These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are a tasty treat! They’re soft on the inside and have a zesty kick from lime and fresh cilantro. Perfect for summer cookouts!
I love how easy they are to make on the grill. Just slice, season, and grill! They pair wonderfully with any meal, or you can enjoy them as a snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish! Look for firm, unbruised sweet potatoes. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap them for regular potatoes, but the sweetness will be different. Purple or Japanese sweet potatoes can also add unique flavors!
Olive Oil: A must for glossy, flavorful sweet potatoes. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil is a great alternative with a similar profile. You can also use melted coconut oil, which adds a subtle sweetness.
Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh lime gives a vibrant touch. If you don’t have limes, try using lemon for a different citrus flair. Just be mindful that the flavor will be a bit tangier.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or even green onions can work well too. Dill could add a different, but interesting taste!
Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth. For those sensitive to garlic, consider using garlic powder instead. Start with a smaller amount since it’s more concentrated.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Sweet Potatoes So They Don’t Stick?
When grilling sweet potatoes, sticking can be a common issue. To ensure easy flipping and beautiful grill marks, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the grill properly before placing the sweet potatoes on it. A hot grill reduces sticking.
- Make sure to coat the sweet potatoes evenly with olive oil. This helps create a non-stick barrier.
- Only flip them once during grilling. This allows a nice sear to form, making them easier to manage.
- Use a good grill brush to clean the grates before cooking, ensuring minimal sticking.
How to Make Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to grill. In total, you will need around 20-25 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time. It’s a quick and zesty dish that’s perfect for grilling season!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will give you the perfect cooking temperature for those sweet potatoes.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then slice them into wedges or rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. Making sure the pieces are even will help them cook uniformly.
3. Mix the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add a refreshing flavor to your sweet potatoes.
4. Marinate the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato wedges to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them well until they’re fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes so they can soak up all the delicious flavors.
5. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Arrange the marinated sweet potatoes on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re tender and have nice grill marks. Using tongs will help you turn them easily without spoiling the shape.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro for a pop of color, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy your delicious grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes warm!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes! Keep in mind that cooking times may vary—regular potatoes may take a little longer to become tender on the grill, so monitor them closely. You might also want to choose waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use avocado oil or melted coconut oil as a great alternative. Both will provide a nice flavor and help the sweet potatoes grill perfectly!
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or briefly grill them again to restore some crispness!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan! Just double-check that your olive oil is extra virgin, and feel free to get creative with the herbs and spices to make it even more flavorful!
