This super easy Sautéed Sweet Potatoes recipe is the perfect flavor packed side dish. They're my favorite way to make sweet potatoes!
These sweet potatoes are super versatile - and this recipe only has 6 ingredients!
now shipping!
My new cookbook is here!
My cookbook, Tasting Every Day, is filled with simple, elevated recipes made for busy home cooks - just like this one.
Sautéed sweet potatoes are one of the easiest and most flavorful side dishes you can make. Cooking them in a skillet creates tender sweet potatoes with golden, slightly crispy edges and a naturally sweet, caramelized flavor.
As a cookbook author and recipe developer, I love recipes like this that transform simple ingredients into something special. With just a few pantry staples and a quick cook in the skillet, these sautéed sweet potatoes become a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to seafood.
They're simple enough for weeknight dinners but delicious enough to serve alongside a holiday meal.
If you're looking for more side dish recipes, check out our Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Parmesan Potatoes, and Green Beans and Potatoes.
Jump to:
- My new cookbook is here!
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Cut Sweet Potatoes for Sautéing
- Step by Step Directions
- Sweet Potato Cooking Time Guide
- Expert Tips and Tricks
- Kitchen Equipment
- Recipe Substitutions/Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recipe Storage and Reheating
- Other Recipes to Try
- Sautéed Sweet Potatoes
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Here's why you'll love this easy side dish:
- Quick and Easy: These sautéed sweet potatoes cook in about 15 minutes, making them a perfect side dish for busy weeknights.
- Crispy and Caramelized: Cooking sweet potatoes in a skillet helps create golden edges while keeping the centers tender.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses just a few basic ingredients like sweet potatoes, olive oil, and seasoning.
- Versatile: Sautéed sweet potatoes pair well with chicken, seafood, steak, or vegetarian meals.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Sweet Potatoes - 3 medium sweet potatoes, 4 small sweet potatoes, or 2 large sweet potatoes
- Olive Oil - good quality
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper - freshly ground
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder - I buy all my spices in bulk at Costco
How to Cut Sweet Potatoes for Sautéing
For the best texture, cut the sweet potatoes into small, even cubes or half moons about ½ inch in size. Smaller pieces cook faster and develop more caramelization in the skillet.
Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Step by Step Directions
Let's make this sweet potato recipe together!
Step 1
Slice sweet potatoes into thin rounds, about ⅛ inch thick. Slice rounds in half to create a half moon shape.
Step 2
Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sweet potatoes in one even layer in the pan, working in batches if necessary. Top with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If the potatoes start to burn, lower to medium heat.
Step 3
Cook sweet potatoes for 5 minutes on each side, until browned and tender. Serve and enjoy!
Sweet Potato Cooking Time Guide
| Cut Size | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| ½ inch cubes | 12-15 minutes |
| ¾ inch cubes | 15-18 minutes |
| Slices | 10-12 minutes |
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for this healthy side dish.
- Cut the potatoes small: Smaller cubes cook faster and develop more golden edges.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Too many potatoes in the skillet will cause them to steam instead of sauté.
- Let them cook undisturbed: Allow the potatoes to sit in the pan for a few minutes before stirring so they develop caramelized edges.
- Use a large skillet: A wide skillet helps the potatoes cook evenly and brown properly.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Chef's Knife - A sharp chef's knife is essential for cutting the sweet potatoes in this recipe.
- Cutting Board - Investing in a quality cutting board will be a game changer for your kitchen!
- Non-Stick Pan - A good non-stick pan will not only last, but it will make cooking a breeze!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
- Spice Variations - You can add in spices as you wish. You can add spices such as cayenne, dill, curry powder, chili powder, or Italian seasoning blend for extra flavor.
- Potato Substitution - You can use purple sweet potatoes or regular potatoes in this recipe.
- Oil Substitution - You can swap out the olive oil with canola oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make sweet potatoes taste better by adding appropriate seasonings. On their own, sweet potatoes, can be bland, but with seasoning such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder, they can be very flavorful.
This usually happens when the pan is overcrowded or the heat is too low. Use a large skillet and cook over medium heat.
Peeling is optional. The skins are edible and add texture, but you can peel them if you prefer a softer bite.
Yes, sweet potato skins are completely safe to heat. They are a very nutritious part of the sweet potato.
Yes, sweet potatoes are a carbohydrate.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a cast iron pan with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Give some of these simple recipes a try!
These sautéed sweet potatoes cook in one skillet in about 15 minutes and develop crispy edges with a tender, caramelized center.
Sautéed Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Slice sweet potatoes into thin rounds, about ⅛ inch thick. Slice rounds in half to create a half moon shape.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potatoes in one layer, working in batches if necessary. Top with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook sweet potatoes for 5 minutes on each side, until browned and tender. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Work in Batches - Don't overcrowd the pan! Work in batches if necessary, so the sweet potatoes cook evenly.
- Meal Prep - These sweet potatoes are delicious for meal prep! They are great in a breakfast burrito, sweet potato hash, or topped with a fried egg. I love making a big batch and eating throughout the week.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Isabella says
These were so easy and so delicious! Will be making them again for meal prep.
Christina Musgrave says
So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Jen says
Yum! Made these last night and I can't believe how easy these were!
Christina Musgrave says
So happy you enjoyed!
Linda says
I’m in love with this dish.
Christina Musgrave says
Thanks so much, Linda! So happy you enjoyed. 🙂