These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are vibrant and tasty! With a zesty kick from lime and fresh cilantro, they’re perfect for BBQs or as a side dish.
Honestly, who can resist that smoky flavor? I love tossing them on the grill and enjoying that sweet and tangy combo. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use orange or yellow squash as a quicker-cooking substitute.
Olive Oil: Regular olive oil adds flavor and helps with grilling. If you’re after a lighter option, avocado oil is a great alternative with a high smoke point.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives a zesty kick! If you’re in a pinch, bottled lime juice can work but fresh is better for flavor. Lemon juice is also a suitable substitute.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a mild substitute, although the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Garlic Powder and Cumin: These add depth to the marinade. If you don’t have them, feel free to use fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced) and a teaspoon of taco seasoning for a different flavor profile.
How Can I Grill Sweet Potatoes to Perfection?
Grilling sweet potatoes is easy but requires proper technique to get them tender and flavorful. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve great results:
- First, preheat your grill on medium-high heat. This helps cook them evenly.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into wedges of similar thickness. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Make sure to coat the sweet potato wedges well in the marinade. This not only flavors them but also helps keep them moist on the grill.
- Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial for flavor absorption!
- On the grill, space the wedges out, allowing air to circulate. Turn them occasionally to get nice grill marks and even cooking.
Remember, sweet potatoes can take a little longer to cook than other veggies, so be patient and keep an eye on them!
How to Make Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and another 15-20 minutes for grilling. So in total, you should set aside around 30-35 minutes to enjoy these delicious grilled sweet potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that it’s hot enough to give your sweet potatoes a lovely char!
2. Cut the Sweet Potatoes:
Next, slice your washed and scrubbed sweet potatoes into wedges. Try to make all the wedges about the same size, so they cook evenly on the grill.
3. Mix the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This will create a delicious marinade that will infuse flavor into the sweet potatoes.
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato wedges to the bowl and gently toss them in the marinade until they’re well coated. Make sure each wedge gets a nice covering of that tasty mixture!
5. Marinate:
Let the sweet potatoes sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. This time allows them to soak up all those great flavors before grilling.
6. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the marinated sweet potato wedges on the grill. Grill them for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sweet potatoes are tender and grilled to your liking, remove them from the grill. Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro and lemon wedges if you like. Enjoy these tasty and healthy bites!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes or other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so start checking for tenderness a few minutes earlier.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Cilantro?
If fresh cilantro isn’t available, you can use dried cilantro (about 1 tablespoon) or substitute it with parsley for a different flavor profile. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still add a nice herbaceous touch!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Can I Prepare the Sweet Potato Wedges Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can slice the sweet potatoes and marinate them up to 2 hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge, and when you’re ready to grill, they’ll soak up even more flavor!
