I still recall the first time I pulled those steaming, glossy-skinned roots from the oven—Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter sitting hot, the edges caramelized to a deep amber. The aroma was a nutty, tangy whisper of fermented miso meeting creamy tahini. After testing this recipe half a dozen times, I discovered the sweet spot for baking and how a splash of water transforms the butter into a velvety ribbon. Let’s dive in and unpack everything I learned in my kitchen adventures.
Why You’ll Love Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter
- Golden, crackly skins that hold silky flesh inside.
- Miso tahini butter that melts into pockets, layering savory and sweet.
- Simple pantry ingredients come together in under an hour.
- Japanese sweet potatoes are an East Asian staple with naturally rich sweetness.
A Little Background
On a rainy autumn evening, I roasted my first batch of these potatoes. The kitchen filled with a nutty, toasted scent, and I realized that the ratio of miso to tahini was crucial. Testing note #1: poking holes six times rather than four prevents unexpected bursts in the oven.
Key Ingredients for Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter
- Japanese Sweet Potatoes: naturally sweeter and denser than yams; scrub well.
- Olive Oil: helps skins crisp up; avocado oil works too.
- Sea Salt: enhances sweetness; divide between potato rub and finishing sprinkle.
- Vegan Butter: forms the creamy base; room temperature for easy whipping.
- Tahini & White Miso: tahini adds richness, miso brings umami depth; use mellow white miso.
How to Make Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scrub 4 medium Japanese sweet potatoes and pat dry. Pierce each potato 6–8 times with a fork.
- Rub each with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon sea salt. Arrange on the sheet, skin-side up.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until skins are crackly and a knife glides through the flesh.
- While they roast, combine in a small bowl: 3 tablespoons vegan butter, 2 tablespoons tahini, 1 tablespoon white miso, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, juice of ½ lemon, dash black pepper.
- Stir in 1–2 tablespoons water, one at a time, until the butter becomes silky and pipeable.
- Remove potatoes, slice lengthwise and squeeze ends to fan open. Dollop 1–2 tablespoons miso tahini butter into each, letting it melt into the crevices.
Pineapple Rum Dum Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 oz coconut rum e.g., Malibu
- 1 oz Blue Curaçao
- 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda e.g., Sprite
- 1 1/2 cups crushed ice
- Pineapple wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass or cocktail tumbler with crushed ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the pineapple juice, coconut rum, and Blue Curaçao.
- Shake well for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
- Pour the mixture over the crushed ice.
- Top with lemon-lime soda for fizz.
- Garnish with fresh pineapple wedges and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Testing note #2: letting potatoes rest 5 minutes after baking intensifies their natural sugars.
- If skins crack unevenly, rotate the pan halfway through for uniform heat.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the butter for a spicy autumn twist.
- To double, use two sheets—avoid crowding so air circulates around each potato.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Let baked potatoes cool at room temperature no longer than 2 hours, then refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or microwave on medium power until warm. Make miso tahini butter ahead and store separately in the fridge for up to 1 week—bring to room temperature before using. Always discard leftovers left out over 2 hours to ensure safety. Testing note #3: potatoes retain moisture best when wrapped in foil before storing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter alongside steamed greens or top with toasted sesame seeds and scallions for extra crunch. They pair beautifully with a crisp winter salad or as a cozy solo snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should I bake Japanese sweet potatoes? Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 45–50 minutes until skins are crackly and flesh is tender.
- Can I substitute yams for Japanese sweet potatoes? You can, but yams have higher moisture and may need extra bake time for caramelized edges.
- How do I make miso tahini butter ahead of time? Whip ingredients and store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week; bring to room temp before using.
- What’s the best way to reheat baked sweet potatoes? Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave on medium power until heated through.
- Is miso tahini butter vegan? Yes—use a plant-based butter and ensure your miso paste is free from additives like fish stock.
- How can I tell when sweet potatoes are done? A knife should glide in with little resistance, and the skin will look wrinkled and slightly blistered.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter have become my go-to for cozy nights in. I love how the miso tahini swirl hints at nutty complexity. Give them a try, tweak the butter flavors to your liking, and let me know how yours turn out in the comments below!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Sweet Potatoes – shares the oven-roasting technique with a savory twist
- Sweet Potato Casserole – a classic side that balances the umami tahini butter
- Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes – nutty maple glaze complements the tahini’s richness
- Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes – seasonal flavors perfect for holiday gatherings
Baked Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium Japanese sweet potatoes scrubbed and pierced 6–8 times
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for rubbing
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt for rubbing
Miso Tahini Butter
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter softened
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 0.5 lemon lemon juice juice of ½ lemon
- 1 dash black pepper
- 1 tablespoon water to thin, plus extra as needed
Instructions
Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Scrub the sweet potatoes and pat dry, then pierce each 6–8 times with a fork.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until skins are crackly and a knife slides in with little resistance.
Miso Tahini Butter
- While potatoes roast, whisk vegan butter, tahini, miso paste, maple syrup, rice vinegar, lemon juice, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Add water one tablespoon at a time until the mixture reaches a silky, spreadable consistency.
- Remove potatoes, slice lengthwise and squeeze ends to fan open. Dollop miso tahini butter into each and let it melt into the flesh.