Skillet Herbed Japanese Sweet Potatoes (Paleo and Vegan)

You'll probably want to double or trip this Skillet Herbed Japanese Sweet Potatoes recipe because they are that good- everyone will be going back for seconds! Sweet, earthy Japanese sweet potatoes meet salty, herby, umami flavor for the ultimate healthy side dish. Naturally gluten free, soy free, and vegan.

I'm warning you from the start that these herbed sweet potatoes will be the second most addicting side dish you ever eat (first up is my Pumpkin Seed Pesto Butternut squash). This is THE BEST Japanese sweet potato recipe. The sweet-salty-herby combo is dangerously good! 

Why Japanese Sweet Potatoes?

If you've never tried Japanese sweet potatoes, you are missing out! They are the best sweet potato variety, in my humble opinion. They contain a purple skin and white flesh and taste almost like candy when baked. Sweeter than regular sweet potatoes, their natural, earthy sweetness pairs well with the salty coconut aminos.

Unlike orange sweet potatoes, they are firmer and hold up well when pan-fried, so you can get crispy edges with a soft, creamy center. Orange or red sweet potatoes just tend to get mushy.

Why You'll Love This Herbed Japanese Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• Allergy friendly: this recipe is naturally gluten free, soy free, corn free, pale and AIP. Plus can be made fully vegan and nut free. Coconut aminos provide the umami flavor without gluten filled soy sauce. They also provide a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the sweet potatoes, unlike tamari which is straight salt flavor. This recipe can also be made low FODMAP by using a garlic infused olive oil.
• Nutrient dense: Japanese sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins A and C which are fantastic for immune support in the colder months (hello, holiday season!). They are also rich in gut supportive dietary fiber and complex carbs for balanced blood sugar and metabolic health. The fresh herbs provide anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits while packing an antioxidant punch- making this the ultimate holiday side dish.
• Easy to make: ready in under 30 minutes, this "buttery" herbed sweet potatoes recipe is simple and delicious. This sweet potato recipe is made on the stovetop so no need to turn on the oven or grab a baking sheet.

Ingredients for Herbed Sweet Potatoes 

• Japanese sweet potatoes: the star of the show! See FAQ below on where to find them.
• Garlic infused olive oil: I opt for an infused olive oil to keep this recipe low FODMAP. If you tolerate garlic, sauté some minced garlic cloves in oil before adding the sweet potatoes.
• Butter, vegan butter, or coconut oil: any of these add richness for the best flavor and help the edges crisp up.
• Coconut aminos: a naturally gluten free and soy free alternative to soy sauce and tamari that provides a salty-sweet flavor. You can find it at most grocery stores these days.
• Fresh rosemary and thyme: fresh herbs balance the sweetness. See FAQ below for dried herbs options.
• Flaky salt: the crunchy finishing touch that makes the flavors pop.

How to Make Skillet Herbed Japanese Sweet Potatoes

• Chop the sweet potatoes into cubes.
• Steam sweet potatoes for ~10 minutes until almost done, but not fully cooked through.
• Add the oil and butter to a large skillet over medium high heat until butter/coconut oil is melted.

• Add the sweet potatoes in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until one side is golden, then mix a couple of times and cook 5-7 minutes more per side until potatoes are getting golden and crispy on all sides.
• Add the herbs, salt, and coconut aminos. Mix and cook another 5 minutes.
• Serve immediately.

Variations on This Healthy Sweet Potato Side Dish

Look, this recipe is gold as is, but if you feel like messing with perfection, here are a few options:

• Add a few tablespoons of maple syrup to the coconut aminos for an even sweeter and more caramelized Japanese sweet potato dish.
• Finish with a drizzle of herbed butter before serving.
• Sprinkle a little bit of (vegan) parmesan on top for more umami flavor.

Serving and Storage

These vegan herbed Japanese sweet potatoes are best fresh, but you can definitely make a big batch for meal prep. Serve them alongside steak, grilled chicken, and a salad or roasted veggies.

They are a fantastic side dish to any holiday meal like Thanksgiving or Christmas, just add them to a large bowl or serving platter and watch them disappear before you can say "Japanese sweet potatoes". This recipe tastes amazing year round, though, and since it's a no-oven dish, it's perfect for warmer months too.

Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat at 300F for 30 minutes and add an extra splash of coconut aminos to rehydrate.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Herbed Sweet Potatoes

• Don’t overcrowd the pan — give the potatoes space to brown.
• Use medium-high heat and resist flipping too often.
• Add herbs at the end to prevent burning.
• Finish with flaky salt for that perfect sweet-salty bite.

FAQ

More Healthy Side Dishes

​Another gut fueling salad to try is my Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples and Chickpeas

Vegetarians will love this filling Sage Roasted Butternut Squash with Chickpeas

Want healthier mashed potatoes? Mashed Rutabaga and White Sweet Potato

If you want another addicting paleo sweet potato recipe, try my Crispy Smashed Japanese Sweet Potatoes

If you try these Skillet Herbed Japanese Sweet Potatoes, let me know how quickly they disappeared. Tag me on Instagram @lemonsnlyme — I’d love to see your recreations!