These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are bursting with flavor! The sweet and zesty mix makes them a tasty side dish that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for summer cookouts!
I love how easy they are to make—just slice, toss with cilantro and lime juice, and grill. They add a fun pop of color and flavor to any plate. Yum! 🌽🍠
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! You can use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for a classic taste, or try purple ones for a unique color and flavor. If you need a lower-carb option, zucchini or yellow squash can work well, just cut them thicker to prevent falling through the grill.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds that lovely bright flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a mild substitute. Some people also enjoy using mint for a different twist!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is best for this recipe, giving it a fresh zing. If you’re out of limes, lemon juice works fine too, or even vinegar for a sharper taste, but adjust the amount to keep the flavor balanced.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil here, but avocado oil or melted coconut oil can also serve as great alternatives for grilling.
How Do I Get My Sweet Potatoes to Grill Perfectly?
The key to great grilled sweet potatoes is all in the preparation! You want them to be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Here are some steps to follow:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges that are about 1/2 inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly without falling apart.
- Marinating is essential! Allow the wedges to soak for at least 20 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors from the lime and spices.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill will give you those nice grill marks and help caramelize the sugars in the sweet potatoes.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. Give each wedge a little space to cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on them! The cooking time can vary based on your grill, but around 4-5 minutes per side works well. Flip them when they’re showing good grill marks.
How to Make Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- Extra cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook on the grill. After marinating, your sweet potatoes will be ready in about 30 minutes. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure your sweet potatoes get nice grill marks and cook evenly.
2. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Slice them into wedges that are about 1/2 inch thick to help them cook perfectly on the grill.
3. Making the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix to create a flavorful marinade.
4. Marinating the Wedges:
Add the sweet potato wedges into the marinade. Toss them gently to make sure each piece is coated well. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes to soak up all the yummy flavors.
5. Grilling the Sweet Potatoes:
Once they are marinated, place the sweet potato wedges on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be tender and have those beautiful grill marks.
6. Serving:
When they’re done, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and place them on a serving dish. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh touch. If you’d like, you can also serve them with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes! They’re perfect as a side dish or even a snack!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
While sweet potatoes are best for this recipe due to their unique flavor and texture, you can use regular potatoes if you prefer. Just note that they might require more or less cooking time, so keep an eye on them while grilling!
Can I Marinate Sweet Potatoes Overnight?
Yes, marinating sweet potatoes overnight can enhance their flavor! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’re short on time, marinating them for at least 20 minutes will still yield tasty results.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave them in short intervals or warm them on a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Can I Add Other Seasonings to the Marinade?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the marinade by adding spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper for heat, or even a splash of honey for sweetness. Just keep the lime juice and oil ratio roughly the same for the best results!
