Hong Kong-style Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

In this Hong Kong adaptation of Yaki imo, the sweet potatoes are roasted instead of being grilled. The caramel glaze adds a unique flavor profile and a crispy texture that is characteristic of Hong Kong street food. This version also highlights the smoky notes, which are achieved through the roasting process. The dish is tailored to suit the taste preferences and culinary traditions of Hong Kong cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Yaki imo, so you can check it out.

• 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes (about 500g) 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes (about 500g)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
3. 3.
   Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges or thick slices, about 2 cm (3/4 inch) thick.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and salt.
5. 5.
   Place the sweet potato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Drizzle the vegetable oil over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
7. 7.
   Brush the brown sugar mixture onto both sides of the sweet potato slices.
8. 8.
   Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, flipping them halfway through.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sweet potatoes — Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin. It's important to scrub them well to remove any dirt or debris before roasting.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can sprinkle a little cornstarch over the sweet potato slices before roasting.
• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the amount of brown sugar in the glaze.
• Serve the roasted sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon or ginger to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• Leftover roasted sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Enjoy the Hong Kong-style Roasted Sweet Potatoes as a snack or side dish. They are best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as sweet chili sauce or sriracha mayo, for an extra kick of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the roasted sweet potato slices on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions. The vibrant orange color of the sweet potatoes against the caramelized glaze will make for an enticing presentation.