These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are a tasty combo of sweet and zesty flavors. The grilling gives them a wonderful smoky touch, and the cilantro adds a fresh twist!
Cooking these is a breeze! I love tossing them on the grill for an easy side dish. They pair perfectly with just about anything, and who can resist that bright flavor? 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Their natural sweetness pairs well with the lime. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash or carrots can work too, but they will have a different flavor profile.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives that fresh, vibrant taste. While you can use parsley as a substitute, you’ll miss out on the unique flavor cilantro adds. If you’re not a fan, a sprinkle of green onions can offer a nice touch.
Olive Oil: This brings richness to the dish. If you want a lighter flavor, avocado oil is a great alternative. You could also use melted coconut oil for a different taste, but keep in mind that it will add a slight coconut flavor.
Lime Juice & Zest: Fresh lime juice brightens everything up! If limes aren’t available, you can substitute with lemon juice, but adjust to taste since lemons are slightly less tangy than limes.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grill Marks on My Sweet Potatoes?
Grilling sweet potatoes can be tricky. Here’s how to get those perfect grill marks while ensuring they’re cooked through:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high; this will give your potatoes great sear marks.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into even wedges, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
- When placing them on the grill, leave space between each wedge to avoid steaming.
- After 4-5 minutes, gently rotate the wedges 90 degrees before flipping them to create nice crosshatch patterns.
- Don’t check too often—resist the urge! Let them grill undisturbed for the first few minutes.
How to Make Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to grill. So, in total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes for a delicious side dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important to get those perfect grill marks on your sweet potatoes!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Then, slice them into wedges that are about 1/2 inch thick. This size will help them cook evenly on the grill.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This marinade is what gives the sweet potatoes their tasty flavor!
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato wedges to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them gently until all of the wedges are evenly coated with the cilantro-lime mixture. Make sure they are well covered for maximum flavor!
5. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potato wedges directly on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have beautiful grill marks. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
6. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and sprinkle them with the chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve warm and add lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor if you like. Enjoy your tasty grilled sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, you can use regular potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just note that cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them while grilling to ensure they cook through.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Cilantro?
No problem! If fresh cilantro isn’t available, you can use dried cilantro or parsley instead. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs since they’re more potent. You can also omit it entirely for a different but still delicious flavor!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil to help crisp them up again!
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Grill?
Yes, you can! Instead of grilling, roast the sweet potato wedges in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spread the wedges on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender and golden brown.
