These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are bursting with fresh flavors! The bright lime juice and zesty cilantro make them a perfect side dish for any meal.
When I make these, my whole kitchen smells amazing. Plus, they’re super easy to throw on the grill! You might even end up snacking on them before dinner. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish! Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with lime. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you could use regular potatoes or butternut squash, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives the dish a tangy kick. You can use bottled lime juice in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor. If you’re in a bind, lemon juice works as a great alternative too!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness. You can swap it with avocado oil for a different flavor or if you’re watching your saturated fat intake. Coconut oil also works, especially for a hint of sweetness.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds bright, herbal notes. If you’re not a fan, parsley or basil can be used instead, though they will offer a different flavor profile.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives depth to the marinade. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated.
How Can I Get My Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling sweet potatoes might seem tricky, but it’s all about the marinade and temperature. The marinade not only adds flavor but helps to soften the potatoes, making them easier to grill.
- After cutting the sweet potatoes into wedges, let them soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For extra flavor, marinate up to 2 hours in the fridge.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking. Too high and they might burn, too low and they can take forever.
- Grill the wedges for about 6-8 minutes per side. Check for nice grill marks and tenderness with a fork.
Don’t forget, garnishing with fresh cilantro before serving adds a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your deliciously grilled sweet potatoes!
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 lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes for marinating. Overall, you should set aside about 45 minutes to 2 hours if you want the sweet potatoes to soak up all that delicious flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will get it nice and ready for grilling those sweet potatoes.
2. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash the sweet potatoes under cold water, then peel them with a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut the sweet potatoes into wedges that are about 1-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly on the grill.
3. Making the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add a burst of flavor to the sweet potatoes.
4. Marinating the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato wedges to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting them marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours will give them even more flavor!
5. Grilling the Sweet Potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes have marinated, place them directly on the grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have beautiful grill marks. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
6. Serving:
After grilling, remove the sweet potato wedges from the grill. If you’d like, sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro on top for garnish. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy your delicious grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes add a unique flavor, you can use regular russet or red potatoes as a substitute. Just keep in mind that they will have a different taste and texture, so adjust the grilling time as needed since they may cook slightly faster or slower than sweet potatoes.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil, or you can microwave them until heated through. This will help maintain their moisture!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the sweet potatoes up to 2 hours in advance, or you can prep and cut the potatoes a day beforehand, storing them in water in the fridge to prevent browning. Just make sure to dry them off before marinating and grilling.
What Can I Substitute for Cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro or can’t find it, you can substitute it with parsley for a fresh flavor, or try using fresh mint or basil for a different twist. Just remember that it will alter the overall taste of the dish, so use according to your preference!
