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Yaki Imo (baked Japanese sweet potatoes)

Authentic Yaki Imo (Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes)

Yaki Imo is a Japanese snack made from baked Japanese sweet potatoes, typically enjoyed from autumn through winter. When you split open a freshly baked yaki imo, steam rises, and its rich, natural sweetness fills your mouth with each bite.
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Prep Time: 43 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Rest Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 13 minutes
Servings: 2

Equipment

  • aluminum foil
  • oven or toaster oven

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 Japanese sweet potatoes (satsumaimo) (optimal weight: 7-9 ounces / 200-250 g each)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Mix water and salt in a container or plastic bag, then add the sweet potatoes and let them soak for about 30 minutes.
    yaki imo_instruction-1
  • Remove the sweet potatoes from the container (or plastic bag) and loosely wrap each one in aluminum foil.
    yaki-imo_instruction-2
  • If using an oven: Preheat the oven to 482°F (250°C), place the sweet potatoes inside, and bake for 30 minutes. After that, turn off the oven but leave them inside to cook with the residual heat for another 90 minutes.
    yaki-imo_instruction-3-1
  • If using a toaster oven: Bake the sweet potatoes at 482℉ (250℃) for 30 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 212℉ (100℃) and continue baking for another 90 minutes.
    yaki-imo_instruction-3-2
  • Finally, bake them again at 482℉ (250℃) for an additional 30 minutes, regardless of the method used.

Notes

  • You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, wrapping each piece in plastic wrap after patting it dry.
  • When reheating, remove the plastic wrap and use one of the following methods.
    Microwave: Heat each piece on medium power (500-600W) for 2-3 minutes.
    Oven: Wrap each piece in aluminum foil and bake at 356℉ (180℃) for 10-15 minutes.
    Toaster oven: Wrap each piece in aluminum foil and bake at 356℉ (180℃) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal Carbohydrates: 79.75g Protein: 3g Fat: 0.5g Saturated Fat: 0.08g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g Sodium: 1231.01mg Potassium: 1200.24mg Fiber: 5.5g Sugar: 74.25g Vitamin A: 5IU Vitamin C: 72.5mg Calcium: 105.13mg Iron: 1.51mg
Author: Ryo Hikita (Umami Pot)
Cuisine: Japanese
Category: Desserts, Plant-Based, Traditional, Vegetable
Keyword: sweet potato
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