The combination of soft, fluffy potatoes and butter in Jaga Butter offers a deliciously addictive flavor. It is a popular dish in Japan, but it doesn't require any special Japanese ingredients, so feel free to try making it at home.
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What is Jaga Butter?
Jaga Butter is a dish of steamed or boiled potatoes topped with butter. "Jaga" is short for 'Jagaimo,' which means potatoes. Originally, it was a local dish from Hokkaido, the northernmost region of Japan, but now it is enjoyed throughout Japan due to its delicious flavor and easy preparation. The soft and fluffy texture of the potatoes pairs well with the butter.
In Japan, it gained attention when it was served to former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. Though simple in taste, once you try it, you will find it delicious and will want to have it again.
What type of potatoes are suitable?
There are many different types of potatoes, but when making jaga butter, it is best to use starchy potatoes that result in a soft and fluffy texture when cooked. For instance, in Japan, Danshaku potatoes (男爵イモ) are recognized as a suitable choice, while Russet potatoes are a good option in the United States.
Although you can make this dish with any type of potato, consider using starchy potatoes that are readily available in your local area.
Multiple cooking methods
Jaga butter can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as microwaving, steaming, or boiling. Among these methods, microwaving and steaming are highly recommended.
When cooking in a microwave, wrap each potato individually in a damp paper towel and then in plastic wrap before heating. This method allows you to easily cook the potatoes, making it possible to prepare this dish quickly. It is widely recognized for its efficiency in Japan.
On the other hand, if you choose to use the steaming method, you can enjoy this dish with a more authentic flavor. Steaming slowly over time gives the potatoes a soft and fluffy texture compared to other cooking methods, and it brings out their sweetness to the fullest.
The recipe includes instructions for both the microwave and steaming methods, so choose the method that best suits your needs.
Optional toppings
This dish is typically enjoyed by placing butter on top of each potato and optionally sprinkling it with a pinch of salt. However, in its birthplace of Hokkaido, it is also commonly served with the following toppings besides butter:
- Shiokara (salted squid)
- Mentaiko mayonnaise (mayonnaise with spicy pollock roe)
- Corn
- Cheese
In addition to these, richly flavored ingredients like miso, shio kombu (salted kelp), and nori no tsukudani (nori seaweed paste) are sometimes served. Additional toppings complement the flavor of jaga butter, so feel free to accompany it.
📋Step-by-step recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium or small potatoes (such as Russet, a starchy variety, are recommended)
- 0.7 oz salted butter
- pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
🕒 Total 6 mins (microwave method) or 22 mins (steaming method)
Step 1
Wash potatoes and remove the eyes.
Step 2 (microwave method)
Wrap each potato individually in a damp paper towel, then in plastic wrap, and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave one potato on high power (1000W) for 2-4 minutes, or two potatoes for 3-6 minutes (depending on the size of the potatoes).
Step 2 (steameing method)
Steam the potatoes in a steamer for 20-40 minutes (depending on the size of the potatoes), starting with room temperature water.
Step 3
Insert a skewer into the potatoes, and if they are still hard inside, continue heating them for a little longer. If the skewer easily goes through, they are ready to be served.
Step 4
Take the potatoes out of the microwave or steamer. (If microwaved, remove the paper towel and plastic wrap.) Cut them into quarters and serve them in bowls, topping each one with butter. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over them to taste.
To Store
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips on how to make
- When using the steaming method, start with room temperature water. If you use boiling water from the beginning, the outer parts of the potatoes may easily fall apart before the core is cooked through.
Recipe card
Jaga Butter (Japanese Buttered Potatoes)
Ingredients
- 2 medium or small potatoes (such as Russet, a starchy variety, are recommended)
- 0.7 oz salted butter
- pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Wash potatoes and remove the eyes.
- (Microwave method) Wrap each potato individually in a damp paper towel, then in plastic wrap, and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave one potato on high power (1000W) for 2-4 minutes, or two potatoes for 3-6 minutes (depending on the size of the potatoes).
- (Steameing method) Steam the potatoes in a steamer for 20-40 minutes (depending on the size of the potatoes), starting with room temperature water.
- Insert a skewer into the potatoes, and if they are still hard inside, continue heating them for a little longer. If the skewer easily goes through, they are ready to be served.
- Take the potatoes out of the microwave or steamer. (If microwaved, remove the paper towel and plastic wrap.) Cut them into quarters and serve them in bowls, topping each one with butter. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over them to taste.
Notes
- You can make this dish using the microwave method or the steaming method. For more details, please refer to the information provided above.
- When using the steaming method, the total cooking time is 22-42 minutes.
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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