These miso glazed melting sweet potatoes are a tasty twist on your regular side dish! With a sweet and salty miso topping, each bite is filled with rich flavor and a hint of umami.
Honestly, these sweet potatoes are so comforting—they practically hug you back! I love serving them with dinner, making it feel like a cozy feast. Give them a try, and you might just want to have them every day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Large sweet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and great texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, yams or butternut squash can work, though the flavor will be different.
Miso Paste: White or yellow miso adds a mild umami flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use tahini or almond butter, but keep in mind that the flavor will differ. For a gluten-free option, check that your soy sauce is gluten-free.
Maple Syrup: This brings sweetness and pairs beautifully with miso. If you’re out of maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can work well. For a lower-sugar option, look for sugar-free syrups.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of the dish. You can substitute with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just note that the flavor will change slightly.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. If you prefer a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Liquid aminos can be another good alternative.
How Do I Make Sure the Sweet Potatoes Cook Evenly?
The key to perfectly cooked sweet potatoes is slicing them into thick, even rounds. This helps them cook uniformly. Aim for pieces that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick — any thinner, and they might become mushy.
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes carefully to ensure no uneven pieces.
- After the initial baking time, check for tenderness with a fork. If they are still firm, you can bake them a little longer.
- Turning the sweet potatoes halfway through helps them cook evenly and caramelize nicely on top.
These techniques will give you soft, melting sweet potatoes and a delicious glaze. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Miso Glazed Melting Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
For the Miso Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons miso paste (white or yellow)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sea salt to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 45 minutes of baking time. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour for these delicious Miso Glazed Melting Sweet Potatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, peel the sweet potatoes carefully, then cut them into thick rounds, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This size helps them cook nicely and absorb the glaze.
2. Making the Miso Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the miso paste, maple syrup, melted butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This glaze is what makes the sweet potatoes so flavorful!
3. Coating the Sweet Potatoes:
Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a baking dish, then pour the miso glaze over them. Make sure each piece is well coated with that delicious mixture. It should look all glossy and appealing!
4. Baking:
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and gently turn each sweet potato round over to allow them to cook evenly. Return them to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until they are tender and the top is beginning to caramelize.
5. Finishing Touches:
When the sweet potatoes are done baking and look lovely and glazed, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle a little sea salt over the top for a nice bite. If you want to elevate the dish, add some sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh and crunchy contrast.
6. Serving:
Serve the Miso Glazed Melting Sweet Potatoes warm as a delightful side dish with your favorite main courses. Enjoy each bite of this sweet and savory treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
While sweet potatoes are recommended for their natural sweetness and texture, you can substitute with regular or Yukon gold potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; adjust accordingly to ensure they become tender and absorb the glaze.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover miso glazed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to preserve the glaze.
Can I Make the Miso Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the miso glaze a day in advance. Just whisk together all the ingredients and store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When you’re ready to cook, let it come to room temperature before using it on the sweet potatoes.
What Can I Substitute for Miso Paste?
If you don’t have miso paste, you can use tahini or even a thick soy sauce. However, the flavor will be different, so consider adding a pinch of sugar to mimic the sweetness of miso. Keep in mind that the consistency might vary as well, so adjust the amounts as needed to achieve a smooth glaze.
