
Recipe
Japanese-style Sweet Potato Gratin
Umami-infused Sweet Potato Delight
4.4 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Japan with this delectable Japanese-style Sweet Potato Gratin. This dish combines the comforting creaminess of a classic French gratin with the unique umami flavors of Japanese cuisine.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
35 minutes
Total time
55 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs), Nut-free, Egg-free
Allergens
Milk, Soy
Not suitable for
Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb
Ingredients
In this Japanese adaptation of the classic French gratin, we incorporate traditional Japanese ingredients and flavors to create a unique twist. Instead of using traditional French cheeses, we enhance the umami profile by incorporating miso and soy sauce into the creamy sauce. The addition of these ingredients adds depth and complexity to the dish, giving it a distinct Japanese flair. We alse have the original recipe for Gratin, so you can check it out.
-
4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
-
2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
-
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
-
2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
-
2 cups (470ml) whole milk 2 cups (470ml) whole milk
-
2 tablespoons (30g) white miso paste 2 tablespoons (30g) white miso paste
-
1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
-
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
1/4 cup (25g) panko breadcrumbs 1/4 cup (25g) panko breadcrumbs
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
-
1.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
-
2.In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sweet potato slices and cook until they are slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
3.In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
-
4.Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
-
5.Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the miso paste, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
-
6.Arrange half of the sweet potato slices in a greased baking dish. Pour half of the miso sauce over the sweet potatoes. Repeat with the remaining sweet potato slices and sauce.
-
7.Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the gratin.
-
8.Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
-
9.Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Sweet potatoes — Make sure to slice the sweet potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking throughout the gratin.
- Miso paste — Use white miso paste for a milder and sweeter flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference, as miso intensity can vary.
Tips & Tricks
- For a crispy top, broil the gratin for a couple of minutes after baking.
- Experiment with different types of sweet potatoes for varying flavors and textures.
- Add a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice) for an extra kick of flavor.
- Serve the gratin as a side dish with grilled fish or roasted chicken.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold as a tasty addition to a bento box.
Serving advice
Serve the Japanese-style Sweet Potato Gratin as a comforting main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite Japanese-inspired dishes. Pair it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the gratin.
Presentation advice
To enhance the visual appeal, garnish the gratin with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve it in individual gratin dishes or in a large baking dish for a family-style presentation.
More recipes...
For French cuisine » Browse all
More French cuisine dishes » Browse all

Oeufs cocotte
Baked eggs
Oeufs cocotte is a classic French dish that is made with eggs that are baked in individual ramekins. It is a simple and elegant dish that is...

Spaghetti Bordelaise
Spaghetti Bordelaise is a classic French dish that originated in the Bordeaux region. It is a type of pasta that is served with a garlic and...

Quiche Provençale
Quiche Provencale
Quiche Provençale is a classic French dish that is perfect for brunch or a light lunch. It is a savory pastry filled with a mixture of vegetables,...
More Japanese cuisine dishes » Browse all

Kake soba
Buckwheat noodles soup
Kake soba is a traditional Japanese noodle soup dish that is simple yet delicious. It consists of soba noodles in a hot broth made from dashi, soy...

Dango
Dango is a traditional Japanese sweet made from rice flour. It is a popular snack and dessert in Japan, often served on skewers and topped with...

Nanbanzuke
Fish in Vinegar Sauce
Nanbanzuke is a Japanese dish made from marinated fried fish.