Yuca fries that are easy to prepare and baked in the oven for a healthier twist. They are gluten-free and quite crispy and delish!
I love yuca — also known as cassava or manioc… yes, I love it even more than potatoes! This is why our recipe for today is yuca fries (aipim frito).
But these are not just ordinary fries. These are Healthy Yuca Fries, because instead of being deep-fried they are baked. All the flavor is still there, but those extra inches to your waistline are kept at bay!!! How cool is that?!
As if that weren’t enough, cassava fries are gluten-free, dairy-free, super quick to prepare, and a vegetarian dish.
About Yuca or Cassava:
For those who may not know, yuca or cassava is the third-highest source of carbs in the tropics, consumed by about half a billion people all around the globe, and capable of growing in poor soils.
It is a widely consumed root, and in fact more common at even the American table than one might imagine, as you can learn further in cassava article.
How to Make Yuca Fries or Cassava Fries
If you are using frozen yuca/cassava: since it is already peeled and divided into sections, place in a pot with enough tap water to cover, and let boil over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender and the ends start to split open a little bit
Remove from water using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. When they are cool enough to handle, cut in half lengthwise and remove the thin, woody stick that runs through the middle.
How to Store Yuca Fries
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be aware they won’t be as crispy as when they came out from the oven. Freeze them wrapped tightly with freezer wrap for up to 12 months.
Other Dishes Made from Cassava or Yuca:
My love for yuca started many years ago back in Brazil, where we enjoyed many wonderful dishes made from this delicious and cheap root vegetable– such dishes as Mashed Cassava, Shrimp Bobó, and Cassava “Lasagna”.
In addition to many other world dishes such as this Boiled Cassava Salad and others made from its derivatives, tapioca, such as Red Wine Tapioca Pudding, Tapioca Crepes, Tapioca Cake and Farofa.
Abbe@This is How I Cook
May 30, 2013 at 12:45 pmDenise, I am so going to try these! I love fries of any form and I have always liked the yucca chips in the bag so now I’ll have to buy fresh yucca. Haven’t done that yet!
Denise Browning
May 30, 2013 at 2:52 pmIt is quite easy to make these fries, Abbe! My children and I love you chips i n a bag as well.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
May 30, 2013 at 3:26 pmI’ve never tried yuca fries before. this looks delish!
Mi Vida en un Dulce
May 30, 2013 at 7:14 pmI love fried yuca, and this is just the perfect way to have it more healthy, Thanks…!!
Denise Browning
June 1, 2013 at 9:01 amI agree with you, Nydia! My pleasure…
Deb
May 30, 2013 at 8:28 pmYuca is commonly found at my local fruit stand so I need to try this recipe soon! The fries would be perfect this weekend with grilled burgers!
Denise Browning
May 31, 2013 at 8:47 amExactly, Deb! They go very well with burgers and also as a side dish for stews, and grilled meats.
Liz
May 30, 2013 at 8:47 pmI’m going to have to keep my eyes peeled for yuca…your fries look terrific!
The Café Sucre Farine
May 30, 2013 at 9:59 pmWow, I know nothing about yuca but thanks for introducing me Denise! I can’t wait to try this!
Denise Browning
May 31, 2013 at 8:46 amChris: I hope you try this recipe. My hubby is American and he absolutely love yuca, especially the fries. My children love yuca chips. Yuca is one of my fav roots.
SallyBR
May 31, 2013 at 12:40 pmWell, I’ve been trying to comment for a couple of days, but from the iPad or iPhone it’s been impossible. But here I am, from the comfort of an internet cafe so I can say this recipe sounds like a dream come true! I don’t know why I never thought of roasting the cooked root in the oven, BRILLIANT!
I am trying this next time I find mandioca around the grocery store…..
Denise Browning
May 31, 2013 at 2:48 pmThanks so much for trying to comment from your ipad and iphone, Sally! I know how hard can be… I am not a big fan of frying food so I decided to make my fries in the oven and tasted quite good besides being healthier. 🙂 I hope you try this recipe next time. Wishing you a great weekend! xx
Amira
June 1, 2013 at 2:42 amThis dish looks very promising… I stopped deep frying potato looong ago I typically make it as you do your yuca… though I have a question … Is yucan the same as taro?
Denise Browning
June 1, 2013 at 7:20 amHi, Amira! No, Yuca is not the same as Taro although both a root vegetables.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
June 1, 2013 at 10:42 pmI had these in Orlando once and I loved them. One of my staff made them for a dinner I was invited to. All through the meal I said I wanted to make those at home and that was the last I thought about it. I want to try!
Raymund
June 2, 2013 at 4:05 amI never thought of frying yuca, thats a great idea. Got to try them soon
eatwellbehealthy.info
June 2, 2013 at 11:12 amHow did you actually obtain the tips to post ““Healthy Yuca Fries: Loaded with
flavor without expanding your waist line. |”? I appreciate it ,Alexandra
Denise Browning
June 2, 2013 at 5:45 pmAlexandra: This recipe is healthy because instead of deep frying the yuca, I roasted it. This decreases a lot the amount of fat and calories yet keeping the flavor of the dish.
Lail | With A Spin
June 4, 2013 at 1:38 pmHow did I miss these fries? Though never tried yuca, looks delicious. Definitely trying.
Nami | Just One Cookbook
June 5, 2013 at 6:59 pmNever tried yuca before but they look like baby taro root that we eat (but yuca is bigger). Looks delicious!
Denise Browning
June 5, 2013 at 8:22 pmIf you want, you can try this recipe using taro root, Nami!
Linda
June 16, 2013 at 1:27 pmYes U can make this recipes out of Nami . Lived in Hawaii & ate them quite often. We would sprinkle a little brown sugar in the last 10 mins of cooking & served w/ terrtaiki sauce. Will try this recipe looks great. I hope U can buy them fresh.
Cipote
January 4, 2015 at 4:36 pmWhen I fry yucca, I peel and cut to size first, then boil, then fry. I find it helps maintain uniformity, although it is a very tough to get a knife through fresh yucca. I’m sure it would work with this baked method as well. Thank you for sharing.
Denise Browning
January 4, 2015 at 5:52 pmThank you for your comment, Cipote!
Heather
February 1, 2016 at 9:17 pmThis was a huge hit in our house! We love it–2 boys, ages 10 and 11, and mom and dad all give it 2 thumbs up! We are looking for Gluten-free and Dairy-free recipes for side dishes and this one will be a regular family favorite. Do you have recipes on how to do Yuca Mashed Potatoes?
Denise Browning
February 2, 2016 at 7:54 amHeather:
Thank you!!!! I am so glad your family enjoyed this side dish. Yes, our recipe index contains several dishes that are both GF and DF. Here is the link for 2 mashes: One made from yuca and coconut milk (So good!) and the other made from mashed sweet potatoes and coconut milk. Just skip the cheese!
http://www.frombraziltoyou.org/mashed-sweet-potatoes-coconut-milk-bacon-cilantro/
And since you love yuca, here is a yuca lasagna casserole that is a real hit at my household (you can use a DF cheese or simply skip it):
Enjoy!!!!
Jackie @Kitchen Gadget Reviews
March 31, 2016 at 1:17 pmInteresting and delicious recipe! I’m for sure going to give these ones a try.
Denise Browning
March 31, 2016 at 2:23 pmEnjoy, Jackie!
Wendy
August 8, 2016 at 5:21 pmThis sounds ideal for any occasion, but can they be made ahead of time and put in a chauffe plat?
Denise Browning
August 8, 2016 at 7:19 pmYes, they can, Wendy! But they won’t be as crispy outside as they would if they were served immediately after coming out of the oven. Enjoy!