Miso glazed melting sweet potatoes are a tasty twist on a classic side dish. The sweet and creamy combo of sweet potatoes and miso creates a delightful flavor explosion!
Whenever I make these, my family can’t get enough! I love how the glaze makes the sweet potatoes almost melt in your mouth. They’re perfect with dinner or as a snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show! I love using medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you could substitute with butternut squash, but the flavor will change a bit.
White Miso Paste: This ingredient adds a savory depth to the dish. If you can’t find white miso, yellow miso works, but it’s a tad stronger. In a hurry? You might experiment with tahini for a different but tasty twist!
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup gives a lovely sweetness. If you’re looking for alternatives, honey or agave syrup can do the trick. Just adjust to your taste since some substitutes may be sweeter!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a perfect alternative. Coconut aminos is another great substitute if you want a slightly sweeter flavor.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a rich, nutty taste. If you don’t have it, you can use olive oil, though you’ll lose some of that sesame flavor. Just be careful not to use too much, as it can dominate.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender, Melting Sweet Potatoes?
To achieve perfectly tender, melting sweet potatoes, proper cutting and baking techniques are key. Cutting them into thick rounds ensures they cook evenly without falling apart. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by slicing sweet potatoes into 1 to 1.5-inch rounds. This thickness allows them to bake through while still caramelizing on the outside.
- When tossing the rounds in the miso glaze, be gentle! This will help fully coat them without breaking apart.
- Don’t skip covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking. This traps steam and helps steam them tender.
- Take off the foil for the last few minutes to let the glaze bubble and caramelize for that delicious texture.
Following these steps will ensure you have sweet potatoes that are tender and bursting with flavor!
How to Make Miso Glazed Melting Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
For the Miso Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Sea salt, for garnish
- Optional: chopped chives or sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious miso glazed melting sweet potatoes recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, along with an additional 40-45 minutes for baking. In total, you can expect around 1 hour to have this sweet and savory dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help the sweet potatoes cook perfectly. Next, grab a baking dish and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This keeps things from sticking!
2. Prep the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut them into rounds about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, making them easy to glaze and ensuring even cooking.
3. Make the Miso Glaze:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This flavorful glaze is key to making the sweet potatoes tastier!
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato rounds into the bowl with the miso glaze. Gently toss them until each piece is fully coated. Make sure every bite is packed with flavor!
5. Arrange in Baking Dish:
Place the coated sweet potatoes into the prepared baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer so that they cook evenly and get that nice caramelization.
6. Add Butter:
Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and dot them evenly over the sweet potatoes. This will add a lovely richness to the dish as it bakes.
7. Bake Covered:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender. You can check for tenderness by poking them with a fork.
8. Bake Uncovered:
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and beautifully caramelized. The sweet potatoes will start to melt in your mouth!
9. Final Touches:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with sea salt for a savory touch. If you like, you can also garnish with chopped chives or sesame seeds for some extra flavor and a pop of color.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These miso glazed sweet potatoes can be served warm as a delightful side dish or as a main vegetarian dish. Enjoy every bite of this sweet and savory treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
While sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, you can substitute regular potatoes if you prefer. However, keep in mind that regular potatoes will have a different flavor and texture. If you choose to use them, adjust baking time as needed, since they may cook faster or slower than sweet potatoes.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover miso glazed sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a quicker option!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly, so you’ll have a delicious vegan side dish!
What’s The Best Way to Cut Sweet Potatoes?
For even cooking, aim to cut the sweet potatoes into uniform rounds, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. A sharp knife helps prevent any slipping, and you can make it easier by cutting off a small slice from the bottom of each potato to create a flat surface. Always be cautious when cutting!
