Umami Guru › Recipes

Oni-manju (鬼饅頭)

Japan

Oni-manju, a traditional Japanese sweet potato steamed bun, illustrated in a Studio Ghibli-inspired anime style.

Traditional Japanese steamed buns with cubes of sweet potato, resembling the horns and clubs of the fantastic creatures "oni". Served hot, slightly cooled on a rack.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Umami Guru: Hand-drawn Ghibli-style illustration of Oni-manju preparation, step 1, with warm, magical ambiance.

    Slice the sweet potato into 1 cm thick rounds, peel, and cut into 1 cm cubes. Soak the cubes in water for 10 minutes to lose their color.

  2. Ghibli-style illustration of a step in the Oni-manju recipe, featuring warm, hand-drawn aesthetics.

    Drain the water using a colander. Transfer the sweet potato to a bowl, sprinkle with sugar, mix, and let stand for 20 minutes to release syrup.

  3. Ghibli-style illustration of a step in making Oni-manju, showcasing traditional Japanese cooking with a warm, magical aesthetic.

    Add a pinch of salt and flour to the sweet potato with syrup, mix until a dough forms. Pour in 2 tbsp water so the dough becomes sticky but not liquid.

  4. Anime-style illustration of a step in making Oni-manju, featuring warm, inviting colors and Ghibli aesthetics.

    Cut a sheet of paper into 4 squares of 6–7 cm side. Divide the dough with sweet potato into 4 portions, placing each portion on a separate paper square.

  5. Ghibli-style illustration of a cooking step for Oni-manju, showcasing traditional Japanese culinary art.

    Place the squares into a steamer and steam over medium heat for 20 minutes.

  6. Ghibli-style illustration of a step in preparing Japanese Oni-manju, capturing the magical essence of cooking.

    Remove from the steamer and cool the buns on a metal rack.

FAQ

How do you pronounce 'oni-manju'?

It's pronounced 'oh-nee mahn-jyoo' (鬼饅頭). 'Oni' means demon, and 'manju' refers to the steamed bun.

Can I substitute sweet potato in oni-manju?

Yes! Try kabocha squash or red bean paste for a different flavor. Use Umami Guru's ingredient swap tool for more options.

How long do oni-manju stay fresh?

Best eaten the same day. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; re-steam briefly before serving.

Why are they called 'oni-manju'?

The sweet potato cubes resemble the horns/clubs of 'oni' (Japanese demons). Popular in festivals and anime-themed cafes.

Can I make oni-manju without a steamer?

Use a colander over boiling water with a lid. Our AI cooking assistant can guide you through alternative methods.