Miso glazed melting sweet potatoes are sweet, soft, and oh-so-delicious! The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the rich, slightly salty flavor of the miso glaze. Yum!
Whenever I make these, they disappear fast! They’re great as a cozy side dish or even a tasty snack. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up—just bake and glaze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, bringing natural sweetness and a creamy texture. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can substitute with butternut squash for a similar sweetness, though the texture will differ.
Miso Paste: Miso adds depth and umami flavor. White miso is milder, while red miso is stronger in taste. If you’re looking for a different flavor, tahini can work, but it will change the overall taste profile.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both add a nice sweetness to the glaze. If you’re avoiding sugar, you could try using agave syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia, but this may adjust the texture slightly.
Soy Sauce: It enhances the savory note in your dish. For a gluten-free version, use tamari as a great alternative.
Sesame Oil: This brings a nutty essence to the recipe. If you don’t have it, you could try olive oil, but it will change the flavor a bit. Toasted sesame oil is ideal for more intense flavor, so use that if available.
How Can I Get Perfectly Caramelized Sweet Potatoes?
Caramelizing sweet potatoes is about getting that lovely golden-brown color and rich flavor. Make sure to give the potatoes some space in the skillet to avoid steaming and not browning.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so the sweet potatoes roast quickly and evenly.
- After cutting them into 1.5-inch rounds, make sure to cook on medium heat until lightly browned. This takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pouring the miso mixture over the sweet potatoes and basting them halfway through roasting helps to develop the glaze.
- Keep an eye on them as they roast; fork-tender means they are done!
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 miso paste (white or red)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional for richness)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Garnish:
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. A simple and tasty side dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Sweet Potatoes:
First, let’s preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when we’re ready. While that’s heating, peel the sweet potatoes carefully. Then, slice them into thick rounds, about 1.5 inches thick. This helps them cook evenly and gives a beautiful texture.
2. Making the Miso Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, maple syrup (or honey), soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is nice and smooth. This glaze is going to add so much flavor!
3. Browning the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat if you’re using it. Next, add the sweet potato rounds in a single layer. Allow them to cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they get a lovely light brown color. This step adds a nice depth of flavor.
4. Coating with the Miso Mixture:
Now, pour your delicious miso mixture over the sweet potatoes, making sure they’re well-coated. This glaze is what will make them melt-in-your-mouth good!
5. Roasting the Sweet Potatoes:
Carefully transfer the skillet into your preheated oven. Roast the sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and caramelized. Remember to baste them with the sauce halfway through to keep them moist and flavorful.
6. Final Touches and Serving:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. If you like, add some chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for a bit of color and crunch. These sweet potatoes are best served warm, making a delightful side dish or appetizer.
Enjoy your tasty Miso Glazed Melting Sweet Potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use any variety of sweet potato, such as Japanese or purple sweet potatoes. Keep in mind that different types may have varying sweetness and texture, so adjust the cooking time if needed for fork tenderness.
What Can I Substitute for Miso?
If you don’t have miso paste, you can use tahini or almond butter for a different flavor profile. For a similar umami taste, mix in a little soy sauce with either of these options. Just be aware that it will alter the final flavor of the dish slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, covered with foil to prevent drying out, or use the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To keep this recipe completely vegan, omit the unsalted butter or substitute with a vegan butter alternative. The existing ingredients like miso, maple syrup, and soy sauce are already plant-based!
