If you’re looking for a vibrant, comforting side dish that’s both delightfully simple and packed with flavor, this Easy Skillet Sweet Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Nicely caramelized sweet potatoes mingle with fragrant garlic and tender onions, all finished off with fresh herbs that brighten every bite. It’s a quick, fuss-free dish that transforms humble ingredients into something truly special—perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you want a cozy, colorful twist on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this Easy Skillet Sweet Potatoes Recipe is how a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with taste and texture. Each element contributes its own charm, whether it’s the natural sweetness of the potatoes, the aromatic punch of garlic and onion, or the fresh pop of herbs.
- Sweet potatoes (1 ½ pounds): These provide a naturally sweet, creamy base that roasts beautifully in the skillet.
- Olive or avocado oil (3 tablespoons): Adds healthy fat and helps achieve that irresistible golden crust on the potatoes.
- Onion, finely diced (½ piece): Brings subtle sweetness and a tender texture when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory depth that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Essential for seasoning, it balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just a touch of warmth and mild spice.
- Green onions, chopped (3 tablespoons): Offer a fresh, slightly sharp crunch as a finishing touch.
- Cilantro, chopped (3 tablespoons): Brings vibrant herbal notes that brighten the dish delightfully.
How to Make Easy Skillet Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes carefully—removing the skin with a vegetable peeler ensures a smooth, tender texture once cooked. Then, cut the potatoes into ½ to 1-inch cubes. Keep the pieces uniform in size so everything cooks evenly. If your cubes are smaller, they’ll soften more quickly, which is handy if you’re short on time. You should get about 5 cups of cubes, which is just the right amount for this recipe.
Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes
Heat 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly. Then, add the sweet potato cubes and let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to stir the potatoes once halfway through this time so they brown beautifully on all sides. This step builds the flavor base with lovely golden edges and a tender interior.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
Push the sweet potatoes over to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to turn translucent and sweet. Now add the minced garlic and cook it for another 30 to 60 seconds until you can smell that irresistible garlicky aroma. This combination creates a flavorful layer throughout the dish.
Step 4: Season and Finish Cooking
Sprinkle in your salt and black pepper, then stir to mix everything evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the sweet potatoes cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. This gentle steaming cooks the potatoes through until fork-tender without drying them out. Once done, toss in the chopped green onions and cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Serve Easy Skillet Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this Easy Skillet Sweet Potatoes Recipe to the next level. A scattering of finely chopped green onions adds a crisp bite and contrast in color. Cilantro provides a burst of freshness and liveliness that balances the sweet and savory notes beautifully. You might also love a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch.
Side Dishes
This skillet sweet potato dish plays nicely with a variety of mains. It’s fantastic alongside grilled chicken or seared salmon for a wholesome, balanced meal. For a vegetarian plate, pair it with black beans or a vibrant quinoa salad to make a hearty, colorful combo. The sweet and savory elements harmonize with many flavors, making it incredibly versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or simply elevate your weeknight meal? Serve the sweet potatoes in individual mini cast iron skillets for a charming rustic presentation. Or, turn it into a vibrant bowl by adding avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a spritz of lime. This recipe also shines tossed with greens for a warm sweet potato salad that’s both comforting and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your sweet potatoes, put any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 days, retaining much of their texture and flavor. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick side or snack during busy days.
Freezing
If you want to extend the life of your cooking, freeze the cooked sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll maintain good quality for about 2 months. Just remember to cool completely before freezing to avoid excess moisture, which can affect texture.
Reheating
Reheat your Easy Skillet Sweet Potatoes Recipe on the stove over medium heat for best results. This helps the potatoes regain a bit of their crispiness. You can also microwave them covered for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through, though they might be a little softer in texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of oil instead of olive or avocado oil?
Absolutely! While olive and avocado oil are preferred for their flavors and health benefits, you can use other vegetable oils like canola or sunflower. Just ensure the oil has a high smoke point for sautéing.
What if I don’t have cilantro? Will the dish still taste good?
Definitely! Cilantro adds a fresh herbal note, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand, parsley or chives make great substitutes that complement the flavors nicely.
Can I add other vegetables to this skillet sweet potatoes recipe?
Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale can be added in step 3 when you add the onions and garlic. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the vegetable to keep everything perfectly tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, using simple plant-based ingredients and no gluten-containing products, making it suitable for most dietary preferences.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To kick up the heat, add crushed red pepper flakes when you season with salt and pepper, or toss in a finely chopped jalapeño along with the onions. You’ll get a nice spicy contrast to the sweetness of the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Skillet Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a true kitchen hero—quick to make, wonderfully flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re craving a simple side dish or a base for a more elaborate meal, it never disappoints. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes to brighten up any dinner.
Print
Easy Skillet Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Skillet Sweet Potatoes recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare sweet potatoes with a delicious sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Perfect as a side dish, it combines tender sweet potato cubes cooked in olive or avocado oil, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes
Cooking Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons oil (olive or avocado)
- ½ onion (sweet or white, finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Garnish
- 3 tablespoons green onions (finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoons cilantro (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler and discard the skins. Cut the potatoes into ½ to 1-inch cubes, aiming for approximately 5 cups of cubed sweet potatoes. Smaller cubes will cook faster.
- Sauté the Potatoes: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once halfway to promote even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Add the Onion and Garlic: Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the finely diced onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Season and Cook Through: Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the sweet potato mixture, then stir to combine the onions and garlic evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the finely chopped green onions and cilantro over the sweet potatoes. Give a gentle stir to distribute the herbs and serve warm for a tasty side dish.
Notes
- Sweet potatoes cook faster when cut into smaller cubes, so adjust size according to desired cooking time.
- Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of sautéing.
- Olive or avocado oil are preferred for their flavor and health benefits, but any neutral oil can be used.
- Covering the skillet helps the sweet potatoes cook through evenly and more quickly.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions add brightness and freshness to the dish.
