Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, and grilling them brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. However, cooking sweet potatoes on the grill can be a bit tricky, and it’s essential to get the timing right to achieve the perfect doneness. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to cook sweet potatoes on the grill, including the ideal cooking time, temperature, and techniques.
Understanding Sweet Potato Varieties
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the different types of sweet potatoes available. There are several varieties, each with its unique characteristics, textures, and flavors. Some popular sweet potato varieties include:
- Jewel sweet potatoes: These are one of the most commonly available sweet potatoes and have a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Beauregard sweet potatoes: These sweet potatoes have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
- O’Henry sweet potatoes: These sweet potatoes have a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and a firm texture.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes for Grilling
When selecting sweet potatoes for grilling, look for those that are firm and have no signs of bruising or soft spots. You can choose any variety, but Jewel and Beauregard sweet potatoes are popular choices for grilling.
Preparing Sweet Potatoes for Grilling
Before grilling sweet potatoes, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Here are some steps to follow:
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes: Rinse the sweet potatoes under cold running water, then dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Poke some holes: Use a fork to poke some holes in each sweet potato. This will allow steam to escape while they’re grilling.
- Brush with oil and season: Brush the sweet potatoes with a little oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
Grilling Sweet Potatoes: Temperature and Timing
The ideal temperature for grilling sweet potatoes is between 375°F (190°C) and 400°F (200°C). You can grill sweet potatoes directly on the grates or use a piece of aluminum foil with holes poked in it.
The cooking time for sweet potatoes will depend on their size and thickness. Here are some general guidelines:
- Small sweet potatoes (1-2 inches in diameter): 30-40 minutes
- Medium sweet potatoes (2-3 inches in diameter): 40-50 minutes
- Large sweet potatoes (3-4 inches in diameter): 50-60 minutes
Grilling Sweet Potato Slices
If you prefer to grill sweet potato slices, you can slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Brush the slices with oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. Grill the slices for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re tender and lightly charred.
Techniques for Grilling Sweet Potatoes
There are several techniques you can use to grill sweet potatoes, including:
- Direct grilling: Place the sweet potatoes directly on the grates and grill for 30-40 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly charred.
- Indirect grilling: Place the sweet potatoes away from the direct heat and grill for 40-50 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly charred.
- Grilling in foil: Wrap the sweet potatoes in foil and grill for 30-40 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly charred.
Grilling Sweet Potatoes in Foil
Grilling sweet potatoes in foil is a great way to cook them evenly and prevent them from burning. Here’s how to do it:
- Wrap the sweet potatoes in foil: Place the sweet potatoes in the center of a piece of aluminum foil and wrap them tightly.
- Poke some holes: Poke some holes in the foil to allow steam to escape.
- Grill the sweet potatoes: Grill the sweet potatoes for 30-40 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly charred.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you get the most out of your grilled sweet potatoes:
- Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sweet potatoes. They’re done when they reach 190°F (88°C).
- Add some wood chips: Add some wood chips to the grill to give the sweet potatoes a smoky flavor.
- Try different seasonings: Try different seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder, to add some extra flavor to the sweet potatoes.
Grilled Sweet Potato Recipes
Here are some delicious grilled sweet potato recipes you can try:
- Grilled Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos: Slice the grilled sweet potatoes and serve them in tacos with black beans, salsa, and avocado.
- Grilled Sweet Potato and Chicken Salad: Slice the grilled sweet potatoes and serve them in a salad with grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a citrus vinaigrette.
| Sweet Potato Variety | Cooking Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Jewel sweet potatoes | 30-40 minutes | 375°F (190°C) |
| Beauregard sweet potatoes | 40-50 minutes | 400°F (200°C) |
| O’Henry sweet potatoes | 50-60 minutes | 375°F (190°C) |
In conclusion, grilling sweet potatoes is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and add some smoky flavor. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can achieve perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every time. Whether you’re grilling them directly on the grates or using foil, the key is to cook them at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. So next time you’re firing up the grill, be sure to add some sweet potatoes to the menu!
What are the benefits of grilling sweet potatoes?
Grilling sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the outside of the sweet potato, creating a crispy texture that complements the soft interior. Additionally, grilling sweet potatoes is a healthier option than frying, as it doesn’t require adding extra oil.
Grilling sweet potatoes also allows for a lot of creativity and flexibility. You can top them with a variety of ingredients, such as herbs, spices, cheese, and sour cream, to create a unique flavor profile. Furthermore, grilled sweet potatoes can be served as a side dish, added to salads, or used as a topping for other grilled meats or vegetables.
How do I choose the right sweet potatoes for grilling?
When choosing sweet potatoes for grilling, look for ones that are firm and have no signs of bruising or soft spots. You can choose either the orange or yellow variety, as both will yield delicious results. If you want a sweeter sweet potato, choose the orange variety. If you prefer a drier, starchier sweet potato, choose the yellow variety.
It’s also important to consider the size of the sweet potatoes. Smaller sweet potatoes will cook faster and more evenly, while larger ones may take longer to cook through. You can also choose to grill sweet potato wedges or slices if you prefer a quicker cooking time.
How do I prepare sweet potatoes for grilling?
To prepare sweet potatoes for grilling, start by washing them thoroughly and patting them dry with a paper towel. Next, poke some holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape while they cook. You can also brush them with oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
If you’re grilling sweet potato wedges or slices, you can also toss them in a bowl with oil and seasonings before grilling. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from sticking to the grill. Make sure to oil the grates before grilling to prevent sticking as well.
What is the best way to grill sweet potatoes?
The best way to grill sweet potatoes is to cook them over medium heat, either directly on the grates or in a foil packet. If cooking directly on the grates, place the sweet potatoes on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re tender and caramelized. If cooking in a foil packet, wrap the sweet potatoes in foil and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until they’re tender.
Make sure to rotate the sweet potatoes regularly to ensure even cooking. You can also check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the sweet potato. If it slides in easily, the sweet potato is cooked through.
How do I prevent sweet potatoes from sticking to the grill?
To prevent sweet potatoes from sticking to the grill, make sure to oil the grates before grilling. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil to brush the grates. You can also brush the sweet potatoes with oil before grilling to prevent them from sticking.
Additionally, make sure the grill is clean and free of debris before grilling. Any food residue or debris can cause the sweet potatoes to stick to the grill. If the sweet potatoes do start to stick, don’t panic. Simply use a spatula to gently loosen them and continue grilling.
Can I grill sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill sweet potatoes ahead of time, but it’s best to do so just before serving. Grilled sweet potatoes are best served hot, as they can become soggy and lose their texture if refrigerated or reheated. If you need to grill sweet potatoes ahead of time, you can grill them until they’re almost tender, then finish them off just before serving.
You can also grill sweet potatoes and then refrigerate or freeze them for later use. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to a day or freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply grill or bake the sweet potatoes until they’re hot and tender.
What are some popular toppings for grilled sweet potatoes?
Some popular toppings for grilled sweet potatoes include herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. You can also top them with cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy flavor. Additionally, you can top grilled sweet potatoes with diced meats, such as bacon or chorizo, for a smoky, savory flavor.
Other popular toppings include diced vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, and nuts or seeds, such as pecans or pumpkin seeds. You can also top grilled sweet potatoes with a dollop of salsa or a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh, spicy flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings!