These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are vibrant and full of flavor! The zesty lime juice mixed with fresh cilantro makes each bite refreshing and tasty.
Grilling gives them a lovely char that I can’t resist. I like serving them as a side dish or even topping a salad with them—so good! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can substitute them with regular potatoes or butternut squash. However, keep in mind that the flavor will differ a bit.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright note, but if you’re not a fan, you might use parsley or even mint for a different flavor. I personally love cilantro, as it enhances the dish beautifully!
Olive Oil: This is great for grilling, but you can swap it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer. Each oil has its own flavor profile, so choose what you enjoy!
Lime Juice & Zest: Fresh lime juice is the best for this dish, but lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just remember, lemon will change the flavor slightly. I love the zesty kick lime provides!
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Grilling sweet potatoes might seem tricky, but with a few steps, you can nail it. The key is to cut them into even wedges and allow them to marinate for good flavor. Here’s how:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat—this ensures that the sweet potatoes cook evenly.
- Slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch wedges so they cook through but still have a nice bite.
- Marinate the wedges for about 15-20 minutes. This is crucial for enhancing their flavor!
- Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them for those lovely grill marks.
- If they start to brown too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill until tender.
How to Make Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 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 to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to marinate before grilling. Overall, you’ll spend about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Grill and Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your grill to medium heat, which is about 400°F (or 200°C). While that’s heating up, wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then slice them into wedges that are about 1/2-inch thick. This will help them cook evenly on the grill.
2. Create the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is mixed well. This will be your flavorful marinade that will bring the sweet potatoes to life!
3. Marinate the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato wedges to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them around gently so each piece gets coated evenly with the mixture. Let the sweet potatoes marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This will help them soak up those zesty flavors!
4. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Time to grill! Carefully place the marinated sweet potato wedges onto your preheated grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they become tender and have beautiful grill marks. Check them for tenderness with a fork to make sure they are just right!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they are done, remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and sprinkle them with the chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Serve them warm, and if you like a little extra tang, add some lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, such as russets or Yukon golds. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so check for tenderness as you grill them!
What Can I Substitute for Cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro or don’t have it on hand, parsley is a great substitute. It provides a fresh flavor without being too overpowering. Alternatively, you can try basil for a different twist!
Can I Make These Sweet Potatoes in the Oven Instead?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), arrange the marinated sweet potato wedges on a baking sheet, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still be delicious and crispy!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or an air fryer to keep them crispy, or microwave them if you’re in a hurry!
