These Grilled Cilantro-lime Sweet Potatoes are a colorful treat! Tossed with fresh cilantro and zesty lime, they bring a bright flavor to your plate.
Grilling gives them a nice char that makes them even better! I love serving these as a side at barbecues; they always disappear fast—who can resist their sweetness? 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Choose large, firm sweet potatoes for the best texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, butternut squash or regular potatoes can work as alternatives, though the taste will differ slightly.
Olive Oil: This oil helps to grill the sweet potatoes perfectly. For a different flavor, you can use avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point. I sometimes mix a bit of sesame oil for added depth.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives a zesty kick. If limes are unavailable, lemon juice is a great substitute. The flavor will change a bit, but still delicious! I love extra lime for a more vibrant taste.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing burst. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can provide a nice alternative, though they bring different flavors to the dish.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grill Marks on Sweet Potatoes?
Grilling sweet potatoes can be tricky, but with a few steps, you’ll achieve beautiful grill marks. Start by cutting your sweet potatoes into wedges, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. A hot grill is key for those marks!
- Oil your grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Place the wedges on the grill and avoid moving them for about 4-5 minutes. This keeps them from sticking and helps form those marks.
- Flip with tongs carefully, and grill for another 4-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender.
With these tips, you’ll have sweet potatoes that look and taste fantastic! Enjoy your grilling!
Grilled Cilantro-Lime Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to grill the sweet potatoes. In total, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes to make these deliciously grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to create those nice grill marks and ensures the sweet potatoes cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes to get rid of any dirt. Slice them into wedges that are about 1/2 inch thick. This thickness helps them cook properly and get deliciously tender on the inside.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. This marinade adds a burst of flavor to the sweet potatoes.
4. Marinate the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato wedges to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them around to ensure they are all coated evenly. Let them sit and marinate for about 15-20 minutes so they soak up all that yummy flavor.
5. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the marinated sweet potato wedges directly on the hot grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have lovely grill marks. You can check their doneness by poking them with a fork.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and place them on a serving plate. You can garnish them with extra fresh cilantro for a pop of color. If you like, serve with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing touch. Enjoy your delicious grilled cilantro-lime sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! While regular potatoes will work, they will have a different flavor and texture. Expect them to take a little longer on the grill, about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the wedges. Make sure to adjust the marinade to your taste since regular potatoes have a milder flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Cilantro?
No worries! If fresh cilantro isn’t available, you can substitute it with 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro or skip it altogether for a simpler flavor. Alternatively, you might try fresh parsley for a different but still fresh herbaceous note.
Can I Prepare These Sweet Potatoes in Advance?
Yes! You can slice and marinate the sweet potatoes a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge. Just make sure to reduce the marinating time to about 10 minutes when you’re ready to grill, as they will absorb more flavor from sitting in the marinade.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, but they may lose some of their crisp texture during reheating.
