Grilled sweet potatoes are a tasty treat that brings a smoky flavor to their natural sweetness. They’re simple to make and are a great side dish for any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Choose firm sweet potatoes without any soft spots. If you’re looking for something different, you can use regular potatoes, but they won’t have the same sweetness.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps prevent sticking on the grill. If you’re out, feel free to use avocado oil or even melted butter for a richer taste.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning! You can adjust these to taste. For a twist, consider using smoked salt or fresh ground pepper for extra flavor.
Paprika & Garlic Powder: These are optional but highly recommended for an extra kick! You could replace paprika with chili powder or omit it altogether. Fresh garlic can also substitute for garlic powder for a more pronounced flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro brightens the dish. If you don’t have these, any fresh green herb works, like basil or dill!
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Grilling sweet potatoes can sometimes be tricky. Here’s how to ensure they turn out just right:
- **Slice Evenly:** Make sure your sweet potato slices are about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
- **Preheat the Grill:** Always heat your grill to medium before laying down the slices. This prevents sticking and promotes those lovely grill marks.
- **Cover the Grill:** When grilling, covering it helps retain heat and cooks the slices through more evenly.
- **Check for Tenderness:** Grill each side for 3-4 minutes. They should be tender and have nice grill marks, so keep an eye on them!
Grilled sweet potatoes are a tasty side that pairs well with many dishes. Enjoy making this yummy treat!
How to Make Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time, plus around 8-10 minutes to grill. Overall, you can enjoy delicious grilled sweet potatoes in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help achieve the perfect cooking temperature for the sweet potatoes.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash the sweet potatoes under running water, then peel them using a vegetable peeler. After peeling, slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep them uniform in thickness for even cooking!
3. Season the Slices:
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder (if using). Make sure all the slices are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture for the best flavor!
4. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potato slices directly on the grill grates. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for nice grill marks and ensure they’re tender when you poke them with a fork. If you prefer, you can cover the grill while cooking to help them cook through.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and let them cool slightly. Then, transfer them to a serving platter. If you’d like, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for an extra touch!
6. Enjoy!
Serve the grilled sweet potatoes warm and enjoy this delicious side dish with your favorite meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute other types of potatoes, like russets or Yukon golds. Just keep in mind that they might cook a bit differently, so adjust the grilling time as needed until they are fork-tender.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you want to add some heat, try incorporating cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix. You could also brush the sweet potatoes with a spicy marinade before grilling for an extra kick.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them back on the grill for a few minutes or heat them in a microwave until warmed through, which helps maintain their texture.
Can I Prep the Sweet Potatoes in Advance?
Absolutely! You can slice and season the sweet potatoes a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill them. This will enhance the flavors as they marinate in the oil and spices!
