How To Grill The Best Sweet Potatoes

Grilling sweet potatoes is a fantastic way to bring out their natural sweetness and create a delicious side dish or snack. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking to add some variety to your grilling repertoire, mastering the art of grilling sweet potatoes can take your culinary skills to the next level. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to achieve perfectly grilled sweet potatoes that will impress your guests and elevate your outdoor cooking game.

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

When it comes to grilling sweet potatoes, selecting the right ones is crucial. Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. The best sweet potatoes for grilling are typically medium to large in size, as they will hold up well on the grill without becoming too soft.

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

Before you start grilling, it's important to prepare the sweet potatoes properly. Follow these steps to get them ready for the grill:

Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, or simply scrub them clean if you prefer to leave the skin on.
Slice the sweet potatoes into evenly-sized rounds or wedges. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 to 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning and Marinating

To enhance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes and add a delicious charred crust, consider seasoning and marinating them before grilling. Here are some popular seasoning options:

Olive oil, salt, and pepper: A simple yet classic combination that allows the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to shine through.
Cinnamon and brown sugar: Perfect for those who prefer a sweeter, more dessert-like flavor profile.
Garlic, paprika, and cumin: Ideal for adding a savory, slightly smoky flavor to the sweet potatoes.

After seasoning, allow the sweet potatoes to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse before grilling.

Grilling Process

Now, it's time to fire up the grill and cook the sweet potatoes to perfection. Follow these steps for a successful grilling process:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking.
Place the sweet potato slices or wedges directly on the grill grates.
Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the sweet potatoes develop charred grill marks and are tender when pierced with a fork.
Remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your culinary creativity:

As a side dish: Serve the grilled sweet potatoes alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian barbecue spread.
In salads: Add grilled sweet potatoes to salads for a delicious and nutritious boost of flavor and texture.
With dipping sauce: Create a simple dipping sauce using yogurt, lime juice, and fresh herbs to accompany the grilled sweet potatoes.

Conclusion

Grilling sweet potatoes is a simple yet rewarding cooking technique that can elevate your outdoor dining experience. By choosing the right sweet potatoes, preparing them with care, and grilling them to perfection, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish, snack, or part of a larger meal, grilled sweet potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your grilling repertoire. So fire up the grill, grab some sweet potatoes, and get ready to savor the delicious results of your grilling expertise!

Want to share your tips and tricks for grilling the perfect sweet potatoes? Join the discussion in the Cooking Techniques forum and let us know how you achieve sweet potato grilling success!

FAQ:

What type of sweet potatoes are best for grilling?

When grilling sweet potatoes, it’s best to use the orange-fleshed variety, also known as “yams.” These sweet potatoes have a higher sugar content and tend to caramelize beautifully on the grill.

How should sweet potatoes be prepared before grilling?

Before grilling, it’s important to scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Then, slice the sweet potatoes into even-sized rounds or wedges to ensure they cook evenly on the grill.

What is the best way to season sweet potatoes for grilling?

To enhance the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes when grilling, consider using a combination of olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, paprika, or cinnamon.

How long does it take to grill sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes typically take around 8-10 minutes per side to grill, depending on the thickness of the slices or wedges. It’s essential to keep an eye on them and flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even grilling.

Can sweet potatoes be parboiled before grilling?

Parboiling sweet potatoes before grilling can help speed up the cooking process and ensure that the potatoes are fully tender on the inside while achieving a nice char on the outside. Simply boil the sweet potato slices for about 5 minutes before transferring them to the grill.

What are some creative toppings for grilled sweet potatoes?

Grilled sweet potatoes can be topped with a variety of delicious additions, such as crumbled feta cheese, a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds, or a dollop of Greek yogurt with a dash of cinnamon. These toppings add extra flavor and texture to the grilled sweet potatoes.

Was this page helpful?

Yes No