Okinawan Sweet Potato cooked in an instant pot! Very sweet and plump. It takes minimal effort to do this.
OKINAWAN SWEET POTATO INSTANT POT
When my kids slack in school, they get a lecture on how simple their lives here in the USA are compared to our lives at home in the Philippines. Planting sweet potatoes came upon one of those times. I will give them a narrative on how we grow our sweet potatoes. We planted cassava, bok choy, and other veggies, and how great my gardening teacher was. My son is interested in listening to my stories. And those narratives make him eat these potatoes.
What is Okinawan sweet potato?
- Japanese sweet potatoes, often referred to as “Satsumaimo” in Japan, come in various varieties, with the most popular being the purple-skinned Murasaki sweet potato and the yellow-skinned Beni Haruka sweet potato.
- Japanese sweet potatoes are known for their distinct, chestnut-like flavor and slightly dry, creamy texture.
- The skin of Japanese sweet potatoes is thinner and more edible than other sweet potato varieties.
- Japanese cuisine often uses them for savory and sweet dishes, such as tempura and dorayaki (sweet pancakes), and as a side dish.
Nutritional Comparison:
- Japanese sweet potatoes are nutritionally similar to regular sweet potatoes, with minor differences.
- Both types are excellent sources of dietary fiber, vitamins (such as vitamins A and C), and minerals (including potassium and manganese).
- Japanese sweet potatoes, particularly the purple-skinned Murasaki variety, are known for their higher anthocyanin content, which gives them their purple color.
- The exact nutritional content varies on how they are prepared, but both Japanese sweet potatoes and regular sweet potatoes are healthy options.
Difference Between Japanese Sweet Yam and Sweet Potato:
- Yam and sweet potatoes are often confused, but they are different.
- In Japan, what is commonly referred to as a “sweet potato” is typically a sweet-tasting starchy root vegetable, similar to what is known as a sweet potato in Western countries.
- A “yam” in Japan typically refers to a starchier, less sweet root vegetable with a firmer texture. Japanese yams are sometimes called “imo” or “yama-imo.”
Taste of Murasaki Sweet Potatoes:
- Murasaki sweet potatoes have a distinct sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of chestnut.
- They are generally less sweet than other sweet potato varieties, making them suitable for savory and sweet dishes.
- The purple skin often adds a slightly earthy flavor and a visually appealing contrast to the pale flesh.
WHAT BRAND OF INSTANT POT DO I USE
I want to emphasize each instant pot is different, and some settings may not be on the instant pot you got. In my case, I am using an Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker with Air Fryer Lid, 8 Quart.
How to Cook Japanese Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot
Cooking these potatoes is easy, especially when it’s done in the Instant Pot.
- Put the trivet in the Instant Pot inner pot with the handle up.
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Place the sweet potatoes on the trivet. Add the water.
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Cover with the Pressure cooker lid and set the timer to ten minutes.
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Quick release when done.
Is Ube the same as an Okinawan sweet potato?
- No. Ube and Okinawan sweet potatoes are different. Ube has a rough, bark line skin, while Okinawan sweet potato has smooth brown skin. In terms of taste, Ube is tasteless, while the Okinawan sweet potato is sweet. Ube has a soft and sticky texture, while the latter has fibrous flesh.
- Below is what a Ube looks like when Raw and plain white when cooked. It is also tasteless, so it needs additional Ube Flavoring and a purple color.
- There are two types of Ube which can either be white and purple in color. As mentioned, they are tasteless but they are sticky and smooth in texture when handled.
How do You store Japanese Sweet Potatoes?
Storing Japanese sweet potatoes, understanding their unique characteristics, and comparing their nutritional value to regular sweet potatoes are essential to consider. Here’s the information you need:
Storing Japanese Sweet Potatoes:
- Japanese sweet potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, similar to regular sweet potatoes.
- Ideally, they should be kept at around 55-60°F (13-16°C).
- Do not refrigerate Japanese sweet potatoes, as cold temperatures can negatively affect their texture and taste.
- Keep them in a mesh bag or a wooden crate for proper air circulation.
In summary, Japanese sweet potatoes, like the Murasaki variety, have a unique flavor profile and slightly different characteristics than regular sweet potatoes. They are a healthy option and can be enjoyed in various culinary preparations. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid refrigeration to maintain their quality when storing them.
Where can I buy it in the USA?
Asian Market. Usually has yellow skin when raw. If you are unfamiliar with it, poke a bit to the skin, and it’s purple inside. Whole Foods carry them too, but the skin is purple; ensure it’s the right kind by poking a bit to the skin to show it has the purple color.
For More Sweet Potato Recipes:
Okinawan Sweet Potato
Equipment
- Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Air fryer trivet
Ingredients
- 12 pieces One-inch thick Okinawan Sweet Potato
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Pressure Cooker Method
- Wash sweet potatoes to remove gunk.
- Put the trivet in the inner pot with the handle facing up. Add two cups of water.
- Put sweet potatoes on top of the trivet.
- Cover with the pressure cooker lid.
- Set pressure to HI and set the timer for 10 minutes. Quick release when done. Please see notes
Notes
- Note that the thickness of these sweet potatoes is about one-inch thickness. Increase the cooking time if they are thicker.
- Check doneness by poking the potatoes with a chopstick. If in any case, the potatoes are not done, go ahead and push the saute' button and one more cup of water if needed. Set the time to thirty minutes. Let the Instant cook the sweet potato until cooked through.
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