Have you ever wondered how something as simple as a potato and butter can turn into one of Japan’s most loved comfort foods? Many people think fancy dishes need many ingredients and long cooking times. But what if the secret to deep flavor is actually simplicity?

Jaga Butter, also known as Japanese Buttered Potatoes or じゃがバター, proves that a humble potato can shine with just a few simple additions. This dish is warm, soft, and rich. It feels cozy and special at the same time. Once you try it, you may never look at plain potatoes the same way again.

Table of Contents

Overview

Jaga Butter is a popular Japanese snack made with steamed or microwaved potatoes and melted butter. It is often served at festivals, street stalls, and casual family meals. The dish is simple, but the taste is comforting and rich.

What makes this recipe special is its balance. The soft potato absorbs the creamy butter, and the green laver adds a gentle ocean flavor. With only a few ingredients, each one plays an important role.

Quick Facts Jaga Butter (Japanese Buttered Potatoes) じゃがバター

Difficulty

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Easy

Total Time

8–10 minutes microwave fast

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Essential Ingredients

Key Ingredients (材料)

Jaga Butter じゃがバター

These simple ingredients create the rich, buttery, and comforting flavor of Japanese Buttered Potatoes. Each ingredient plays an important role in texture and balance, even though the recipe uses only a few components.

1

Potatoes (2 pieces – 200g)

Potatoes are the heart of Jaga Butter. When heated, they become soft and fluffy inside, making them perfect for absorbing melted butter.

Substitution ideas:

• Yukon Gold for extra creaminess
• Waxy potatoes for firmer texture
• Sweet potatoes for a sweeter variation

2

Butter (5g)

Butter melts into the hot potatoes and gives them a smooth, rich flavor. It creates the signature glossy finish of Japanese Buttered Potatoes.

Substitution ideas:

• Salted butter for deeper flavor
• Plant-based butter for dairy-free option
• Garlic butter for extra aroma

3

Green Laver (1/2 teaspoon)

Green laver adds a gentle ocean flavor and brings a light Japanese touch to the dish. It balances the richness of the butter.

Substitution ideas:

• Crushed nori flakes
• Chopped parsley
• Furikake seasoning for extra flavor

4

Salt (a pinch)

A small pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and deepens the buttery flavor without overpowering the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Heat the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes well. Cut one potato into eight bite-sized pieces. Place the pieces in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Heat at 600W for 4 minutes.

The potatoes should be soft when pierced with a fork. If they are still firm, heat for another 30–60 seconds.

Step 2: Add Butter While Hot

While the potatoes are still hot, add the butter directly into the bowl. Mix gently. The heat will melt the butter. Stir until every piece is coated and glossy.

Mixing while hot is important. It helps the butter spread evenly.

Step 3: Season and Finish

Add green laver and a pinch of salt. Mix well. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately while warm.

Secrets to Success and Expert Tips

These simple but important tips will help you make soft, buttery, and perfectly balanced Jaga Butter every time:

• ♥
  Heat the potatoes evenly
  Cut the potatoes into similar bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same speed. Uneven pieces may stay firm in the center.
• ♥
  Add butter while the potatoes are hot
  The heat from the potatoes melts the butter smoothly. If they cool down too much, the butter will not coat evenly.
• ♥
  Mix gently, do not mash
  Stir carefully to keep the pieces whole. Jaga Butter should have soft chunks, not mashed potatoes.
• ♥
  Season little by little
  Start with a small pinch of salt. You can always add more, but too much salt can overpower the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• ♥
  Serve immediately for best texture
  Jaga Butter tastes best when warm and freshly mixed. The butter stays glossy and the potatoes remain fluffy.

Assembly and Presentation

Once mixed, transfer the potatoes to a small serving dish. Arrange the pieces neatly. Sprinkle a little extra green laver on top for color.

You can serve Jaga Butter in:

• A small ceramic bowl
• A wooden dish for a rustic look
• A bento box as a side dish

For a simple but elegant touch, place one small cube of butter on top and let it slowly melt before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Jaga Butter is best eaten fresh and warm. However, it can be stored if needed.

Storage

• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

• Microwave for 30–60 seconds until warm.
• Add a tiny bit of butter before reheating to refresh the flavor.

Avoid reheating too long. Overheating can dry the potatoes.

Make-Ahead Tip

You can cut the potatoes in advance and store them in water in the fridge for up to one day. Drain and dry before cooking.

Recipe Variations

Jaga Butter is simple, but you can easily change the flavor, texture, or presentation. Here are some creative ways to customize your Japanese Buttered Potatoes じゃがバター:

1

Add Extra Flavor

Mix in simple ingredients for a richer taste:

• Minced garlic for garlic butter potatoes
• A few drops of soy sauce for umami depth
• Black pepper for a mild spicy kick

2

Make It Creamier

If you want a richer texture, try these ideas:

• Add a spoon of cream cheese
• Sprinkle grated cheese while hot
• Mix in a little mayonnaise for a Japanese twist

3

Try Healthier Options

You can adjust the recipe for lighter meals:

• Use plant-based butter
• Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes
• Add steamed broccoli or corn for extra nutrients

4

Change the Presentation

Serve your Jaga Butter in different styles:

• Top with extra butter cube for a glossy finish
• Sprinkle fresh herbs for color contrast
• Serve in small bowls as a side dish for bento

Health Benefits

Jaga Butter may be simple, but it has benefits.

• Potatoes provide energy from natural carbohydrates.
• They contain vitamin C and potassium.
• The recipe uses very little butter.
• It is quick to prepare, so nutrients stay fresh.

Because the cooking time is short, the potatoes keep more of their natural goodness.

More Japanese Potato Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed making Jaga Butter, here are two more delicious potato recipes you will love.

Sweet Potato and Honey Trout Salad さつまいものハニマスサラダ

This sweet and savory salad combines tender sweet potatoes with rich honey mustard trout. It has a beautiful balance of flavors. The sweetness of the potato blends perfectly with the light tangy dressing. It is colorful, nutritious, and great for lunch or a light dinner.

Japanese Potato Salad ポテトサラダ

Japanese Potato Salad is creamy, soft, and slightly sweet. It is made with mashed potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and a smooth dressing. This classic side dish is popular in Japanese homes and bento boxes. It is simple but full of comfort and flavor.

Both recipes are easy to make and perfect if you want to explore more Japanese potato dishes.

Conclusion

Jaga Butter, also known as Japanese Buttered Potatoes or じゃがバター, shows that simple food can be deeply satisfying. With only a few ingredients and just minutes of cooking, you can create a warm and comforting dish.

This recipe is quick, easy, and adaptable. You can enjoy it as a snack, a side dish, or part of a larger meal. Once you master the basic method, you can experiment with flavors and toppings.

Try it today and experience how something so simple can taste so special.

FAQs

1. Can I boil the potatoes instead of microwaving?

Yes. Boil them until fork-tender. Drain well before adding butter.

2. Can I use sweet potatoes?

Yes. Sweet potatoes create a sweeter and richer version of Japanese Buttered Potatoes.

3. Is Jaga Butter healthy?

It can be part of a balanced diet. It uses simple ingredients and a small amount of butter.

4. Can I prepare it ahead of time?

It is best fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to two days.

5. What type of potatoes work best?

All-purpose or waxy potatoes are ideal because they keep their shape.

6. Can I freeze Jaga Butter?

Freezing is not recommended. The texture may change and become grainy.

Jaga Butter is proof that comfort food does not need to be complicated. With just potatoes, butter, and simple seasoning, you can create a warm and satisfying dish in minutes.

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