Learn How to Make Yuca Fries and give potatoes a break! These yuca fries are crispy on the outside and creamy and irresistible soft on the inside. Easy to make and perfect to share at a barbecue or party.
YUCA FRIES RECIPE
You will love the delicious taste Yuca Fries brings to your table. Especially when served with a good steak and smothered avocado sauce, chimichurri, and/or cilantro mojo!
If you are not familiar with this ingredient, Yuca (also known as Cassava) is a starchy root vegetable or tuber that has a waxy outer skin and a starchy center. It is native to South, Central America, and the Caribbean and used quite often in Latin dishes.
Yuca is the go-to side dish in all Venezuelan Barbecues and it has become a very popular ingredient among people who follow the paleo or whole30 diet.
These yuca fries are crispy on the outside and creamy and irresistible soft on the inside. If you’ve been rocking potatoes and sweet potato fries, you’ll also want to give yuca fries recipe a try!
WHAT IS YUCA?
Yuca, also known as Cassava, is a starchy root vegetable or tuber that has a waxy outer skin and a starchy center. It is native to South, Central America, and the Caribbean and used quite often in Latin dishes.
HOW DOES YUCA TASTE LIKE?
It’s very similar to potatoes but lighter in flavor and chewier texture. It has a mild, slightly sweet, somewhat nutty flavor. If you like potatoes, you most likely will like yuca.
HOW TO TELL WHEN YUCA IS BAD?
When you peel the yuca root, it should be completely white. If there are dark or brown spots, lines, flecks, the root has gone bad so go ahead and discard. You can see what I mean in this photo.
HOW TO PEEL YUCA/CASSAVA?
- Cut off both ends of the yuca root. Then cut them into 3 to 4-inch rounds, depending on the length of the Yuca.
- Make a shallow cut lengthwise into the skin of the yuca. Work your thumbs under one side of the cut. Once you’re underneath the peel, you can work your thumbs down the length of the root, peeling the skin off.
IS YUCA ROOT THE SAME AS CASSAVA?
Yes, Yuca, Cassava and/or Yuca is the same, a starchy root vegetable or tuber that has a waxy outer skin and a starchy center. It is native to South, Central America, and the Caribbean and used quite often in Latin dishes.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH YUCA ROOT?
Yuca can be a great option when you are looking for a different and delicious side dish alternative. You can add yuca to soups, boiling it, and serve it smothered with cilantro sauce, chimichurri sauce, or Guasacaca. Fry it to make yuca fries.
How to Make Yuca Fries?
After the yuca is peeled and cut, place the yuca into a big pot with plenty of boiling water and salt. Cook the yuca until is fork-tender. Let it cool, remove the inner root, and cut into fingers. Fry in batches until golden brown. Enjoy!
CAN I MAKE YUCA FRIES IN THE OVEN?
Yes! Cook, peel, and cook as instructed in the recipe. Then, preheat oven to 425º F. Bake for 20 -25 minutes or until slightly brown, turning twice.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH YUCA ROOT?
Yuca can be a great option when you are looking for a different and delicious side dish alternative. It can be boiled, roasted, or fried. You can add yuca to soups, the same way you add potatoes, or you can boil it and serve it smothered with cilantro sauce, chimichurri sauce or Guasacaca, or make mash. Or fry it to make yuca fries.
How to Make Yuca Fries
Ingredients
- 3 lb fresh yuca (cassava)
- Salt to taste (see notes)
- 2 - 3 cups light tasting oil (vegetable, canola or avocado)
- Avocado Sauce (Guasacaca) to serve (optional)
- Cilantro Mojo to serve (optional)
Instructions
CUT and PEEL:
- Cut off both ends of the yuca root. Then cut them into 3 to 4-inch rounds, depending on the length of the yuca.
- Make a shallow cut lengthwise into the skin of the yuca. Work your thumbs under one side of the cut. Once you’re underneath the peel, you can work your thumbs down the length of the root, peeling the skin off.
COOK:
- Stovetop: Bring to boil a pot with plenty of water and salt. Add the rounds to the boiling water. Cook for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let it cool.
- Instant Pot (pressure cooker): Place the yuca in the Instant Pot. Add enough water to cover the yuca and salt. Secure lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve. Select “Manual”. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. When the time is complete, use the quick release to depressurize. Drain and let it cool.
FRY:
- Cut yuca pieces in half and remove the inner root. Then cut into fingers.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or cast iron with oil up to ½ inch over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the yuca fries in batches, turning once, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain over paper towels.
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Nutrition
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