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Beginner-Friendly East Meets West Recipe – Butter Soy Sauce Smashed Potatoes (with Japanese Tamari)

Crispy edges, fluffy centers, and a rich soy-butter glaze — this simple smashed potato recipe gets a Japanese twist using premium tamari soy sauce. Even beginners can create a restaurant-quality side dish with just a few steps. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or pairing with grilled meats and vegetables.

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Soy Sauce Used

Wooden-Barrel Brewed Tamari Soy Sause – Made with Local Soybeans, Naturally Fermented for a Bright Color and Smooth Texture
by Isegura (6.8 fl oz / 200 ml)

This Japanese tamari is made from whole soybeans and slowly aged in wooden barrels.
It has a deep, natural umami and a smooth, rounded saltiness that enhances roasted vegetables, potatoes, and meat dishes without overpowering them.

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Why This Recipe Works

・A Japanese twist on classic smashed potatoes

・Butter + tamari creates an irresistible savory glaze

・Crispy exterior with a tender, fluffy inside

・Simple ingredients, big flavor

・Beginner-friendly steps — no special tools required

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Ingredients (for 2 servings)

・6 small yellow potatoes

・2 tablespoons olive oil

・1 tablespoon butter, softened (about 15 g)

・1 tablespoon tamari soy sauce

・1/4 teaspoon sea salt

・1/4 teaspoon black pepper

・1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds

・1/4 clove garlic, grated (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep the potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and remove any sprouts.

2. Boil until tender

Place the whole, unpeeled potatoes in a pot and add enough water to cover them.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium–low heat and simmer until they are tender and a skewer slides through easily (about 30 minutes on the stovetop).

3. Dry the potatoes well

Drain, then dry completely.
Pat with paper towels if needed.
For even better flavor, chill the cooked potatoes overnight in the refrigerator.

4. Smash the potatoes

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the potatoes on the sheet and smash them to about 1 cm thick using the bottom of a mug.
(Wrapping the mug with plastic wrap reduces cleanup.)

5. Season

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.

6. Bake until crispy

Bake in a preheated 450°F (230°C) oven for 20–30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

7. Make the soy-butter glaze

Melt the butter in the microwave.
(In a typical U.S. household microwave (around 1000W), butter usually melts in about 10–15 seconds.)
Stir in tamari soy sauce and optional grated garlic.

8. Finish and serve

Drizzle the soy-butter glaze over the hot potatoes.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

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Pro Tips

・Removing as much moisture as possible helps the potatoes turn extra crispy.

・If making ahead, boil the potatoes the day before and chill — the flavor concentrates and the texture improves.

・This recipe also pairs well with chicken, salmon, or grilled vegetables.