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This sweet potato rice is not only deliciously sweet and hearty but also packed with nutrients. It’s an easy, versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite proteins and seasonings, making it perfect for any meal!
Table of Contents
As a Korean family, we eat a lot of rice, and while it’s delicious on its own, I love to amp up the nutrition to make it more filling and varied for my kids, like this Korean multigrain rice with beans and lentils.
This sweet potato rice has been a favorite in our home for years—it’s always a hit! Its natural sweetness pairs perfectly with a drizzle of savory sauce for a burst of flavor.
You can easily cook it in a rice cooker, which is my go-to method, or on the stovetop. Let me show you how!
And if you’re looking for more one pot meal, you must try this beef broccoli rice cooker meal!
Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
- Rice – use short or medium grain rice because they have a higher starch content, which helps the rice cook up soft and slightly sticky—perfect for holding together with the sweet potatoes.
- Sweet potato – I like to use Korean sweet potatoes but feel free to use any variety you wish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soak rice for 30 minutes and rinse well until water runs clear.
Step 2: place the rice in a rice cooker and add water.
Step 3: Add the whole sweet potatoes on top of the rice. You can peel the skin if you wish. Close the lid and cook using the normal setting.
Step 4: Once cooked, use a spatula to carefully break the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces and mix them into the rice. The sweet potatoes will be soft, making them easy to incorporate into the rice.
Recipe Tips
- Soak the Rice: Don’t skip the step of soaking the rice. It helps soften the grains, leading to fluffier, more evenly cooked rice.
- Rinse Well: Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, which can make the rice sticky.
- Scrub or Peel: If you plan to leave the skin on the sweet potatoes, be sure to scrub them thoroughly to remove any dirt. The peel is where a lot of the nutrition is concentrated, including fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel the sweet potatoes before cooking.
How to Cook On the Stovetop
No rice cooker? No problem! You can easily cook this dish in a pot on your stovetop. For the best results, use a heavy-bottomed or stone pot, as they distribute heat evenly and prevent the rice from sticking.
Simply follow these steps:
- In a large pot with a lid, add the rinsed rice and 3 cups of water.
- Place the whole sweet potatoes on top of the rice. Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
- Using a spatula, carefully break the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces and mix them into the rice.
Serving Suggestions
1. Seasoning Sauces: Elevate the flavor of your sweet potato rice with various seasoning sauces. Try a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic for an Asian twist. For a creamy option, drizzle on some tahini or a yogurt-based sauce. You could also mix in a bit of hot sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick!
2. Protein Additions: Want to make it a bit heartier? Toss in some proteins!
- Beans: Black beans or chickpeas are great choices—they add texture and pack in the protein without the meat.
- Eggs: Scramble up some eggs or even poach them to mix in; they pair perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
- Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken is always a hit! Top it with shredded slow cooker BBQ chicken for a flavorful protein addition.
3. Veggie Mix-Ins: Feel free to throw in some veggies! Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli add color and a nutrient boost.
4. Rice Burger “Buns”: Get creative and use this rice mixture to make the “buns” for a rice burger!
Storage
Let the rice cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-5 days. You can also portion into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water. Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
More Rice Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Sweet Potato Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups short or medium grain rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, see below
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep the Rice: Start by soaking the rice in water for 30 minutes. This helps to soften the grains and ensures a fluffy texture. After soaking, rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Prep the Sweet Potatoes: While the rice is soaking, give the sweet potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt. There's no need to peel them unless you prefer.
- Cook the Rice and Sweet Potatoes: Place the rinsed rice in your rice cooker, add 3 cups of water, and place the whole sweet potatoes on top of the rice. Close the lid and cook using the normal setting.
- Once cooked, use a spatula to carefully break the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces and mix them into the rice. The sweet potatoes will be soft, making them easy to incorporate into the rice.
- Enjoy the rice as is or mix together the seasoning sauce and pour over your rice and sweet potatoes. You can also mix in some eggs, chicken, beans, or any protein of choice. Give it a good mix and enjoy!
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