These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are a tasty and colorful addition to any meal. With a zesty lime and fresh cilantro flavor, they’re sure to brighten your plate!
They’re super easy to make and the smokiness from grilling just takes them to the next level! I love enjoying these with tacos or as a side at a summer barbecue. Yum! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show! Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skins. If you’re short on sweet potatoes, you can try using regular potatoes, just keep in mind the flavor will change.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my top choice for its flavor. You can swap it with other oils like avocado or grapeseed oil, especially if you’re looking for a higher smoke point.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If limes aren’t available, lemon juice is a great alternative. For a milder flavor, you could use vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley can work too, although it has a different taste. Dried cilantro won’t have the same freshness, so I recommend using fresh if possible.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings in a zesty punch. You can use garlic powder in a pinch—just about 1/4 teaspoon should do.
How Do I Get the Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling sweet potatoes takes a little technique to avoid burning while ensuring they’re cooked through. Here’s how I do it:
- Always slice sweet potatoes into wedges about 1 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
- When marinating, let them sit at least 30 minutes—up to 2 hours is better for flavor infusion.
- Preheat the grill well! This aids in caramelization. Medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C) is key.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill; leave space between wedges, allowing them to get that nice char.
- Watch closely while grilling! Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and have beautiful grill marks.
Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes for prep, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate, and around 15 minutes for grilling. If you have time, marinating for up to 2 hours will give the sweet potatoes even more flavor. So, set aside about 55 minutes to enjoy this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by rinsing the sweet potatoes under cold water to clean them. After drying them with a paper towel, slice each sweet potato into wedges that are around 1 inch thick. This size helps them cook nicely on the grill!
2. Making the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine your olive oil, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and well mixed. This marinade is going to add a kick of flavor!
3. Marinating the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potato wedges in a large mixing bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade all over the sweet potatoes, making sure every wedge gets coated nicely. If you have time, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. The longer they sit (up to 2 hours), the more delicious they’ll be!
4. Preheating the Grill:
While the sweet potatoes are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a grill pan on your stovetop, get it nice and hot over medium-high heat.
5. Grilling the Sweet Potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes have marinated, take them out and let any extra marinade drip off. Place the wedges onto the grill grates or in the grill pan. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are caramelized and they feel tender when poked with a fork.
6. Serving:
Carefully remove the grilled sweet potatoes from the grill and, if you’d like, sprinkle some more chopped cilantro on top for added freshness. Serve them warm with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over. Enjoy your tasty grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can! While sweet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their natural sweetness and texture, you can also use regular potatoes or even Yukon golds. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them while grilling.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lime Juice?
No problem! You can substitute fresh lime juice with bottled lime juice, but fresh will give the best flavor. If you find yourself fresh out of lime, you can also use lemon juice as a substitute—just keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop for the best results to maintain that delicious grilled flavor. If needed, add a drizzle of olive oil before reheating to keep them moist!
Can I Grill These Sweet Potatoes in the Oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the marinated sweet potato wedges in the oven. Preheat it to 425°F (220°C) and place the wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
