Savory Japanese Sweet Potato and Bacon Hash

In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.

Add the diced Japanese sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and brown, about 8-10 minutes.

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Add the soy sauce and black pepper, tossing everything together to combine well.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sweet potatoes to become tender-crisp.

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions. Optionally, top with a fried or poached egg.