Satsumaimo Gohan (Japanese Sweet Potato Rice)

Many dishes can enhance the natural sweetness of Japanese sweet potatoes, but it is also recommended to pair them with rice. Slightly seasoned rice nicely complements the flavor of sweet potatoes.

Jump to:

• What is Satsumaimo Gohan?
• Exploring the richness of Japanese sweet potatoes
• Cooking Tools
• About Japanese Seasonal Cooked Rice Dishes
• Ingredients
• Step-by-step instructions
• Recipe Card

What is Satsumaimo Gohan?

Satsumaimo Gohan is a dish made by cooking rice with chopped Japanese sweet potatoes. Satsumaimo means Japanese sweet potatoes, and Gohan refers to rice. In this recipe, I use sake and salt to enhance the flavor of the sweet potatoes. While you can cut the sweet potatoes into large pieces, it is recommended to dice them into smaller chunks as they blend even better with the rice.

In Japan, there is a cultural tradition of cooking seasonal ingredients together with rice, and satsumaimo gohan is a popular dish enjoyed in the fall. The natural flavor of Japanese sweet potatoes harmonizes well with the rice, making it delicious.

Exploring the richness of Japanese sweet potatoes

Japanese sweet potatoes mostly have yellow flesh and are known for their natural sweetness and dense texture. They are rich in potassium, calcium, vitamins, and dietary fiber, making them a well-balanced source of nutrition and often referred to as a quasi-complete food in Japan.

There are over 60 varieties, including Beni-Azuma, Naruto-Kintoki, Anno-Imo, and Beni-Haruka, each offering distinct sweetness and texture depending on the variety. However, you can use any type of Japanese sweet potato in satsumaimo gohan. Give it a try with Japanese sweet potatoes available in your neighborhood.

Cooking Tools

The tool required to make satsumaimo gohan is the same as the one needed to cook regular Japanese white rice: a pot or a rice cooker. In Japan, while most households have a rice cooker, outside of Japan, few households own one. Therefore, I will share a recipe using a pot here.

Please refer to this page for information on "How to cook Japanese Rice using a pot."

About Japanese Seasonal Cooked Rice Dishes

In Japan, there are many types of cooked rice made with fresh seasonal ingredients. One of the representative rice dishes from summer to fall in Japan is Ginger Rice, but there are also other dishes such as Bean Rice, Corn Rice, Chestnut Rice, and Ginger Rice prepared according to the season.

In traditional Japanese kaiseki restaurants, it is common to serve cooked rice made with seasonal ingredients as a staple dish before dessert. If you have the opportunity to try kaiseki cuisine, pay attention to the ingredients used in the rice. You will surely experience the essence of the season.

Ingredients

---

Step-by-step instructions

🕒 Total 1 hr 5 mins

Step 1
Place a sieve over a bowl, add the rice, and rinse it with water (not included in the recipe). Rinse the rice several times, changing the water each time.

---

Step 2
Soak the rinsed rice in water (amount indicated in the recipe) in a pot for at least 30 minutes.

---

Step 3
Cut the sweet potatoes into 0.4-0.8 inches (1-2cm) cubes and soak them in water for about 5 minutes to remove any scum.

---

Step 4
Add sake and salt to the pot, then stir the mixture. Evenly distribute the diced sweet potatoes over the rice.

---

Step 5
Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 11 minutes (10 minutes for 2 servings, 12 minutes for 6 servings).

---

Step 6
Turn off the heat and let it steam for 10 minutes with the lid still on.

---

To Store

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Recipe Card