Japanese Sweet Potato Chips

What is Japanese Sweet Potato?

Japanese sweet potatoes are different from regular sweet potatoes in a few key ways. They have a vibrant purple or reddish skin and a creamy white or yellow interior. They are starchier and firmer, making them an ideal choice for frying. The flavor is subtly sweet with a hint of nuttiness, which pairs beautifully with savory seasonings. Unlike the typical orange sweet potato, Japanese sweet potatoes hold up better to cooking methods like frying and roasting, giving them a crisp texture when prepared properly.

These potatoes are commonly used in Japanese cuisine, but they can also be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes. While they may not always be available in every supermarket, you can use regular sweet potatoes as a substitute for this recipe. The result will still be delicious and crispy, though the flavor may differ slightly.

Ingredients and Variations

This recipe is simple, with only seven main ingredients, yet it delivers a crispy, flavorful snack that everyone will love. The essential ingredients include Japanese sweet potatoes (or regular sweet potatoes), vegetable oil for frying, and seasonings like soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and honey. You can make this recipe vegan-friendly by replacing the honey with maple syrup, offering a perfect option for those who follow plant-based diets.

You can also make a few adjustments to the seasonings based on your preferences. Add some garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor, or sprinkle sesame seeds or fresh parsley on top for a garnish that adds a pop of color and taste. This recipe is highly versatile, so feel free to experiment with other spices to create your own unique variation.

How to Make Japanese Sweet Potato Chips

To begin, you’ll need to slice the sweet potatoes very thinly. A mandoline slicer works best to achieve even slices that will fry up crispy. After slicing, soak the potato slices in cold water for about 5 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch and ensures that your chips become crispy when fried.

Once the slices are dry, heat vegetable oil in a frying pan until it reaches a sizzling temperature. Fry the potato slices in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This ensures that each chip fries evenly, becoming golden and crispy. After frying, transfer the chips to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

In a separate saucepan, make the sauce by combining mirin, soy sauce, sugar, and honey. Bring this mixture to a simmer until it starts to bubble, then add the fried sweet potato chips to coat them with the sauce. This step adds a sweet-savory glaze to the chips, enhancing their flavor and making them even more addictive.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Chips

1. Slice Thinly: The thinner you slice the potatoes, the crispier the chips will be. A mandoline slicer or sharp knife will help you achieve thin, even slices.

2. Soak and Dry the Potatoes: After soaking the potato slices, be sure to pat them dry with kitchen towels. Moisture on the surface of the potatoes can cause them to become soggy when fried.

3. Heat the Oil Properly: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the potato slices. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chips will absorb too much oil and won’t become crispy.

4. Fry in Batches: Frying the chips in small batches ensures that they have enough room to cook evenly, resulting in crisp, perfectly fried chips.

Storing and Making Ahead

While these Japanese Sweet Potato Chips are best enjoyed warm and crispy, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. However, it’s important to note that the chips will lose their crisp texture over time, so they are best eaten fresh.

If you’re looking to make these chips ahead of time, you can prepare the potato slices and soak them in water the day before. Then, store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry them.

Conclusion

Japanese Sweet Potato Chips are a fantastic addition to any meal or as a standalone snack. Their crispy texture and savory-sweet flavor make them a crowd-pleasing treat that’s simple to make and full of flavor. With minimal ingredients and just a few steps, you can create these delightful chips at home. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, they will surely impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for something crispy.

These chips are highly customizable, making them perfect for different dietary needs, and they can be paired with a variety of seasonings to suit your taste. Plus, they’re vegan-friendly if you use maple syrup instead of honey. Next time you’re craving a crispy, flavorful snack, reach for these Japanese Sweet Potato Chips—they’ll become your new favorite snack in no time.