Sautéed Sweet Potatoes

Name: Sautéed Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 650g (23oz) sweet potato, peeled; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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How to make perfect sautéed sweet potatoes with simple seasonings like coriander and garlic. These pan-fried sweet potatoes are a flavorful and delicious vegetarian side dish.

Close up shot of cooked sweet potato pieces.

Sautéed sweet potatoes are a weekly dinner staple in our house! They’re such a versatile vegetable and pair beautifully with almost any meal. This simple side dish complements a variety of proteins—chicken, steak, salmon, or tofu. While the recipe is simple enough for weeknight cooking, it’s also impressive enough for holiday dinners or date nights.

These stovetop sweet potatoes are the epitome of simplicity and flavor. I’ve seasoned them with a pinch of coriander and garlic, but feel free to customize them with your favorite spices. Don’t forget to check out my tips and variations section for more seasoning ideas!

Sautéed sweet potato served on a platter with a gold spoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweet Potato: You’ll need 650g (about 1.4 lbs) of sweet potatoes. You can use orange-fleshed varieties or white Japanese sweet potatoes—just make sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
Coriander: This subtly sweet and earthy spice with floral undertones pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes. If coriander isn’t available, ground cumin is a great alternative.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor and coats the sweet potatoes evenly without burning, unlike fresh garlic.
Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the dish.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to Sauté Sweet Potatoes

Cut: Wash, peel, and dice the sweet potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces for even cooking.

Sweet potato being cut into pieces on a wooden board.

Cook: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sweet potato cubes and season with coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the sweet potatoes evenly, then spread them out in a single layer. Cover the skillet with a lid and steam for about 10 minutes to soften the sweet potatoes. If you don’t have a lid, use a sheet pan to cover the skillet.

Sweet potato pieces and seasonings in a skillet.

Sweet potatoes being cooked in a skillet.

Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and continue cooking the sweet potatoes over medium heat, stirring frequently, for another 8–10 minutes until they are cooked through and slightly crispy.

Seasoning Ideas

You can truly customize this easy side dish with any seasonings or spices you love! Feel free to flavor the sweet potato pieces however you like. Here are some suggestions:

Smoky & Savory: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin.
Curry-Inspired: Curry powder with turmeric and coriander for a bold, warm flavor.
Warm Spice: Chili powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and a dash of cayenne for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
Herbaceous Classic: Rosemary, thyme, and sea salt for a classic savory profile.
Sweet & Savory: Cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup to highlight the natural sweetness.
Simple: Just salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.

Expert Tips

Pan Type: Use a medium nonstick or French skillet for the best results. These pans help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Make sure to add enough oil to fully coat the sweet potatoes and prevent sticking.
Oil Type: Extra virgin olive oil works beautifully, but coconut oil or avocado oil are excellent alternatives. Use about 2 tablespoons to coat the entire skillet. You may need to add a little more oil during cooking to prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking.
Cutting Sweet Potatoes: This recipe works best with sweet potatoes cut into evenly sized cubes or slices. After washing and peeling, you can cut the sweet potato into diagonal slices for a nice sear on the sides (as pictured). Alternatively, you can dice them into small cubes for faster and more even cooking.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet for a few minutes with a little oil until warmed through.

Serving Ideas

Sautéed sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

Serve them as a side with fish, burgers (regular or veggie patties), or eggs.
Use them as a base for a breakfast hash topped with fried or poached eggs.
Pair them with my Spinach Feta Salmon Burgers, Crustless Salmon & Spinach Quiche, or Chicken & Pomegranate Salad.
Swap pan-cooked sweet potatoes for the roasted ones in my Sweet Potato, Brown Rice + Quinoa Salad for a new twist.

Recipe FAQ

Do you need to peel sweet potatoes?

When making sautéed sweet potatoes, I prefer to peel them before dicing into cubes. However, the skin is edible, so you can leave it on if you prefer. Just be sure to scrub the skin clean to remove any dirt.

Can I use other types of sweet potatoes?

Yes! Any variety of sweet potato works well for this recipe. Garnet, Jewel, and Japanese sweet potatoes are all excellent options.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes, but the sweet potatoes may not get as crispy. To prevent sticking, use a good nonstick skillet and a splash of vegetable broth or water as an alternative to oil.

How do I prevent sweet potatoes from sticking to the pan?

Diced sweet potatoes take about 20 to 25 minutes to cook on the stove. Stir them frequently to prevent sticking or burning. You may need to add more oil midway through cooking to ensure they don’t stick to the pan.

More Sweet Potato Recipes

Peanut Sweet Potato & Black Bean Stew

Sweet Potato, Brown Rice + Quinoa Salad

Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet

Sweet Potato & Red Pepper Soup

If you try this sautéed sweet potato recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.