The sweet potato, a staple in many cuisines around the world, is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. While it’s commonly baked or boiled, cooking sweet potatoes on the BBQ can add a smoky flavor and texture that’s hard to resist. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to cook sweet potatoes on the BBQ, including preparation, cooking methods, and some tasty recipe ideas.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right sweet potatoes for the job. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and free of bruises or soft spots. You can choose from a variety of sweet potato types, including:
- Jewel sweet potatoes, which have a sweet, nutty flavor and a smooth, orange flesh.
- Beauregard sweet potatoes, which have a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a rough, reddish-brown skin.
- O’Henry sweet potatoes, which have a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and a smooth, white flesh.
Preparing Sweet Potatoes for the BBQ
Once you’ve chosen your sweet potatoes, it’s time to prepare them for the BBQ. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into your desired shape. You can cut them into wedges, slices, or cubes, depending on the recipe you’re using.
- Soak the sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch and help them cook more evenly.
Cooking Methods for Sweet Potatoes on the BBQ
There are several ways to cook sweet potatoes on the BBQ, including:
Direct Grilling
Direct grilling involves placing the sweet potatoes directly over the heat source. This method is great for achieving a crispy, caramelized exterior and a tender interior.
- Preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Place the sweet potatoes on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re tender and lightly charred.
Indirect Grilling
Indirect grilling involves placing the sweet potatoes away from the heat source. This method is great for cooking sweet potatoes that are wrapped in foil or cooked in a packet.
- Preheat your BBQ to medium heat (around 350°F).
- Place the sweet potatoes in a foil packet or wrap them in foil and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until they’re tender.
Smoking
Smoking involves cooking the sweet potatoes at a low temperature for a long period of time. This method is great for achieving a rich, smoky flavor.
- Preheat your BBQ to low heat (around 225°F).
- Place the sweet potatoes in a smoker or a charcoal BBQ with wood chips and cook for 2-3 hours, or until they’re tender and flavorful.
Recipe Ideas for Sweet Potatoes on the BBQ
Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started:
BBQ Sweet Potato Wedges
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat. Place the sweet potato wedges on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re tender and lightly charred. Brush with olive oil and BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.
Smoked Sweet Potato Mash
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your BBQ to low heat. Place the sweet potatoes in a smoker or a charcoal BBQ with wood chips and cook for 2-3 hours, or until they’re tender. Mash with butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind:
- Use different seasonings to add flavor to your sweet potatoes. Try using garlic powder, chili powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Add some heat to your sweet potatoes by sprinkling them with diced jalapeños or serrano peppers.
- Try different cooking times to achieve the perfect level of doneness. Sweet potatoes can be cooked to a variety of textures, from tender and fluffy to crispy and caramelized.
- Experiment with different types of wood to add smoky flavor to your sweet potatoes. Try using hickory, mesquite, or apple wood chips.
| Sweet Potato Type | Cooking Method | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Jewel sweet potatoes | Direct grilling | 5-7 minutes per side |
| Beauregard sweet potatoes | Indirect grilling | 30-40 minutes |
| O’Henry sweet potatoes | Smoking | 2-3 hours |
By following these tips and recipe ideas, you’ll be well on your way to cooking delicious sweet potatoes on the BBQ. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, cooking sweet potatoes on the BBQ is a great way to add some excitement to your outdoor cooking routine. So go ahead, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy some sweet success!
What are the benefits of cooking sweet potatoes on the BBQ?
Cooking sweet potatoes on the BBQ is a great way to add a smoky flavor to this delicious vegetable. The high heat of the BBQ helps to caramelize the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes, creating a sweet and savory flavor that is hard to resist. Additionally, cooking sweet potatoes on the BBQ is a healthy alternative to frying or boiling, as it allows for a lower fat content and retains more of the nutrients.
When cooked on the BBQ, sweet potatoes are also more likely to retain their texture and structure, making them a great side dish or topping for salads, burgers, and other BBQ favorites. The slightly charred exterior and fluffy interior of BBQ-cooked sweet potatoes are a perfect combination that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
How do I choose the right sweet potatoes for BBQ cooking?
When choosing sweet potatoes for BBQ cooking, look for ones that are firm and have a smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid sweet potatoes that are soft or have visible bruises, as these can be a sign of age or damage. You can choose either the orange or yellow variety of sweet potatoes, as both will yield delicious results when cooked on the BBQ.
In terms of size, choose sweet potatoes that are roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. You can also choose smaller or larger sweet potatoes depending on your desired serving size. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger sweet potatoes will take longer to cook through.
What is the best way to prepare sweet potatoes for BBQ cooking?
To prepare sweet potatoes for BBQ cooking, start by washing them thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, dry the sweet potatoes with a clean towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture. You can then poke some holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape while they cook.
You can also rub the sweet potatoes with a little bit of oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. This will help to bring out the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes and add a bit of extra flavor to the finished dish. Be sure to keep the seasonings light, as you can always add more flavor after the sweet potatoes are cooked.
How do I cook sweet potatoes on the BBQ?
To cook sweet potatoes on the BBQ, start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the sweet potatoes directly on the grates and close the lid. Cook the sweet potatoes for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
You can also wrap the sweet potatoes in foil and cook them on the BBQ, which will help to retain moisture and promote even cooking. Simply wrap the sweet potatoes in foil and cook for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are tender. Be sure to check the sweet potatoes regularly to avoid overcooking.
Can I cook sweet potatoes on a gas BBQ or do I need a charcoal BBQ?
You can cook sweet potatoes on either a gas or charcoal BBQ, as both will yield delicious results. However, if you want to add a smoky flavor to your sweet potatoes, a charcoal BBQ is the way to go. The high heat and smoke from the charcoal will infuse the sweet potatoes with a rich, savory flavor that is hard to replicate with a gas BBQ.
That being said, a gas BBQ can still produce delicious sweet potatoes, especially if you use a bit of wood smoke or other flavorings to add depth to the dish. Simply preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the sweet potatoes as you would on a charcoal BBQ.
How do I know when sweet potatoes are cooked through?
To check if sweet potatoes are cooked through, simply pierce them with a fork or knife. If the sweet potatoes are tender and yield easily to the fork or knife, they are done. You can also check for doneness by squeezing the sweet potatoes gently; if they yield to pressure, they are cooked through.
It’s also important to check the sweet potatoes regularly to avoid overcooking, which can make them dry and unappetizing. If you’re unsure whether the sweet potatoes are cooked through, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and cook them for a bit longer.
What are some popular toppings for BBQ sweet potatoes?
There are many delicious toppings you can use for BBQ sweet potatoes, depending on your personal preferences. Some popular options include butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, and chives. You can also try using BBQ sauce, salsa, or other spicy toppings to add a bit of heat to the dish.
Other popular toppings for BBQ sweet potatoes include diced herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. You can also try using Greek yogurt or other creamy toppings to add a bit of tanginess to the dish. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings to find your favorite.