These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are a tasty treat! They are slightly sweet, a bit tangy, and packed with flavor from fresh cilantro and zesty lime. Yum!
Honestly, who knew sweet potatoes could be this fun? I love serving them at BBQs; they always steal the spotlight. Grab a fork, and don’t forget to share with friends (or not)! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm sweet potatoes that are free from blemishes. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap in regular potatoes or butternut squash, though the flavor will change.
Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but you can substitute with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, great for grilling!
Limes: Fresh lime juice and zest add brightness. If you can’t find limes, lemon juice works just as well. The flavor is slightly different but still delicious.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a fresh, herby flavor. If cilantro isn’t your thing, try parsley, or for a slightly different flavor profile, fresh mint can be fun!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is wonderful, but you could substitute garlic powder in a pinch. Just use about 1/4 teaspoon for this recipe, adjusting to your taste.
How Can I Grill Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Grilling sweet potatoes can be tricky! To get them tender without burning, follow these tips:
- Cut your sweet potatoes into even wedges, about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t skip the marinating time! Let the wedges soak in the marinade for at least 20 minutes. This really enhances flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and make sure it’s well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the wedges for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Use tongs to flip them gently to keep those nice grill marks.
- Keep an eye on them, as cook time can vary, especially if they’re bigger or smaller than expected. They’re done when tender but not mushy!
How to Make Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges (optional)
- Additional cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20 minutes for marinating. Finally, grilling will take about 10-15 minutes. So, in total, plan for about 45 minutes to have your delicious grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill and Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, wash and scrub your sweet potatoes to make sure they’re clean. Next, cut them into wedges that are about 1/2-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly on the grill.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice of the limes, lime zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is what gives your sweet potatoes that delicious flavor. It should smell amazing!
3. Marinate the Sweet Potatoes:
Once the marinade is ready, add the sweet potato wedges to the bowl. Toss them around until they’re well coated with the marinade. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes. This soaking time helps the sweet potatoes absorb all the flavors.
4. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the marinated sweet potato wedges directly on the grill grates. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re tender and have those lovely grill marks. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and transfer them to a serving dish. If you like, you can garnish them with additional chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing. Enjoy your tasty 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 like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just adjust the grilling time since regular potatoes may take a bit longer to become tender.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or melted coconut oil as alternatives. Both will add a nice flavor while giving you that necessary moisture for grilling.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or pop them in the microwave until warmed through.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that any optional garnishes like sauces or extra ingredients you choose to add are also vegan. Enjoy the vibrant flavors guilt-free!
