Have you ever thought about making a yuca fries recipe but thought it might be a bit tricky? Do you wish you could dive into a bowl of paleo-friendly crispy fries that taste better than regular potato fries? I’ll let you in on a little secret… I like these way better than regular potato fries – they have such a great texture and depth of flavor!
Yuca fries, also known as cassava fries, are unbelievably crispy, but still tender and soft on the inside. They’re simple, quick to make and ready to eat in under 30 minutes.
These paleo French fries are perfect to eat as a quick snack just with salt and pepper, and they make a wonderful side dish. They are a great crowd pleaser at family gatherings or summer parties too. What’s not to love?
What Are Yuca Fries?
Yuca fries / cassava fries are like healthier paleo French fries.
Yuca fries are made from the yuca root (also known as cassava). Yuca roots are similar in size and shape to a sweet potato and can range from one to several pounds in weight.
The cassava roots have a light or cream colored flesh and a slightly grainy texture. The taste is mild and almost nutty… so amazing for this fried yuca recipe! You might hear them referred to as both yuca fries and cassava fries, and both terms are correct.
Some people worry that yuca is poisonous to eat and avoid it. But let’s be real for a second, once the bark and purple peel has been removed and the yuca has been cooked, it is perfectly safe and really delicious. It’s not really any different than chicken that’s dangerous raw but totally fine cooked, is it? I wouldn’t be scared of eating chicken after cooking, so being scared of cooking yuca is absolutely ridiculous. Just a matter of correct preparation!
How To Make Yuca Fries
This yuca fries recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you never made them before.
Using a sharp knife, remove all the bark from the yuca roots and slice them into evenly sized fries. I make them around 1/2 inch thick and the full length of the yuca root. This way, you get yuca fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Here is how to make yuca fries shaped like regular fries:
Next, place your fries in a large pan of water and boil them until just tender. This takes about 15 minutes.
TIP: To know that the cassava fries are done boiling, check that they pierce easily with a sharp knife.
Allow the fries to air dry, then add them to a cast iron pan with 2 tablespoons of oil. Fry the yuca fries for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
TIP: Don’t crowd the pan – each fry should be touching the pan! You may find that you need to make the fries in two batches. Serve immediately with salt and pepper to taste.
Can You Bake Yuca Fries Rather Than Fry Them?
Yes, you can bake yuca fries. But, I find that you get the best and crispiest results if you fry them. If you bake the fries, I find they can scorch really easily and don’t turn out as soft on the inside.
What Oil Should I Use To Fry Cassava Fries?
This is a personal choice, but I find I get the best results from either coconut oil or avocado oil.
TIP: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, so that you don’t introduce carcinogens during frying.
If you want to use coconut oil but don’t like the coconut taste, I have also made these using a garlic infused coconut oil. This masks the sweet coconut taste quite well!
Can You Make Yuca Fries With Frozen Yuca?
Frozen yuca is readily available in the freezer section of the grocery store. But, sometimes the fries can turn out a little tough and stringy if you use frozen yuca. You can use frozen yuca if you have to, but it’s not as good as fresh.
If you can buy it fresh cassava root, then it will give much better results!
Is This Fried Yuca Recipe Healthy?
Yes, fried yuca is healthy! Cassava is a natural ingredient, packed with tons of vitamin C (over 40% daily value in one serving of these!), and lower in carbs than potatoes. It’s also a resistant starch that is slower to digest, meaning less chance of a blood sugar spike.
Just make sure to use a healthy oil, like avocado or coconut oil!
How To Serve Yuca Fries
Here are some serving ideas for what to serve with cassava fries:
RECIPE CARD
Easy Crispy Yuca Fries Recipe (Cassava Fries)
This paleo yuca fries recipe (a.k.a. cassava fries) is so EASY and quick to make. Just 3 ingredients + 30 minutes needed to make healthy fried yuca!
Recipe Video
Click or tap on the image below to play the video and learn how to make this recipe!
Ingredients
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- 1.5 lbs Yuca root
- 1/2 cup Avocado oil
- Sea salt (to taste)
Instructions
More TIPS about this paleo recipe in the post above!
Peel the brown bark along with the purple underlayer off the yuca. Cut the yuca into thick wedges and rinse under cool water.
Cut the yuca down the middle and remove the fibrous core. If you can't see the core, you can remove it after boiling when it's more visible.
Slice the Yuca into evenly sized fries (approximately 1/2 inch thick).
Place the yuca in a large pot and cover with water.
Bring to a boil and cook just until tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes.
Carefully drain the parboiled fries and remove, making sure not the break the wedges and dry them on kitchen paper.
Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Fry the yuca for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and immediately season with sea salt.
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/4 of entire recipe, about 6 ounces
Note: Nutrition info only includes 1/4 of the oil used for frying, because most of it gets left behind in the pan and is not actually consumed.
Video Showing How To Make Yuca Fries:
Don't miss the VIDEO above - it's the easiest way to learn how to make Yuca Fries!
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols (though the latter are rarely seen on this site), because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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9 Comments
Kym
I love Yuca. Whatever I would use a potato in, has now been replaced with the Yuca
Heycandy
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!!!! They were perfect! I’m eating fries again!! Btw, my husband devoured them even though he questioned my every move! lol
Lauren
Thanks so much for sharing! I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Kari Peters
I’ve never tried anything with yucca root, but starting with fries seems like an obvious choice for me being completely addicted to them! I just so happen to have an abundance of mint right now, so I’ll have to try the sauce too, it sounds really awesome for all sorts of summer meals!
Patricia
I’d never tried yuca root, but this recipe inspired me! Loved it! Yum!
Alisa Fleming
Ooh, I’ve never tried Yuca … so intrigued now!
Dorothy
Yucca fries with mint sauce? My heart started beating faster!
Diana Johnson
These were amazing! Now I’m craving fries again!
Rebecca
Yucca fries are simply the best! Just had some last night, but I boil and bake (no oil!)