3-Minute Satsuma Imo Rice & Tonjiru: Quick & Delicious Japanese Comfort Food

Craving a comforting and flavorful Japanese meal that's ready in under three minutes? Look no further than this incredibly quick and delicious Satsuma Imo Rice & Tonjiru recipe! This satisfying dish combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potato (satsuma imo) with a hearty, miso-based Tonjiru soup, all in one easy-to-make bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or a light yet satisfying lunch, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and even less cooking time. Imagine the warm, earthy flavors of the sweet potato perfectly complementing the rich, savory broth of the Tonjiru.

Forget lengthy preparation times; this recipe prioritizes speed and simplicity without sacrificing taste. The perfectly balanced sweetness and savory elements create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. To discover the exact steps to create this 3-minute wonder, let’s dive into the detailed instructions below.

Tools Needed

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Cook Rice

  • Remove the ‘eye’ part and cut into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on.
  • In a rice cooker, combine washed rice, 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of mirin, and 1 tablespoon of sake. Place the prepared Satsuma Imo on top of the rice.
  • Cook the rice normally until fluffy.
Prepare the Satsuma Imo: Remove the ‘eye’ part and cut into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on.Cook the Satsuma Imo Rice: In a rice cooker, combine washed rice, 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of mirin, and 1 tablespoon of sake. Place the prepared Satsuma Imo on top of the rice.
Prepare Ingredients & Cook Rice

Step 2. Prepare Tonjiru Broth

  • Stir-fry burdock root until the oil penetrates.
  • Add the pork and stir-fry until the color changes.
  • Add carrots, daikon radish, and green onions. If the meat sticks, place it on a slightly wet surface before adding more water.
  • Add the konjac and shake to remove excess moisture.
Prepare the Tonjiru (Pork Soup): Stir-fry burdock root until the oil penetrates.Add the pork and stir-fry until the color changes.Add carrots, daikon radish, and green onions. If the meat sticks, place it on a slightly wet surface before adding more water.Add the konjac and shake to remove excess moisture.
Prepare Tonjiru Broth
  • Pour in 4 cups of dashi stock. Once it simmers, add 1 cup more.
Pour in 4 cups of dashi stock. Once it simmers, add 1 cup more.
Prepare Tonjiru Broth

Step 3. Finish Tonjiru & Serve

  • When the vegetables are soft, add miso paste gradually, mixing it with a little dashi stock to help it dissolve.
  • Stir in butter for richness.
  • Serve the Satsuma Imo Rice and Tonjiru together. Garnish with sesame seeds.
When the vegetables are soft, add miso paste gradually, mixing it with a little dashi stock to help it dissolve.Stir in butter for richness.Serve the Satsuma Imo Rice and Tonjiru together. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Finish Tonjiru & Serve

Read more: Kinpira Gobo Recipe: A Sweet & Savory Japanese Side Dish

Tips

  • Don't leave the cut Satsuma Imo out for too long, as vitamins are water-soluble.
  • Adding butter to the miso soup enhances the flavor.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sweet potato?

Yes, you can substitute with other sweet potato varieties, but Satsuma Imo offers the best flavor and texture for this recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the potato's size and type.

2. What if I don't have all the ingredients?

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking! Missing a vegetable? Simply omit it or substitute with something similar. The core flavors will still shine through.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients (chop vegetables, etc.) in advance. Assemble and cook the rice and soup just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.


This quick and easy Satsuma Imo Rice & Tonjiru recipe is the perfect solution for a weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch. The blend of sweet and savory flavors will leave you feeling warm and nourished, without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this delicious taste of Japan!