These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are a tasty side dish you’ll love! Their zesty flavor comes from fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice, making each bite bright and cheerful.
Whenever I make these, I’m always tempted to eat them right off the grill! They’re so simple to prepare—just slice, season, and grill until they’re perfectly tender. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! I recommend using large, firm sweet potatoes. If you can’t find them, you could use butternut squash or regular potatoes, but the flavor will be different.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or melted coconut oil works well, too. Just avoid oils with strong flavors, as they can overpower the dish.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a great substitute for a milder taste, or you can skip it altogether if you want!
Lime Juice: For that zesty kick! You can use lemon juice if you don’t have limes. It will still taste fantastic, just a bit different.
Ground Cumin: This spice gives a warm, earthy flavor. If you don’t have it, chili powder or coriander can stand in, although the taste will shift slightly.
How Can I Grill Sweet Potatoes to Make Them Perfectly Tender?
Grilling sweet potatoes can be tricky if you’re not sure how long to cook them. The key is to get both tenderness and those beautiful grill marks.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even wedges to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Marinate them for at least 20-30 minutes to absorb those delicious flavors.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat; don’t rush this step as it helps achieve those nice marks.
- Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye out! You want them soft but not mushy.
And remember, you can always test for tenderness by piercing with a fork. Enjoy your grilling!
How to Make Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 large sweet potatoes
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 limes, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional):
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-30 minutes for marinating. You’ll spend another 10-15 minutes grilling the sweet potatoes. In total, you’ll need about 40-55 minutes to get this tasty dish ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
First, heat your grill to medium heat. While it’s heating, wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Once clean, cut them into wedges, aiming for about 1 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, and chopped cilantro. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well-mixed and smooth. This marinade will bring fantastic flavor to your sweet potatoes!
3. Marinate the Sweet Potatoes:
Transfer the sweet potato wedges to a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the sweet potatoes and toss them gently until they’re fully coated. It’s ideal to let them marinate for at least 20-30 minutes, so the flavors soak in well.
4. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the marinated sweet potato wedges on the grill. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are tender and have beautiful grill marks. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
5. Serve:
After grilling, take the sweet potatoes off the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. If you want, you can sprinkle some extra fresh cilantro on top for garnish. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy these delicious grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes are perfect for this recipe, you can use regular potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, and regular potatoes might not have the same sweetness as sweet potatoes.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you’re looking for an alternative to olive oil, you can use avocado oil or canola oil as a substitute. Both options will work well for grilling and won’t alter the flavor significantly.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also toss them back on the grill for a few minutes to get that char back!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance! Just keep it stored in the fridge in a sealed container. When you’re ready to use it, give it a good stir before marinating your sweet potatoes to combine the ingredients again.
