Yuca, also known as cassava, is a staple food in Africa. Not only is it affordable, but it’s almost always available in local markets. My family often enjoys this starchy root vegetable in different dishes. My favorites are cassava fufu and these yummy yuca fries. I know you won’t get tired of French fries; that’s a given. But if you want a healthier alternative, I suggest you try these equally awesome yuca fries. Like the famous fries, they are also crunchy but slightly sweeter, and I must say – very tasty. And the best part is, it’s baked! 😉 Because of its high nutrient contents, including carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B, and C, it has become one of the most sought alternative foods for people who want to lose weight. It’s filling, keeping people’s appetites in check longer.
Recipe Ingredients
You can make this fantastic Caribbean cassava (yuca) fries with only 5 ingredients or make it two if using pre-blended seasoning. Oh yes!
How to Make Yuca Fries
Prep the Cassava
Halve the Cassava – Cut both ends of the cassava and then cut it in half. (Photos 1)Peel – Make a shallow cut into the cassava’s skin and gradually work your knife between it and the flesh to remove the skin. (Photo 2)Cut and Rinse – Cut them into desired shapes, remove the tap root, rinse, and place the yuca in a pot with salt, sugar, and water, just enough to barely cover it. (Photos 3-5)Boil and Drain – Bring the pot to a boil and cook on medium heat until the yuca is fork tender. Don’t overcook it. Then drain the water from the cooked cassava. (Photos 7)
Make the Yuca Fries
Get Ready – Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place the cassava in a single layer. (Photo 8)Season – Sprinkle with garlic and parsley and coat the cassava with cooking spray or oil.Bake – Place in a preheated 425℉/220℃ and bake for 20 minutes or until slightly brown, turning once.Serve – Serve warm with your favorite hot sauce or aioli.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
Yuca fries are best enjoyed nice and hot fresh from the oven. But cutting and peeling them might be a little time-consuming, especially when working in big batches. Raw – However, you can cut and peel them, then refrigerate them covered in a water-filled container for a few days. But you’ll want to change the water daily to keep them fresh. Alternatively, you can freeze them in a resealable bag for a few months. And when you’re ready to serve, proceed to boiling and baking as instructed. Cooked – You can also boil them a couple of days ahead and refrigerate them in an airtight container or freeze them once cooled. Then bake them according to the instructions when you’re ready for a quick, healthy snack. 😉
Serving and Storage Instructions
You’ll also enjoy this healthy alternative with luscious dips and sauces. Honey mustard, aioli, homemade BBQ sauce, ketchup, and mayo are excellent choices for starters. In comparison, remoulade sauce and tartar sauce will surely take your snacking experience to a whole new level of deliciousness. We rarely have leftovers of this yummy treat, but sometimes they’re inevitable, especially on special occasions where you serve a LOT of food. To store the leftover yuca fries, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for three days. Blast-freeze them lined in a baking tray covered with a cling wrap. Once frozen, transfer the yuca fries to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Reheat fries in a preheated 350℉/177℃ oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Or you can toast them for 5-7 minutes in an air fryer. There is no need to thaw if frozen, although you might want to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
What to Serve with Yuca Fries
A good yuca fries dipping sauce is always a welcome addition. Remoulade, aioli, and homemade mayo are always good choices. They also go well with these exquisite sandwiches below for a complete comfort food deluxe.
Jibarito Plantain and Steak SandwichSalisbury SteakPhilly Cheese Steak Sloppy JoesChicken Salad Sandwich
More Crave-Worthy Snack Recipes to Try
Cajun Baked Sweet Potato FriesBacon-Wrapped Jalapeno PoppersAir-Fryer Chicken LiversBeer Battered Onion RingsSouthern Cheese Straws
Conclusion
Yuca fries are as healthy and tasty as regular fries, making them an excellent alternative. How do you like to make yuca? Let me know in the comments! ❤️
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”l8zlFMvE” upload-date=”2020-03-28T14:46:01.000Z” name=”Yucca Fries & Roast Garlic Aioli” description=”Yucca Fries-Light and crisp, fresh Yucca fries (Baked or fried) with an Aromatic Roast Garlic Dipping Sauce. Savory, sweet and so healthy and delicious.” player-type=”collapse” override-embed=”false”] This blog post was originally published in March 2013 and has been updated with additional tips and a video.
