Grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are a tasty treat! These bright orange potatoes are cut into wedges and tossed with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a touch of olive oil for a burst of flavor.
Trust me, the smoky grill taste combined with the tangy lime is a match made in potato heaven! I love serving them as a side dish at barbecues—they’re a hit every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, providing sweetness and a lovely texture. If you’re looking for a substitute, you could use butternut squash or regular potatoes, but the flavor will differ. I really enjoy the taste of sweet potatoes here!
Olive Oil: It adds richness and helps the sweet potatoes crisp up on the grill. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil works well too and has a higher smoke point.
Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh lime juice offers bright acidity that balances the sweet potatoes perfectly. If you can’t find limes, you could use lemon juice and zest instead. Though lime gives a unique flavor, lemon will still taste great!
Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh, vibrant taste. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be a mild substitute, or you could leave it out altogether for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Marinate Sweet Potatoes Properly?
Marinating sweet potatoes is key for enhancing their flavor. Make sure to leave them in the marinade long enough to soak up the tasty mixture. Here’s how to do it right:
- In a big bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the sweet potato wedges and toss gently so they’re all coated.
- Let them sit at room temperature, ideally for 15-30 minutes, which helps them absorb those delicious flavors.
This step is simple but crucial; it makes a big difference in flavor when they’re grilled! The longer they marinate, the more intense the taste will be.
Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook. So, in just around 30-35 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious grilled side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
First, fire up your grill and preheat it to medium heat. This will get it hot enough for your sweet potatoes to grill perfectly!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. After that, peel them and cut them into wedges or rounds that are about 1/2 inch thick. Making them even in size helps them cook evenly.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s well combined. This marinade gives a bright flavor to the sweet potatoes!
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato pieces to your bowl with the marinade. Toss them well until every piece is nicely coated in that zesty mixture. Let them sit for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the sweet potatoes to soak up all those delicious flavors!
5. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Once your grill is ready, carefully place the marinated sweet potatoes on it. Grill for about 8-10 minutes on each side. You want them to be tender and to develop nice grill marks.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After grilling, take them off the grill and serve immediately! You can garnish them with some extra chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon if you like. Enjoy your delicious grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes are delicious for this recipe, you can use other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly until they’re tender and correctly grilled.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) instead of grilling. Arrange the marinated sweet potato wedges on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and tender.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven or air fryer at a low temperature to retain their crispiness, or simply microwave them if you’re short on time.
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may settle. This way, you’ll save time on the day you plan to grill!
