18 Recipe With Japanese Yams You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese yams, also known as nagaimo or yamaimo, are a versatile and nutrient-rich ingredient that can add a unique twist to any recipe. These tubers have a creamy texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor, making them a popular choice in Japanese cuisine. In this article, we will explore some creative and delicious ways to incorporate Japanese yams into your cooking. From savory dishes to sweet treats, these recipes will surely impress your taste buds and elevate your cooking game.
If you're looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than these roasted Japanese yams. Not only are they paleo, Whole30, and vegan-friendly, but they also pack a punch of flavor with a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior. Simply slice the yams, toss them in a mixture of olive oil and sea salt, and roast in the oven for a dish that will impress your taste buds and your dinner guests.
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Steamed Japanese Yams with Curry and Lime
Main Ingredients: Japanese Yams, Chopped Cilantro, Fresh Lime Juice
For a lighter and more refreshing take on Japanese yams, try steaming them and topping with a flavorful mixture of curry and lime. This dish is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something tasty but not too heavy. The steamed yams provide a healthy dose of fiber and nutrients, while the curry and lime add a zesty kick. Bonus tip: pair it with a cold beer for the ultimate summer meal.
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Okonomiyaki (Savory Japanese Pancake)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Corn Starch, Baking Powder, Salt
Okonomiyaki, also known as a savory Japanese pancake, is a popular dish in Japan that is made with a variety of ingredients, including shredded cabbage, pork belly, and bonito flakes. This dish is a fun and unique way to use your beer can chicken leftovers, as you can mix it in with the other ingredients and create a delicious and filling meal. Serve with a cold beer for a true Japanese experience.
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Simply Roasted Japanese Yams with Greek Dipping Sauce
Main Ingredients: Japanese Yams, Sea Salt, Water, Olive Oil, Vinegar
For a Mediterranean twist on roasted Japanese yams, try serving them with a creamy Greek dipping sauce. The tangy flavors of lemon, garlic, and olive oil perfectly complement the sweet and nutty taste of the yams. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy night in with a cold beer and good company. Pro tip: sprinkle some feta cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
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Perfect Tempura
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Yam, Onion, Eggplant, Shrimps, Canola
Tempura is a popular Japanese dish that consists of battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, it's actually quite simple and makes for a delicious side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. Use your favorite veggies, such as zucchini, carrots, and onions, and dip them in a light and crispy batter before frying to perfection. Serve with a cold beer and a side of dipping sauce for a satisfying meal.
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Baked Candied Yams - Soul Food Style
Main Ingredients: Yams, Salted Butter, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg
Candied yams, also known as sweet potatoes, are a staple in Southern cuisine and often make an appearance on holiday tables. This soul food-style dish is made with a rich and sweet glaze made of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The combination of the savory beer can chicken and the sweet and sticky candied yams is a match made in food heaven. Pro tip: top with some marshmallows and broil for a few minutes for an extra indulgent treat.
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Candied Yams
Main Ingredients: Yams, Brown Sugar, Ground Nutmeg, Butter, Mini
If you're looking for a healthier option for candied yams, try this recipe that uses honey instead of brown sugar. The honey adds a natural sweetness to the yams while still achieving that classic candied texture. This dish is perfect for those watching their sugar intake but still want to enjoy a delicious side dish with their beer can chicken. Pro tip: sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for a crunchy and nutty addition.
This recipe for Southern-style baked candied yams takes things up a notch by adding a touch of orange juice and vanilla extract to the glaze. These ingredients add a depth of flavor and a hint of citrus to the dish, making it a perfect pairing for your beer can chicken. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, whether it's for a holiday gathering or a casual dinner with friends.
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The Best EVER Candied Yams
Main Ingredients: Yams, Butter, Dark Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar
Looking for a show-stopping dish to impress your guests? Look no further than these candied yams that are truly the best ever. The secret ingredient? A splash of bourbon in the glaze. The bourbon adds a subtle smokiness and a touch of sophistication to the dish. Serve with a cold beer for the ultimate flavor combination.
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Slow Cooker Southern Candied Yams
Main Ingredients: Yams, Cornstarch, White Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar
If you want to free up some oven space and make your life easier, try this recipe for slow cooker Southern candied yams. This dish is made with all the classic ingredients, including brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, but is cooked in a slow cooker for a hassle-free preparation. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or for when you're hosting a large gathering, and it pairs perfectly with a cold beer and some tender beer can chicken.
For a hearty and comforting dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Japanese vegetable stew. Made with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and daikon radish, and flavored with soy sauce and mirin, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold day and pairs well with a cold beer for a satisfying combination.
Nikujaga is a popular Japanese dish that translates to "meat and potatoes." It's a hearty and comforting stew that is traditionally made with beef, potatoes, and other vegetables, and flavored with soy sauce, sake, and sugar. This dish is perfect for those who want a heartier side to pair with their beer can chicken, and it's sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
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Japanese Vegetable Soup (Kenchinjiru)
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Carrot, Daikon, Pie, Shimeji Mushrooms
Kenchinjiru is a traditional Japanese vegetable soup that is made with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, burdock root, and shiitake mushrooms. The vegetables are simmered in a flavorful broth made of soy sauce and sake until tender and then served with a side of udon noodles. This dish is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal and pairs well with a cold beer and some tender beer can chicken.
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Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Butter
Main Ingredients: Japanese Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Butter, White Miso
If you're a fan of miso and butter, then you'll love this recipe for roasted Japanese sweet potatoes topped with a miso butter sauce. The combination of the sweet and nutty potatoes with the savory and rich miso butter is a match made in heaven. This dish is a delicious and unique side dish to pair with your beer can chicken and is sure to impress your taste buds.
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Miso Glazed Japanese Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Japanese Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil, Freshly Ground
If you want to take your miso and sweet potato game to the next level, try this recipe for miso glazed Japanese sweet potatoes. The potatoes are coated in a mixture of miso paste, mirin, and sake, and then roasted until tender and caramelized. The result is a flavorful and addictive dish that will have you coming back for more. Serve with a cold beer for a well-rounded meal.
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Gomoku Gohan (Japanese Mixed Rice)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Lotus Roots, Carrot, Aburaage, Dried Shiitake
Gomoku gohan is a traditional Japanese rice dish that is made with a variety of ingredients, including carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and burdock root. The ingredients are cooked in a flavorful broth made of soy sauce and dashi until the rice is fluffy and the flavors have melded together. This dish is a great way to add more veggies to your meal and pairs well with a cold beer and some juicy beer can chicken.
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Vegan Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omlette)
Main Ingredients: Silken Tofu, Nagaimo, Japanese Soy Sauce, Mirin, Kombu
If you're looking for a tasty egg dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try this vegan tamagoyaki, a Japanese-style rolled omlette. This version is made without eggs and uses a mixture of tofu, dried seaweed, and garlic powder for a flavorful and protein-packed dish. It's a great option for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet and pairs well with a cold beer for a well-rounded meal.
For a twist on the classic sweet and sour chicken, try this Japanese version that uses a tangy and flavorful sauce made of rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. The chicken is coated in a light batter and fried until crispy, and then tossed in the delicious sauce. Serve with a side of rice and a cold beer for a satisfying meal that will make your taste buds dance.
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Japanese Mountain Yam (Nagaimo) Salad
Main Ingredients: Nagaimo, Bonito Flakes, Daikon Sprouts
If you're looking for a light and refreshing side dish to go with your beer can chicken, try this Japanese mountain yam salad. The mountain yam, also known as nagaimo, is a root vegetable that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It has a unique texture and is packed with nutrients. In this salad, it's paired with a tangy and flavorful dressing made of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Serve with a cold beer for a refreshing and healthy meal.
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Skinny Mashed Yams
Main Ingredients: Yams, Ground Cinnamon, Sea Salt, Water, Butter, Pepper
If you're looking for a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, try this recipe for skinny mashed yams. These mashed yams are made with low-fat milk and chicken broth for a creamy and flavorful side dish. They pair well with a variety of entrees, including beer can chicken, and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Pro tip: sprinkle some chives on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Savory Dishes
1. Nagaimo Stir-fry
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try making a stir-fry with Japanese yams. Peel and julienne the nagaimo and stir-fry it with your choice of protein, vegetables, and seasonings. The yam's texture will add a nice contrast to the dish, and its natural sweetness will balance out any spicy or salty flavors.
2. Yamaimo Croquettes
Croquettes, or korokke, are a popular dish in Japan, and they can be made with various fillings, including Japanese yams. Cook and mash the yamaimo, mix it with cooked rice, and shape it into patties. Coat the patties in breadcrumbs and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve them with a side of tonkatsu sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Soups and Stews
1. Creamy Nagaimo Soup
For a comforting and hearty soup, blend cooked nagaimo with chicken or vegetable broth, garlic, and your choice of herbs. The yam's creamy texture will give the soup a velvety consistency, and its mild flavor will allow the other ingredients to shine. Top it off with some crispy bacon or croutons for added texture.
2. Yamaimo and Tofu Stew
In Japanese cuisine, yams are often paired with tofu, and for a good reason. The combination of these two ingredients creates a delicious and nutritious stew. Cook cubed yamaimo and tofu in a dashi broth with soy sauce and mirin. Add some vegetables like mushrooms and bok choy for extra flavor and texture.
Sweet Treats
1. Yamaimo Pancakes
Adding grated yamaimo to your pancake batter will give your breakfast a nutritious boost. The yam's moisture and natural sweetness will make the pancakes fluffy and flavorful. Top them with some fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
2. Nagaimo Cheesecake
Surprise your friends and family with a unique and delicious dessert – a nagaimo cheesecake. The grated yam adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the cheesecake, making it rich and creamy. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and some berries for a perfect finishing touch.
In conclusion, Japanese yams are a versatile and tasty ingredient that can elevate any dish. So, next time you're at the grocery store, don't hesitate to pick up some nagaimo or yamaimo and give these recipes a try. Your taste buds will thank you!