Grilled Lemon Herb Potatoes Recipe
If you’re searching for the perfect side dish that blends smoky grill flavors with a fresh, zesty twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Grilled Lemon Herb Potatoes Recipe. These potatoes come out crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with bright lemon, garlic, and fragrant herbs. It’s such a simple yet impressive dish that elevates humble potatoes into something truly memorable, perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Lemon Herb Potatoes Recipe shines because of its straightforward and fresh ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, bringing texture, flavor, or color that transforms plain potatoes into a flavorful feast.
- 5-6 large Idaho or russet potatoes, cut into wedges: These starchy potatoes hold up beautifully on the grill and become perfectly tender.
- Water, for boiling: Parboiling helps get the potatoes tender before their final crisp on the grill.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Added to the boiling water to season the potatoes from within.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: This brings the right amount of seasoned punch for the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder: Provides a deep, savory aroma that clings to each wedge.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with a mild sweetness.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Infuses fresh citrus oils for brightness and aroma.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Adds acidic lift to balance the richness of the olive oil.
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Helps everything stick and crisps the potatoes beautifully on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped: This piney herb introduces an irresistible earthiness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (reserve for after grilling): Adds a fresh green finish for vibrancy and taste.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Pre-boil the Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt at this stage seasons the potatoes throughout. Toss in the wedge-cut potatoes and cook until just tender but still holding their shape, about 10 minutes. This pre-cooking step ensures they’ll be soft on the inside after grilling, creating that perfect contrast with their crispy exterior.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
While your potatoes cool enough to handle, whisk together kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic and onion powders, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, and the chopped rosemary in a large bowl. This marinade is a magical mix where bright acidity and herbal warmth come together to coat each potato wedge with irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Potatoes
Gently add the drained, slightly cooled potato wedges to this marinade, tossing carefully so every piece is evenly coated. Let the potatoes rest in this mixture as you heat your grill; this brief marinating time lets the flavors sink in without overpowering the potatoes’ natural taste.
Step 4: Grill the Potatoes
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high, making sure to brush the grates or pan with a little oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the wedges in a single layer and grill for approximately 5 minutes per side. The goal is a perfectly golden brown and crisp exterior—this texture contrast is what sets this recipe apart from your everyday roasted potato.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, add the reserved fresh parsley to the leftover marinade and toss the hot potatoes in this final vibrant herb mix. The warmth of the potatoes will bring out the freshness of the parsley, finishing the dish with a lovely pop of green and a burst of flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and lively flavors at their peak.
How to Serve Grilled Lemon Herb Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a must for this recipe, adding color, brightness, and a hint of peppery freshness. For an extra zing, sprinkle some thin lemon slices or a light drizzle of fresh lemon juice just before serving. If you love a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika makes a fantastic garnish too.
Side Dishes
Grilled Lemon Herb Potatoes are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish. They also complement vegetarian dishes such as grilled vegetables, halloumi cheese, or a hearty bean salad. For a casual meal, add a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve these potatoes in a rustic wooden bowl or on a large platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary scattered around. You can also skewer the wedges on metal or wooden sticks, turning them into easy-to-eat finger food perfect for parties or picnics. Another fun idea is to top them with crumbled feta or grated Parmesan for an added savory twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Grilled Lemon Herb Potatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as the potatoes sit, making them great for next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
While freezing grilled potatoes isn’t ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze the parboiled, marinated potatoes before grilling. Spread them on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, grill directly from frozen, just allowing extra grilling time to cook through.
Reheating
To reheat, the best method is to pop them back on the grill or under the broiler for a few minutes to regain their crispy exterior. Alternatively, a hot oven will do the trick. Microwaving tends to soften them too much, so it’s best reserved for quick warming when texture is not the priority.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Idaho or russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content and ability to crisp up nicely, Yukon golds or red potatoes can also work. Just keep in mind that waxier potatoes may stay a bit firmer and less fluffy inside.
Do I need to pre-boil the potatoes before grilling?
Yes, pre-boiling is essential. It makes sure the potatoes cook through completely and become tender inside while allowing the grilling step to focus on crisping and flavor development on the outside.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely. You can combine the marinade ingredients a few hours ahead or even the night before to let the flavors meld. Just be sure to toss the potatoes in the marinade shortly before grilling for the best texture.
How do I know when the potatoes are perfectly grilled?
Look for a golden brown, slightly charred crust on the outside with grill marks and a tender interior that yields to a fork without crumbling. It usually takes about 5 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
Can this recipe be made on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, a grill pan works beautifully if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. The pan helps develop those grill marks and crispy texture just the same. Just be sure to oil the pan well to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Grilled Lemon Herb Potatoes Recipe—it’s a joyful celebration of bold, bright flavors and perfect textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re grilling up a family dinner or preparing a festive barbecue spread, these potatoes add a fresh and vibrant touch your taste buds will thank you for. Give this recipe a try soon, and watch how it quickly becomes one of your favorite go-to side dishes!
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Grilled Lemon Herb Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This grilled potatoes recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy perfectly crispy and flavorful potato wedges. Pre-boiled to tender perfection, then marinated in a zesty lemon, garlic, and herb mixture before being grilled to a golden-brown crisp, these potatoes make an ideal side dish for any summer barbecue or casual meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5–6 large Idaho or russet potatoes, cut into wedges
- Water, for boiling
- 1 teaspoon salt
Marinade
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (reserve for after grilling)
Instructions
- Pre-boil the Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir to dissolve. Add the potato wedges and cook until just al dente, about 10 minutes; the potatoes should be fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain well and let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
- Prepare the Marinade: While potatoes cool, in a large bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped rosemary. Reserve the parsley for finishing later.
- Marinate the Potatoes: Add the drained potato wedges to the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to ensure each wedge is well-coated with the herbs and oil mixture. Let sit for a few minutes while you heat the grill.
- Grill the Potatoes: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the grates or pan. Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer. Grill for about 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Toss and Serve: Add the chopped parsley to the remaining marinade in the bowl. When grilled potatoes are done, immediately toss them in the herb mixture to coat. Serve right away while crispy and warm.
Notes
- Pre-boiling the potatoes ensures they cook through evenly and become tender inside while achieving a crispy exterior on the grill.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor and add parsley only after grilling to keep its bright color and fresh taste.
- Adjust grilling time slightly depending on your grill’s heat and the thickness of the potato wedges.
- Can be made vegetarian and vegan as it contains no animal products.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated but may lose some crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
