Daigaku Imo Japanese Candied Sweet Potatoes
Indulge in the irresistible combination of crispy, caramelized sweetness with Daigaku Imo, a classic Japanese candied sweet potato recipe that's perfect as a snack or dessert. Featuring golden-fried Japanese sweet potatoes coated in a glossy, soy sauce-infused caramel and finished with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds, this dish balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully. Achieving the ideal texture with a double-fry technique, these bite-sized delights boast a crunchy exterior and a tender, fluffy interior. With only a handful of pantry staples like honey, sugar, and soy sauce, you can recreate this traditional Japanese treat at home. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing dish that's as stunning as it is delicious.
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Ingredients
- 500 grams Japanese sweet potatoes
- 500 ml Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Honey (or corn syrup)
- 1 tablespoon Water
- 1 teaspoon Black sesame seeds
Directions
Step 1
Wash and scrub the Japanese sweet potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture. Cut the potatoes into chunky bite-sized wedges or rectangles, approximately 1-inch thick.
Step 2
Soak the potato pieces in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps achieve a crispier texture. Drain and pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels.
Step 3
In a deep pot or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil to 160°C (320°F). Fry the sweet potato pieces in batches until they turn light golden brown on the outside (approximately 6-8 minutes). Remove and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Step 4
Increase the oil temperature to 180°C (355°F). Refry the sweet potato pieces briefly (2-3 minutes) until they develop a deeper golden color and crisp texture. Drain again on a wire rack or paper towels.
Step 5
In a small saucepan or skillet, combine the sugar, soy sauce, honey, and water. Heat over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a smooth, thick caramel sauce (approximately 3-4 minutes). Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Step 6
Add the fried sweet potato pieces into the saucepan and toss them gently until they are fully coated in the caramel sauce.
Step 7
Transfer the sweet potatoes to a serving plate and sprinkle black sesame seeds over the top for garnish.
Step 8
Serve warm or at room temperature as a snack or dessert. Enjoy your crunchy, sweet, and savory Daigaku Imo!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1103.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5014.6 |
| Total Fat 501.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 71.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 419.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 173.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 92.9g | |
| Protein 8.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 150.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1727.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories