These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are a tasty treat! With a zesty lime flavor and fresh cilantro, they are super easy to make on any grill. Yum!
Honestly, these sweet potatoes are a hit at every barbecue! I love adding them to my plate and smothering them with extra lime juice. Who says veggies can’t be fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm sweet potatoes without blemishes. If they’re unavailable, you can use other root vegetables like butternut squash or even regular potatoes.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for its rich flavor, but other oils like avocado or sunflower can work too. I often use avocado oil when grilling because it has a higher smoke point.
Lime Juice & Zest: Fresh lime juice brings brightness to the dish. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice can be a substitute, though it might not be as vibrant. Lemon juice can also work well if you prefer it.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a nice herby flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute parsley, though it will change the taste a bit. Some people even use fresh mint for a twist!
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is convenient for a quick flavor boost. If you prefer fresh, use minced garlic instead, but keep the quantities balanced to not overpower the dish.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Grilling sweet potatoes requires a bit of attention to ensure they turn out perfectly tender with nice char marks. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch thick wedges or slices for even cooking.
- Marinate for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor. This step is key for deliciousness!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill is essential for getting those lovely grill marks.
- Cook the sweet potatoes for 5-7 minutes on each side. Use tongs to flip them carefully.
- Check for tenderness by poking with a fork. They should be soft but not falling apart.
Remember, grilling times may vary based on your grill and thickness, so 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
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of marinating. You’ll spend about 15 minutes grilling the sweet potatoes. So, total, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
First things first! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the sweet potatoes will grill evenly and get those nice char marks.
2. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
Give the sweet potatoes a good wash and scrub to remove any dirt. Then, slice them into wedges or rounds about 1/2 inch thick. This thickness helps them cook evenly without falling apart.
3. Making the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is full of flavor and will soak into the sweet potatoes beautifully!
4. Marinating the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato wedges to the bowl of marinade. Toss everything together gently, making sure each piece is well coated with the flavorful mixture. Let them sit and marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
5. Grilling the Sweet Potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes have marinated, carefully place them on the grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have lovely grill marks. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
6. Serving:
When the sweet potatoes are ready, take them off the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. You can sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can substitute sweet potatoes with other root vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different vegetables may grill at different rates. For example, zucchini may require less time on the grill than sweet potatoes.
How Long Can I Marinate the Sweet Potatoes?
If you want to prep ahead, you can marinate the sweet potatoes for longer—up to 2 hours in the fridge. Just be cautious not to exceed this time, as the acid in the lime juice can start to change the texture of the sweet potatoes if marinated too long.
What Are Good Storage Tips for Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will help them regain some of their crispiness!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it doesn’t contain any animal products. Enjoy these flavorful sweet potatoes as a healthy, plant-based side dish or snack!
