, let the potatoes cool, then refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

• Mash with plant-based milk, salt and a little sugar.
• Season with everything bagel seasoning.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar or brown sugar, then roast in the oven at 400 degrees until lightly browned.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Japanese sweet potatoes!

How to serve steamed Japanese sweet potatoes

Preparation

Japanese sweet potatoes are a tasty and nutritious food, packed with vitamins and fibre. They have a distinctive red-toned purple skin and off-white flesh that turns yellow when cooked. Before cooking, scrub the potatoes with a brush and dry them with a clean towel.

Cooking

Place a steamer basket or colander in a large pot and add water until it reaches about an inch below the steamer basket. Put the sweet potatoes in the basket and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and steam for about 30 minutes, or until you can insert a knife without resistance.

Serving Ideas

Japanese sweet potatoes can be served as a tasty side dish or snack. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• Plain, or dipped in salt or other seasonings of your choice, such as black pepper, white pepper, or chilli flakes.
• With a pat of butter and salt.
• As a loaded baked potato with beans, chorizo, and cheese.
• In a salad, such as a Thai chicken salad.
• Mashed with plant-based milk, salt, and a little sugar.
• With everything bagel seasoning.
• Drizzled with almond butter or tahini.
• With hot honey and chopped pecans.
• With salted butter and chilli powder.

How to store steamed Japanese sweet potatoes

To store steamed Japanese sweet potatoes, you'll first want to let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good there for about three to five days. You can also store them in the freezer for up to a month. To defrost, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

• Don't leave cooked sweet potatoes at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can promote bacteria growth and cause foodborne illness.
• If you're storing baked sweet potatoes, you can wrap them in aluminium foil and place them in the refrigerator.
• If you're storing mashed sweet potatoes, add a bit of lemon juice before storing to prevent them from turning brown.

How to choose the best Japanese sweet potatoes for steaming

Japanese sweet potatoes, or satsumaimo, are a delicious and healthy snack, with a distinctive red-toned purple skin and off-white interior that turns yellow after cooking. When choosing the best Japanese sweet potatoes for steaming, there are several factors to consider:

Size and Shape

Select slender and smaller sweet potatoes, ideally weighing around 250-350g each. Larger potatoes will take longer to cook and may not fit in your steamer. Avoid elongated potatoes with a lot of roots, as these tend to have too much fibre and may not taste as good.

Skin

Look for potatoes with smooth skin. Avoid potatoes with cuts or bruises, as they may not cook evenly and could be past their prime.

Weight

Choose potatoes that feel heavy for their size. This indicates that they are dense and have a good amount of moisture content, which will result in a creamier texture after steaming.

Stickiness

If you see some sweet potatoes with sticky liquid coming out of the cut end or solidified on the skin, grab them! This is a sign of their natural sweetness, which will only enhance the flavour after steaming.

Storage

When buying Japanese sweet potatoes, ask about their storage conditions. They should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, ideally for at least 1-2 weeks after purchase, to allow them to ripen fully.

By following these guidelines, you can select the best Japanese sweet potatoes for steaming, ensuring a delicious and healthy treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into various dishes.

How to eat the skin of steamed Japanese sweet potatoes

Japanese sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious snack, side dish, or ingredient. They have a distinct red-toned purple skin and off-white flesh that turns yellow when cooked. Japanese sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, making them a filling and healthy option.

Preparing the Potatoes

Before cooking, gently but thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes with a brush under running water to remove any dirt, pesticides, or debris. Poke a few holes in each potato with a fork or skewer to allow steam to escape and prevent them from exploding during cooking.

Steaming the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a steamer basket and steam until tender. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes. For example, larger potatoes may take 45-50 minutes to bake in an oven, so they will likely take a bit less time to steam. However, be sure to use a skewer to check that they are fully cooked before serving.

Eating the Skin

The skin of Japanese sweet potatoes is entirely edible and packed with nutrients like fiber, potassium, manganese, and vitamins A, C, and E. Eating the skin can increase your antioxidant intake and provide various health benefits, including supporting a healthy gut and preventing chronic diseases.

You can eat the skin of steamed Japanese sweet potatoes by itself or along with the flesh. The skin will be soft and moist, making it pleasant to eat. Enjoy your steamed Japanese sweet potatoes as a snack or side dish, plain or with a variety of seasonings and toppings, such as:

• Salt and pepper
• Butter
• Tahini butter
• Sesame seeds
• Lime juice

Frequently asked questions