1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Japanese Sweet Potato Rice

Japanese Sweet Potato Rice

Category: Complete Meals with Minimal Cleanup

Savor the comforting blend of Japanese sweet potatoes and tender shiitake mushrooms layered over delicately seasoned rice. Fluffy grains absorb dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and ginger, resulting in a harmonious balance of umami and gentle sweetness. This dish comes together easily in a pressure cooker, rice cooker, or on the stovetop. After a thorough soak, add all components, steam until fragrant, and mix gently before serving. Enjoy this nourishing bowl as a satisfying side or centerpiece alongside your favorite Japanese favorites.

Save to Pinterest Share This Share via Email Print Page Go to Recipe
A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Fri, 13 Jun 2025 23:03:16 GMT
A bowl of rice with mushrooms and sweet potatoes. Pin
A bowl of rice with mushrooms and sweet potatoes. | mellierecipes.com

Japanese Sweet Potato Rice has become one of my favorite comfort dishes thanks to its sweet earthy flavors and fluffy texture. The combination of tender Japanese sweet potatoes and savory shiitake mushrooms cooked together with seasoned rice is simply irresistible. This recipe comes together easily in an instant pot or rice cooker and works any time you need a nourishing meal with minimal fuss.

I first made this to recreate a meal I had in Tokyo and found it was even better homemade. The softness of the sweet potato mingled with savory rice just makes it a total crowd pleaser for my family.

Ingredients

  • Japanese rice: Look for short grain or sushi rice for that iconic sticky but fluffy texture Rinse thoroughly before soaking for best results
  • Japanese sweet potato: Look for deep purple skin and cream colored flesh which turns jammy and sweet once cooked Choose firm smooth potatoes without bruises
  • Dried shiitake mushrooms: Earthy umami depth soaked until fully tender before slicing For the best aroma use whole dried caps instead of pre-sliced
  • Dashi stock: Sets the savory base of the dish You can use instant powder or homemade from kelp and bonito flakes
  • Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and a deep savory flavor Use Japanese soy for the most authentic taste
  • Mirin: Balances out the salt with subtle sweetness Choose one without added sugar if possible
  • Cooking sake: Lightens the overall flavor and helps soften the mushrooms Pick a clear clean sake from your local Asian market
  • Grated ginger: A hit of fresh ginger enlivens the whole dish Peel and grate for the freshest kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rinse and Soak the Rice:
Rinse the rice three times under cool water swirling gently each time until the water is mostly clear This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from getting gummy Cover the rinsed rice with water and soak for 30 minutes which helps it cook evenly
Prepare Stock and Vegetables:
Combine dashi stock soy sauce mirin sake and freshly grated ginger in a bowl to make your seasoning base Set aside Slice the dried shiitake mushrooms thinly after fully hydrating them Slice the sweet potato into small equal chunks so they cook through at the same rate
Assemble the Ingredients:
Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to your instant pot or rice cooker Pour the seasoned stock evenly over the rice Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes and shiitake mushrooms over the top but do not mix Keeping the layers helps the flavors absorb properly and ensures even cooking
Cooking Process:
For an instant pot seal the lid and valve then cook on high pressure for 2 minutes Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before opening For a rice cooker simply press start and wait for it to finish For stovetop follow the notes to bring to a boil then cover and steam on low
Mix and Serve:
Once cooked use a rice paddle or large spoon to gently mix the sweet potatoes and mushrooms into the rice Serve hot and enjoy the cozy aroma and flavors
A bowl of rice with mushrooms and onions. Pin
A bowl of rice with mushrooms and onions. | mellierecipes.com

Storage Tips

Leftover Japanese sweet potato rice keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days Reheat portions in the microwave with a sprinkle of water Cooking in advance makes for easy meal prep and the flavors deepen over time

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Japanese sweet potatoes try regular sweet potatoes or even pumpkin Dried shiitake can be swapped with fresh mushrooms just sauté in a pan first For dashi stock a good quality vegetable broth is a quick alternative but try to add a touch of kombu seaweed if possible

Serving Suggestions

Serve this rice as a stand alone main dish with a miso soup and quick pickles for a traditional Japanese meal It is also wonderful alongside roasted fish tofu or simply topped with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion

Cultural and Historical Context

Japanese sweet potato rice known as imo gohan is a home style autumn favorite often made when sweet potatoes are in season It is loved for the nostalgia it brings and is commonly served in lunchboxes or at family gatherings across Japan

Recipe FAQs

→ Can regular potatoes be substituted for Japanese sweet potatoes?

Japanese sweet potatoes offer a unique sweetness and dense texture. While regular sweet potatoes can be used, the flavor and texture will differ.

→ How do I rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms?

Soak dried shiitake in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until soft, then squeeze gently and slice.

→ Is it necessary to rinse and soak the rice?

Rinsing removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier grains. Soaking ensures even cooking and improved texture.

→ What alternatives are there to dashi stock?

Vegetable broth or a light chicken stock can substitute, but authentic dashi provides the characteristic umami depth.

→ Can this dish be made without a pressure or rice cooker?

Absolutely! Prepare on the stovetop by simmering covered and steaming to finish, following the outlined steps.

Japanese Sweet Potato Rice

Earthy sweet potatoes and shiitake highlight this aromatic Japanese rice dish, perfect with any meal.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
50 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: One-Pot Meals

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: Japanese

Result Amount: 4 Portions (Serves 4 people)

Diet Preferences: Suitable for Vegetarians, Dairy-Free Option

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Rice Base

01 225 g Japanese short-grain rice, rinsed

→ Main Ingredients

02 250 g Japanese sweet potato, peeled and cut into evenly sized chunks
03 4 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated and thinly sliced
04 15 g fresh ginger, finely grated

→ Seasoned Stock

05 310 ml dashi stock
06 30 ml soy sauce
07 30 ml mirin
08 30 ml cooking sake

How to Prepare

Step 01

Rinse Japanese rice in cold water approximately three times or until water runs mostly clear, then soak in fresh water for 30 minutes.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, mix dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, cooking sake, and grated ginger together; set mixture aside.

Step 03

Peel and cut Japanese sweet potato into evenly sized chunks. Thinly slice rehydrated shiitake mushrooms.

Step 04

Drain the soaked rice and transfer to the cooker. Pour seasoned stock over the rice, then gently layer sweet potato and shiitake mushrooms on top without mixing.

Step 05

Seal the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Step 06

Open the cooker, gently stir ingredients to combine, and serve immediately.

Extra Tips

  1. For rice cookers, skip the soaking step if your model pre-soaks automatically—simply combine all ingredients and follow manufacturer instructions.
  2. On stovetop: After layering, cook uncovered on high until boiling, then reduce to lowest heat, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Let it steam off-heat with the lid for an additional 15 minutes.
  3. Uniform cutting ensures even cooking of sweet potato.

Tools Required

  • Rice/pressure cooker
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chef's knife
  • Fine grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 235
  • Fat Content: 0.8 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 48 grams
  • Protein Content: 4.2 grams