I’m about to share my obsession: Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a flavor EXPLOSION! I first made this for a potluck with my girlfriends last summer. I was riffing on a few different recipes and just couldn’t get it right until I tasted a tiny bit of the sweet potato with my chili garlic sauce. My eyes widened and that’s when I KNEW I had something special with this Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes recipe.
It’s a total game-changer. Every bite is this amazing mix of sweet, savory, spicy, and garlicky that’ll make you wanna do a little salsa dance right in your kitchen! It’s bold, unapologetically delicious, and screams Cuba Queen. I’ve been making Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes non-stop ever since. I’m talking weeknight dinners, weekend parties, even breakfast (don’t judge!). I’m so thrilled to finally share this crazy good Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes recipe with you!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Each component plays a vital role in creating this symphony of flavors.
- 3 large sweet potatoes: Peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick fries or cubes, depending on your preference.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: The good stuff! Extra virgin olive oil is your best friend for flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh is non-negotiable here, flavor adventurers!
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce: I’m using my favorite brand Huy Fong, but any chili garlic sauce works. The secret to epic Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes is finding the PERFECT balance between sweet and spicy.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami kick.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: For a touch of sweetness and caramelization.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This will give the dish a subtle smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best!
- Optional garnishes: Chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, a drizzle of sriracha mayo, or lime wedges.
You’ll find the best chili garlic sauce for this Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes recipe at your local Asian market. Look for brands with a good balance of chili and garlic. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even make your own!
Store any unused sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place. I keep mine in the pantry. You can also peel and chop them a day ahead of time and store them in water in the fridge to prevent browning.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor fiesta? Here’s how to make Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes that’ll knock your socks off! Don’t stress – your Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes is going to be incredible.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is important to ensure even cooking of the Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into your desired shape. I prefer fries for maximum crispiness, but cubes work great too. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Make sure they’re evenly coated for optimal roasting.
- Roast the sweet potatoes: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. Pro tip for Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes perfection: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Overcrowding steams the potatoes instead of roasting them, resulting in soggy fries.
- Make the chili garlic sauce: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, whisk together the minced garlic, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, maple syrup, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. This sauce is a total flavor bomb!
- Combine and finish: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them back to the large bowl. Pour the chili garlic sauce over the sweet potatoes and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece is glistening with that glorious sauce!
- Broil for extra caramelization (optional): For even more flavor and a slightly sticky texture, spread the sauced sweet potatoes back on the baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This is where your Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes transforms into pure magic.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, a drizzle of sriracha mayo, or lime wedges, if desired. Serve immediately and prepare for a flavor explosion! In my kitchen, this Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes takes exactly 45 minutes from start to finish, including prep time.
Here’s where most people mess up their Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes – they don’t roast them long enough! The key is to get them nice and tender with slightly crispy edges.
While your Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Post a pic and tag me @CubaQueen so I can see your delicious creation! Also, if you are loving this sauce mixture, you may enjoy my garlic steak bites and potatoes recipe.
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is key, flavor adventurers! You want your Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes to look as good as it tastes. Here are a few tips to take your presentation to the next level:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Chopped cilantro or green onions add a pop of color and freshness.
- Drizzle with sriracha mayo: This adds a creamy, spicy kick that perfectly complements the sweet and savory flavors.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds: Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a beautiful textural contrast.
- Serve with lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes at parties! They’re always the first thing to disappear. This Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes absolutely slays at dinner parties! Making these garlic parmesan chicken skewers, with this as a side dish, is a total crowd pleaser.
These Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes are perfect as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. They also make a fantastic appetizer or snack. I even like to add them to salads for a boost of flavor and nutrients.
For a fun twist, try making Chili Garlic Sweet Potato tacos! Load up some warm tortillas with the sweet potatoes, your favorite toppings, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
If you end up with any leftovers (which is highly unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Consider turning your leftovers into a hash! Chop up any leftover Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes and sauté them with onions, peppers, and eggs for a delicious and flavorful breakfast.
During the fall, I love adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the chili garlic sauce for a cozy, seasonal twist. In the summer, I sometimes add a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.
FAQs:
Got questions about making Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions and my confident, helpful answers:
Q: Can I make this Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add more chili garlic sauce to the recipe, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes before roasting. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the chili garlic sauce for an extra kick.
Q: What if I don’t have maple syrup for my Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes?
A: Honey or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for maple syrup. You can also use brown sugar, but it won’t dissolve as easily, so make sure to whisk it well into the sauce.
Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
A: While the chili garlic sauce is amazing on regular potatoes, the sweetness of the sweet potatoes really complements the spicy and savory flavors. But go for it!
Q: How do I know when my Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes is perfectly done?
A: The sweet potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork and slightly caramelized around the edges. If they’re not tender enough, continue roasting for a few more minutes.
Q: Can I make this Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes in the air fryer?
A: Yes! Air frying is a great way to make crispy Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check out this spicy sweet potato chips recipe in the air fryer for some tips!
Q: Can I make this Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
A: You can peel and chop the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in water in the fridge to prevent browning. You can also make the chili garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I add any other vegetables to this dish?
A: Sure! Broccoli, bell peppers, or onions would be delicious additions. Just toss them with the sweet potatoes and olive oil before roasting.
Q: What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
A: Regular paprika will work just fine, but the smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor that really elevates the dish. If you don’t have any paprika on hand, you can omit it altogether.
CONCLUSION:
This Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, easy cooking, and celebration-worthy food. It’s about turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary, something that makes you wanna share it with everyone you know. I have full confidence that you’re going to nail this Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes recipe and create a dish that becomes a family favorite. This chili recipe is also a crowd-pleaser!
My Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes Power Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Overcrowding steams the potatoes instead of roasting them, resulting in soggy fries.
- Roast at a high temperature! High heat is key to getting crispy edges and a tender interior.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce! Add more or less chili garlic sauce, maple syrup, or soy sauce to suit your taste.
Here are a few Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes variations I’ve created and loved:
- Chili Garlic Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream: Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour … is a win! Try these Southwestern Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Chili-Cilantro Sour Cream.
- Chili Garlic Sweet Potato Wedges: For a heartier option, cut the sweet potatoes into wedges instead of fries. Check out these Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges for perfect cooking instructions.
- Vegan Chili Garlic Sweet Potato Bites: Drizzle with a tahini-based sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a vegan-friendly appetizer. This spicy sweet potato recipe can easily be customized.
The Chili Garlic Sweet Potato fries always get the biggest reactions! Seriously, people can’t stop eating them! This roasted sweet potato with chili will change your dinner game.
Make this Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes your signature dish! It’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Start creating some Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes memories today! Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media using #CubaQueen – I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes
These chili garlic sweet potatoes are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Roasted until tender and caramelized, they make a delicious and healthy side dish or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions (optional) and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the sweet potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.