Why You’ll Love this Grilled Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Whether you’re a fan of grilling or just looking for a delicious side dish, you’ll absolutely love this Grilled Sweet Potatoes recipe. I can’t get enough of the smoky flavor combined with the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
It’s the perfect balance that makes each bite satisfying. Plus, the recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, which is a huge plus for busy weeknights or weekend barbecues.
I love how the sweet potatoes get that lovely char on the grill while soaking up the savory soy sauce and honey glaze. It’s a dish that impresses guests and keeps me coming back for more.
Trust me, once you try these grilled sweet potatoes, they’ll become a regular on your menu!
Ingredients of Grilled Sweet Potatoes
When you’re ready to plunge into making these delightful grilled sweet potatoes, it’s all about gathering the right ingredients. Luckily, you won’t need a treasure map to find them. Most of these items are staples you might already have in your kitchen or can easily pick up on your next grocery run.
Trust me, once you get your hands on these ingredients, you’ll be one step closer to impressing your family and friends with a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Vegetable oil cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a second. Sweet potatoes are the star of the show, and boy, do they shine bright with their vibrant orange color and natural sweetness. If you can find those purple-skinned ones, they add a fun twist, too.
Reduced sodium soy sauce is a great choice here since it keeps the dish from becoming overly salty, letting the sweet potatoes shine through. And, oh, that honey? It brings out the sweet flavor in the potatoes while balancing the savory elements beautifully.
Don’t worry if you don’t have dry sherry; a splash of white wine or even a little apple cider vinegar could work in a pinch—just don’t blame me if it’s not quite the same!
Finally, the garlic adds a punch of flavor that really ties everything together. So, gather these ingredients, and get ready to experience a taste sensation that’s both simple and utterly delicious.
How to Make Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Alright, let’s get cooking those grilled sweet potatoes! First up, grab your 2 lbs of sweet potatoes, and peel them like you mean it. Then, cut them into wedges—think chunky fries, but way better for you.
Now, here comes the fun part. You want to steam those wedges for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is essential because it makes them tender before they hit the grill, and we don’t want any rock-hard sweet potatoes ruining our culinary masterpiece. Just place your sweet potato wedges in a steamer basket over boiling water, and cover it up. While they steam, you can take a moment to daydream about how delicious they’re going to be.
Once your sweet potatoes are all steamed and ready to go, it’s time to give them a flavorful bath. In a shallow dish, combine 3 tablespoons of reduced sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of dry sherry, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1 minced garlic clove. Mix it all together, then gently toss in your sweet potato wedges, ensuring they’re well coated in this tasty marinade.
Now, be sure to reserve that soy sauce mixture—it’s going to be your basting sauce later on. Drain your sweet potatoes, then arrange them in a single layer in a grill basket that you’ve generously coated with vegetable oil cooking spray. It’s like giving them a spa day, making sure they don’t stick. Brush those wedges with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil; the aroma alone will make you feel like a kitchen genius.
Now, let’s fire up the grill. Set it to a medium heat and place your grill basket on it with the lid down. Let those sweet potato wedges cook for about 15 minutes, turning them and basting them with your reserved soy sauce mixture every so often. It’s like giving them a nice little massage with flavor.
Soon enough, you’ll have beautifully grilled sweet potatoes that are crispy on the outside and oh-so-soft on the inside. Just imagine serving them at your next barbecue—everyone will be raving about them, and you can sit back, smile, and nod like you’ve been grilling gourmet meals your entire life.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes Substitutions & Variations
After grilling up those delicious sweet potatoes, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up a bit.
I love experimenting with different flavor profiles! For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you’re looking for a sweeter twist, maple syrup works beautifully in place of honey.
You can also swap sesame oil for olive oil for a different taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint after grilling.
You could even mix in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to the grill basket for a colorful medley. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy!
What to Serve with Grilled Sweet Potatoes
What pairs perfectly with the smoky sweetness of grilled sweet potatoes? I love serving them alongside grilled meats like chicken or pork, as the flavors complement each other beautifully.
A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works wonders, cutting through the sweetness and adding a revitalizing crunch. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a quinoa or barley salad with nuts and dried fruits makes a fantastic pairing.
I also enjoy drizzling some tahini or yogurt sauce over the sweet potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
Finally, a side of grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can enhance the meal, balancing the sweetness and adding variety to your plate. Enjoy experimenting!
Additional Tips & Notes
To make the most of your grilled sweet potatoes, I recommend experimenting with different marinades and seasonings. You can try adding spices like paprika or cumin for a smoky flavor, or even a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick.
Don’t hesitate to toss in some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley after grilling for added freshness. If you prefer a bit of sweetness, a drizzle of maple syrup can elevate the dish.
Remember to keep an eye on the grill; sweet potatoes can char quickly. Finally, serving these beauties with a sprinkle of sesame seeds not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nice crunch.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with these delicious sweet potatoes!