Yuca Fries are very easy to prepare, and they are immensely satisfying, with a cotton soft melting interior and super crusty exterior. They are as good as potato fries, but they have more character.
Yuca fries Cassava fries
You will love this simple but delicious oven-baked yuca fries. This is a very simple recipe that you can whip up as a snack or side dish to go with a favorite meal. It’s also great as an appetizer for any get-together.
Yuca fries are a delicious alternative to regular french fries. They’re high in fiber, low in fat, and they’re also gluten-free!
If you love potato fries or sweet potato fries, you will love these! Talking about fries, you may also want to check out this plantain fries recipe. Plantain is not a root crop, but it’s one amazing recipe that you will be happy to add to your repertoire once you try it.
What is Yuca?
If you have been reading from the beginning of this post, you will notice that I’ve been using cassava fries and yuca fries, so let me tell you what yuca really is, just in case you are hearing this for the first time.
Yuca is a starchy root vegetable that comes from the same family as sweet potatoes. It’s already naturally sweet, so it doesn’t need much more than a little salt and black pepper to make it taste amazing!
It is widely used in Asian, Caribbean, and African meals, where it’s commonly referred to as cassava; and just like potatoes, it can be boiled, fried, or baked.
Yuca fries are a popular side dish in many Latin American countries. They’re also known as cassava fries and manioc fries. It has a very high starch content, so it’s often used to make flour or bread. However, it’s also delicious when deep-fried, baked, or air fried!
Check out this article on cassava to learn more about cassava!
How to make Yuca fries – Cassava fries
Yuca fries can either be baked or fried. All you have to do is to peel the cassava, cut it into wedges, and boil it in salted water. After boiling it, you can now proceed to deep fry, shallow fry, or bake it until they’re golden brown and crispy!
I like to serve them cut into thick pieces, which renders them crisp on the outside and soft and moist on the inside.
You can serve it alone, as a snack, or as a side dish with some chicken wings and your favorite dip.
Difference between yuca and yucca
Here in the states, yuca is often confused with yucca. These two (yuca and yucca) are totally different.
Yuca is a tropical starchy root vegetable, which is also known as cassava, and just like potatoes, it can be boiled, fried, or baked.
Yucca, on the other hand, is a genus of perennial shrubs and trees notable for their rosettes of evergreen, tough, sword-shaped leaves and large terminal panicles of white or whitish flowers. They are native to the hot and dry parts of the Americas and the Caribbean.
Is Yuca healthy for you?
Yes! Yuca is known to be one of the most nutritious foods on earth. It contains high levels of potassium, choline, and vitamin C.
Though Cassava is high in carbs, however, it has a low glycemic index, and this makes it a healthy addition to any diet.
Is cassava better for you than potatoes?
The answer to this question depends on an individual’s dietary needs, but Yuca is higher in fiber and potassium than potatoes. It is also loaded with antioxidants, Vitamins A, B, and C.
The antioxidants and vitamins alone will help your body fight off free radicals that can cause serious illness. While the fiber and potassium levels are higher than potatoes, it will give you a boost!
While yuca cannot replace potatoes in every potato-based dish, they do make an excellent exchange for fries!
Do you peel yuca before cooking?
Yes, yuca needs to be peeled because the skin is not edible. After peeling, you will need to cut through the center to remove the string-like fibrous inner core of the root. Once that is done, your cassava is ready to be cut and cooked.
What does cassava taste like?
Yuca is quite starchy and tastes similar to potatoes. It has a sweet but nutty type of flavor.
That’s why these oven-baked yuca fries may remind your tastebuds of homemade French fries.
Other delicious sides that are perfect for weeknight dinners
Black-Eyed Peas Salad – Loaded with lots of vegetables, inexpensive to make, easy to prep, and absolutely delicious.
Crispy Plantain fries– Treat yourself with these perfectly crispy, delicious, and easy-to-make plantain fries.
Sauteed Green Beans andBacon – A tasty and cost-effective side dish that will add color as well as flavor to your next dinner!
Oven-baked Yuca Fries
Yuca Fries are very easy to prepare, they are immensely satisfying, with cotton soft melting interior and super crusty exterior. They are as good as potato fries but they have more character.
Peel the yuca cut through the middle, and remove the string-like fibrous inner core of the root.
Cut the Yuca into thick wedges about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick rinse under cool water.
Place the yuca in a large pot and cover with enough water to almost submerge the yuca, season with salt and bring it to a boil about 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes tender but not falling apart.
Drain and place the cut yuca inside a large bowl, sprinkle some black pepper, and gently toss together.
Baking Instructions
Arrange the yuca on the baking tray large enough to ho hold them in one layer and brush generously with the oil.
Place in a 425F preheated oven until golden and crusty for 30 minutes turning halfway between.
Serve immediately alone, as a snack, or as a side dish with your favorite dip. Enjoy!
Frying Instructions
Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Use a slotted spoon to gently put the boiled yucca inside the oil (don't overcrowd the oil).
Fry till golden brown turning once in between. Remove from oil with the slotted spoon and drain over a paper towel.
Notes
The frozen yuca can also be used. It comes already peeled and can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores. All other instructions remain the same.
"deters people from eating yuca is the presence of cyanide".
Ok Chef Lola, you had me until I read that; I'll just replace this vegetable with potatoes. I still love your recipes!
Annabelle
Friday 21st of February 2020
"deters people from eating yuca is the presence of cyanide". Ok Chef Lola, you had me until I read that; I'll just replace this vegetable with potatoes. I still love your recipes!