These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are bursting with flavor! The sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked until tender and tossed in a zesty cilantro-lime dressing that’s so refreshing.
Honestly, grilling gives them a nice char that makes them hard to resist. I love serving them as a side dish or just enjoying them straight off the grill—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of the dish. You can also use regular potatoes if sweet ones aren’t available, but keep in mind they will alter the flavor a bit.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a wonderful flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley can be a decent substitute. It’s milder but still adds a nice touch.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is best for this recipe because it’s bright and zesty. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice works too but will change the taste slightly.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps with grilling and flavor. You can swap it with avocado oil if you need a higher smoke point.
Garlic Powder: It adds a savory flavor quickly. If you prefer fresh, you can use minced garlic, about one clove should do. Just adjust to your taste.
How Do I Get the Best Grill Marks and Tender Texture?
The key to perfect grilling is getting great grill marks while ensuring the sweet potatoes are tender. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Make sure the grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat. A hot grill will give you those nice grill marks.
- Cut the sweet potato wedges evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Don’t crowd the grill; give them space. This ensures even cooking and great char.
- Flip them carefully using tongs to prevent them from breaking apart. You want to keep the wedges intact for those great-looking grill marks.
- Check tenderness by piercing with a fork. They should be soft inside, yet not mushy.
Don’t rush this process. Enjoy the gentle aroma as they cook! And remember to let them marinate well to soak in all those tasty flavors before grilling.
Delicious Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely grilled dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes for marinating and grilling. Get ready to enjoy some fresh flavors in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
First, turn on your grill and set it to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, let’s get those sweet potatoes ready!
2. Cutting the Sweet Potatoes:
Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes to clean them. Now, cut them into wedges that are about 1 inch thick. Try to make them as even as possible so they cook evenly.
3. Making the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the juice of the limes, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This mix is going to give your sweet potatoes a zesty flavor! Once it’s combined, toss the sweet potato wedges in the bowl until they are all nicely coated in the marinade.
4. Marinating the Potatoes:
Let the sweet potatoes sit in the marinade for about 15-20 minutes. This is the time for them to soak up all that yummy flavor!
5. Grilling Time:
When your grill is ready, place the marinated sweet potato wedges on it. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re tender and have those beautiful grill marks. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
6. Add the Finishing Touch:
Once cooked, remove the wedges from the grill and sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top. This adds a nice touch of freshness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled sweet potatoes warm with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing of flavor. Enjoy your delicious, healthy side dish!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, such as Yukon gold or red potatoes, for sweet potatoes. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while grilling to avoid overcooking.
How Do I Make These Sweet Potatoes Spicy?
If you’d like to add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper in the marinade. You can also drizzle a bit of sriracha on top after grilling for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the grill for a few minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade ahead of time, even a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to grill, toss in the sweet potato wedges and let them marinate for 15-20 minutes as usual for the best flavor.
