What To Know
- While grilling burgers, steaks, and chicken is commonplace, grilling vegetables is a great way to add a healthy and flavorful side dish to your meal.
- In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to grill red potatoes to perfection.
- Place the potato wedges on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Grilling is a popular summer cooking method, and for good reason. It adds a smoky flavor to food that can’t be replicated indoors. While grilling burgers, steaks, and chicken is commonplace, grilling vegetables is a great way to add a healthy and flavorful side dish to your meal. Red potatoes are an excellent choice for grilling, as they hold their shape well and absorb the smoky flavor of the grill. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to grill red potatoes to perfection.
Why Grill Red Potatoes?
Red potatoes are a versatile potato variety that works well for grilling. They have a firm texture and a mildly sweet flavor that complements a variety of grilled dishes. Here are some reasons why you should consider grilling red potatoes:
- Flavor: Grilling adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor to the potatoes that enhances their natural sweetness.
- Texture: The high starch content of red potatoes helps them hold their shape while grilling, preventing them from becoming mushy.
- Versatility: Grilled red potatoes can be served as a side dish, added to salads, or used in other recipes.
- Simplicity: Grilling red potatoes is a relatively simple process that requires minimal effort.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
The first step to grilling delicious red potatoes is selecting the right potatoes. Look for potatoes that are firm to the touch and have smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid potatoes that are soft, wrinkled, or have green spots, as these are signs of spoilage.
Preparing the Potatoes for Grilling
Once you’ve chosen your potatoes, it’s time to prepare them for grilling. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Wash and Scrub: Rinse the potatoes under cold water and scrub them with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Cut into Wedges: Cut the potatoes into wedges that are about 1-inch thick. This will ensure that they cook evenly and won’t take too long to grill.
3. Toss with Olive Oil: Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil. This will help them brown and crisp on the grill.
4. Season with Flavor: Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder.
Grilling the Potatoes
With your potatoes prepped and ready to go, it’s time to fire up the grill. Here’s how to grill them to perfection:
1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and covered with a thin layer of ash.
2. Grill for 15-20 Minutes: Place the potato wedges on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking.
3. Check for Doneness: The potatoes are done when they are tender and golden brown. You can test them by piercing them with a fork. If the fork goes through easily, they are ready.
4. Rest and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow them to steam and become even more tender.
Grilled Red Potato Variations
While the basic grilling method is straightforward, there are many ways to customize your grilled red potatoes to suit your taste. Here are some variations to try:
- Herbed Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the potato wedges before grilling.
- Spicy Potatoes: Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to the potato wedges for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Potatoes: Roast garlic cloves along with the potatoes for a garlicky flavor.
- Cheesy Potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the potatoes during the last few minutes of grilling.
Serving Grilled Red Potatoes
Grilled red potatoes make a delicious and versatile side dish. They can be served on their own, or paired with grilled meats, fish, or poultry. You can also add them to salads, soups, or stews.
Beyond the Grill: Recipes for Grilled Red Potatoes
Grilled red potatoes are a great starting point for many delicious recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Grilled Red Potato Salad: Toss grilled red potatoes with chopped celery, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Red Potato and Chorizo Skewers: Alternate grilled red potato wedges with chorizo sausage on skewers.
- Grilled Red Potato and Feta Salad: Combine grilled red potatoes with crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a lemon vinaigrette.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to help you grill red potatoes like a pro:
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: If you overcrowd the grill, the potatoes won’t cook evenly.
- Use a grill brush: Clean the grill grates before and after grilling to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes will become mushy. Check them frequently to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
- Season generously: Don’t be afraid to season the potatoes generously. Salt, pepper, and herbs will enhance their flavor.
The Final Bite: A Delicious and Versatile Side Dish
Grilling red potatoes is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. With a few basic steps and some creative variations, you can create a delicious and satisfying side dish that will impress your guests.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I grill red potatoes in foil?
A: Yes, you can grill red potatoes in foil. This will help them steam and cook more evenly. Simply wrap the potatoes in foil with butter, herbs, and seasonings, and grill for about 30 minutes.
Q: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A: The potatoes are done when they are tender and golden brown. You can test them by piercing them with a fork. If the fork goes through easily, they are ready.
Q: Can I grill other types of potatoes?
A: Yes, you can grill other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Golds or russets. However, red potatoes are a good choice for grilling because they hold their shape well and have a mild flavor.
Q: What can I serve with grilled red potatoes?
A: Grilled red potatoes make a delicious side dish for a variety of grilled meats, fish, and poultry. They also work well with salads, soups, and stews.
Q: Can I make grilled red potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make grilled red potatoes ahead of time. Simply cool them completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
