What To Know
- But mastering the art of how to grill little potatoes requires a few key tricks to ensure they come out perfectly tender, charred, and bursting with flavor.
- For a more intense smoky flavor and beautiful char marks, you can move the potatoes to a cooler area of the grill for the last few minutes of cooking.
- After grilling, toss the potatoes in a sweet and savory sauce like honey mustard, balsamic glaze, or a tangy chimichurri.
Grilling season is upon us, and while burgers and steaks might be the stars of the show, let’s not forget about the side dishes that truly elevate the experience. Little potatoes, with their delicate skin and sweet, earthy flavor, are the perfect canvas for the smoky magic of the grill. But mastering the art of how to grill little potatoes requires a few key tricks to ensure they come out perfectly tender, charred, and bursting with flavor.
Why Choose Little Potatoes?
Before we dive into the grilling process, let’s understand why little potatoes are the ideal choice for your next barbecue.
- Versatility: Their small size makes them perfect for grilling, as they cook quickly and evenly. They can be served as a simple side dish, added to salads, or even used as a base for delicious appetizers.
- Flavor: Little potatoes are naturally sweet and earthy, and the grilling process enhances these flavors while adding a delightful smoky char.
- Texture: The delicate skin of little potatoes develops a crispy texture when grilled, while the inside remains tender and fluffy.
The Perfect Potato Selection
Choosing the right potatoes is crucial for achieving the best results. Here’s a guide to help you pick the perfect potatoes for grilling:
- Fingerling Potatoes: These long, thin potatoes have a delicate texture and a nutty flavor. They grill beautifully and hold their shape well.
- Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: These small, buttery potatoes have a rich, creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. They are a great choice for grilling, as they cook quickly and evenly.
- Red Bliss Potatoes: These small, red-skinned potatoes have a firm texture and a slightly earthy flavor. They are a good choice for grilling, as they hold their shape well.
Preparing the Potatoes for Grilling
Once you’ve chosen your potatoes, it’s time to prepare them for grilling.
1. Wash and Scrub: Gently scrub the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid using soap, as it can leave a residue that affects the taste.
2. Optional: Soak: If you’re using starchy potatoes, soaking them in cold water for 30 minutes before grilling can help remove excess starch and prevent sticking.
3. Halve or Quarter: Depending on the size of your potatoes, you can halve or quarter them for faster cooking and better char.
4. Seasoning: Season the potatoes generously with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil to help them crisp up.
Mastering the Grilling Technique
Now comes the fun part – grilling those little potatoes to perfection.
1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Make sure the grill grates are clean.
2. Direct Heat: Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates. If you’re using a gas grill, make sure the flames are evenly distributed.
3. Cook Time: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes, but generally, they will take about 15-20 minutes.
4. Flip and Check: Flip the potatoes every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. Use a spatula to check for doneness – they should be tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Charring: For a more intense smoky flavor and beautiful char marks, you can move the potatoes to a cooler area of the grill for the last few minutes of cooking.
Elevating the Flavor with Marinades and Sauces
While simple seasoning is delicious, you can take your grilled little potatoes to the next level with marinades and sauces.
- Herbed Marinades: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, and salt and pepper. Marinate the potatoes for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Spicy Marinades: Add a kick to your potatoes with a marinade that includes chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika.
- Sweet and Savory Sauces: After grilling, toss the potatoes in a sweet and savory sauce like honey mustard, balsamic glaze, or a tangy chimichurri.
Beyond the Basic: Creative Variations
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and techniques when grilling little potatoes. Here are a few creative ideas:
- Grilled Potato Salad: Grill the potatoes until tender, then toss them with a classic potato salad dressing.
- Grilled Potato Skewers: Thread cooked potatoes onto skewers with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
- Loaded Grilled Potatoes: Top your grilled potatoes with toppings like bacon bits, cheese, sour cream, or chives.
The Grand Finale: Serving and Enjoying
Once your little potatoes are perfectly grilled, it’s time to serve and enjoy their smoky goodness.
- Simple Side Dish: Serve them hot as a simple side dish for grilled meats, fish, or poultry.
- Salad Component: Add them to salads for a burst of texture and flavor.
- Appetizer: Serve them warm with dipping sauces like aioli, pesto, or salsa.
A Culinary Journey of Flavor: Final Thoughts
Grilling little potatoes is a simple yet rewarding culinary journey that allows you to explore a world of flavor and texture. From the perfect potato selection to the art of grilling and the creative variations, every step of the process contributes to a delightful and satisfying experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I grill larger potatoes?
Yes, you can grill larger potatoes, but you’ll need to cut them into larger chunks or wedges to ensure they cook evenly.
2. How do I know if the potatoes are done?
The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork and have a golden brown color.
3. Can I grill potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the potatoes ahead of time and reheat them before serving. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. What are some good dipping sauces for grilled potatoes?
Some excellent dipping sauces for grilled potatoes include aioli, pesto, chimichurri, salsa, and ranch dressing.
5. Can I grill potatoes with other vegetables?
Absolutely! Grilling potatoes with other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus is a delicious and easy way to create a complete meal.
