Grilled sweet potatoes are a tasty and healthy side dish! With their natural sweetness and a bit of char from the grill, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
They’re easy to make—just slice the sweet potatoes, toss them in olive oil, and grill until tender. I love serving them with a sprinkle of salt or even some herbs for a tasty touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any soft spots. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, but they’ll have a different taste and sweetness.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the potatoes cook nicely on the grill. If you’re out, other oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil work great as substitutes. Just avoid oils with strong flavors, so you keep the focus on the sweet potatoes.
Paprika: It adds a delightful smokiness, but it’s optional. If you don’t have paprika, a sprinkle of cayenne can give a little heat, or try a dash of chili powder for a different flavor. I love using smoked paprika for an extra depth in flavor!
Fresh Herbs: Garnish adds a fresh touch. While parsley and cilantro are great, you could also use basil or even mint for a surprise flavor. Herbs are a personal touch, so choose what you love!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Grilling sweet potatoes might seem tricky, but with the right technique, it’s easy! Here’s how to get it just right:
- **Slice Evenly:** Make sure your sweet potato slices are about 1/4-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and prevents burning.
- **Use Medium-High Heat:** Preheating your grill is key. That heat will give you nice grill marks and a sweet flavor from caramelization.
- **Space them Out:** When placing slices on the grill, leave space between them. This ensures they cook properly and don’t steam.
- **Flip with Care:** Watch the time and flip them gently to avoid breaking. Give them about 4-5 minutes on each side.
Following these steps will result in tasty and tender grilled sweet potatoes that everyone will love!
How to Make Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes for grilling. So, in total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to enjoy your delicious grilled sweet potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the sweet potatoes will cook evenly and develop those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash the sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. After that, peel them with a vegetable peeler. Now, slice each sweet potato into ¼-inch thick rounds. This size helps them cook through without burning.
3. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, add the sweet potato slices. Drizzle on the olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and paprika if you want that extra flavor. Toss everything together gently until the sweet potatoes are well-coated.
4. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Carefully place the seasoned sweet potato slices directly onto the grill grates in a single layer. Make sure to leave a bit of space between each slice to promote even cooking.
5. Cook to Perfection:
Grill the sweet potatoes for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Then, flip them over and grill for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. They should be tender and have nice grill marks when done.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. If you’d like, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your grilled sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Oil Other Than Olive Oil?
Absolutely! You can substitute olive oil with other oils like avocado oil or canola oil. Just be mindful of the flavor; avocado oil has a mild taste, while canola oil is more neutral. Use the same amount for best results!
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No problem! You can cook sweet potatoes in an oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the coated sweet potato slices on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender and golden brown.
Can I Make These Sweet Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Grill the sweet potatoes ahead of time and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the grill or in the oven until heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Grilled sweet potatoes are wonderfully versatile! They make a great side dish for grilled meats or can be added to salads for extra sweetness. Drizzle with a little more olive oil or balsamic glaze for added flavor before serving, if desired!
