These grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes are a burst of flavor! With the zesty taste of lime and the fresh kick of cilantro, they make a perfect side dish for any meal.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of these! I usually toss them on the grill while cooking burgers – the flavors make my taste buds dance! Yum! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, smooth potatoes with no blemishes. If you need a substitute, try butternut squash or regular potatoes—just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. You can swap it with avocado oil for a different flavor and slightly higher smoke point. You could even use melted coconut oil for a sweet twist.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice or even a splash of apple cider vinegar works as alternatives. You might want to start with less since they’re tangier!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a lovely herbal touch. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good replacement, or you could try some fresh mint for a refreshing change.
Ground Cumin: This adds a warm, earthy flavor. If you don’t have cumin, paprika or chili powder can give a nice kick, though the flavor will be different.
How Do I Get the Best Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Getting those perfect grill marks and tender sweet potatoes can be tricky! Here are a few tips to ensure success:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high before placing the potatoes on it. This helps get those great grill marks.
- Let the sweet potato wedges marinate for 15-20 minutes. This not only infuses flavor but also helps them soften up.
- When grilling, don’t rush! Cook them for 6-8 minutes on each side, turning gently to check for doneness. You want them soft but still holding their shape.
- If you find they are cooking too fast and burning, move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.
How to Make Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 20-25 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes marinating the sweet potatoes while your grill heats up, making everything easy and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill:
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This will help ensure those sweet potatoes get nice and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mixture is going to make your sweet potatoes shine!
3. Marinate the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato wedges to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them well so every wedge is nicely coated. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes—this will help the flavors soak in!
4. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Once your grill is hot, carefully place the marinated sweet potatoes on it. Grill them for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You’re looking for tender potatoes with beautiful grill marks—yum!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re cooked to perfection, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. If you like, sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro on top and offer lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick!
Enjoy your Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes, a perfect treat for any meal! 🍠
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes add a unique flavor and sweetness, you can also use regular potatoes or even zucchini for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as regular potatoes may take a bit longer to become tender on the grill.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Cilantro?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or omit it altogether. If you want to add some earthy flavor, consider using a pinch of dried cilantro or even a dash of your favorite herb blend.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or on the grill for a few minutes, ensuring to get that grilled flavor back.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This can save you time on cooking day. Just give it a good stir before you toss in your sweet potatoes!
