Crispy Fried Yucca (Cassava) with Butter
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Costa Rica with this easy-to-make Fried Yucca recipe! This dish has become my weekend hallmark, thanks to my husband's special touch. Yucca, a starchy root vegetable, offers a fantastic alternative to traditional potato fries, boasting a unique flavor and perfect crispiness. Crispy on the outside and deliciously soft on the inside, these yucca fries are generously coated with buttery richness and just the right sprinkle of salt. Perfect for lunch, snacks, or as a side dish, they pair wonderfully with ketchup or any dipping sauce of your choice. Elevate your next meal with this truly irresistible treat that reflects the essence of Costa Rican cuisine!
2
Servings
175
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yucca root
1 small or 1 medium (Skin and cut into 2-3 inch chunks, removing any stringy parts)
Butter
2-3 tablespoons (Melt for frying)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by carefully peeling the yucca using a vegetable peeler or a knife, ensuring to remove all the tough skin.
2
Next, cut the peeled yucca into 2-3 inch chunks, and then halve these chunks to create smaller pieces.
3
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and carefully add the yucca pieces. Boil them until soft enough to pierce with a fork, about 10-15 minutes. Be vigilant not to overboil; the yucca should remain firm to hold up during frying.
4
Once boiled, remove the yucca from the pot and allow it to cool for a few minutes. If visible, extract the indigestible stringy core from the center of the pieces.
5
Cut the softened yucca into smaller fry-shaped pieces, about 1/2 inch thick for optimum frying.
6
In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium to medium-low heat. Once melted, add the yucca pieces to the pan.
7
Fry the yucca, turning occasionally, until they achieve a golden-brown crispness on all sides, which should take about 5-10 minutes.
8
To finish, season the fried yucca with salt to taste and serve hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
20g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Fried Yucca?
Crispy Fried Yucca, also known as Cassava fries, is a popular Costa Rican dish where yucca root is boiled and then fried in butter until golden and crisp.
Is yucca the same thing as cassava?
Yes, yucca is another name for the cassava plant, a starchy root vegetable used extensively in tropical cuisines.
How do I peel the yucca root?
You can peel the yucca using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the tough, waxy outer skin.
How long should I boil the yucca?
The yucca should be boiled in salted water for approximately 10-15 minutes until it is soft enough to pierce with a fork.
What is the stringy core in yucca?
The stringy core is an indigestible fiber found in the center of the yucca root that should be removed after boiling.
How thick should I cut the yucca fries?
For the best results, cut the softened yucca into fry-shaped pieces about 1/2 inch thick.
What type of fat is used for frying in this recipe?
This specific recipe uses 2-3 tablespoons of butter to give the yucca a rich flavor and golden-brown finish.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
While this recipe calls for butter for its unique richness, you can substitute with oil if you prefer a different flavor profile or higher smoke point.
How long does it take to fry the yucca pieces?
Frying typically takes about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden-brown.
Is this Fried Yucca recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it consists of yucca root, butter, and salt.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 175 calories per serving in this fried yucca recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 1.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving in this butter-fried yucca.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What dipping sauces pair well with yucca fries?
They pair wonderfully with ketchup, garlic aioli, or any traditional Costa Rican dipping sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or a neutral vegetable oil.
Where does this dish originate from?
This specific preparation of fried yucca is a classic example of Costa Rican cuisine.
Is it necessary to boil the yucca before frying?
Yes, boiling ensures the inside is soft and cooked through, while frying provides the crispy exterior.
What heat setting should I use for frying?
The butter should be melted and the yucca fried over medium to medium-low heat.
What is the texture of fried yucca?
Fried yucca is known for being crispy on the outside while remaining soft and starchy on the inside.
When should I season the yucca?
You should season the yucca with salt to taste immediately after frying while it is still hot.
Can yucca be used as a potato alternative?
Absolutely, yucca is a fantastic starchy alternative to traditional potato fries with a more robust texture.
Is yucca gluten-free?
Yes, yucca is naturally gluten-free, making these fries a great snack for those with gluten sensitivities.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This simple recipe requires only 3 main ingredients: yucca root, butter, and salt.
Should I overboil the yucca?
No, avoid overboiling. The yucca should be soft enough for a fork but firm enough to hold its shape during frying.
How do I remove the core?
After boiling and cooling slightly, you can easily pull the stringy core out from the center of the yucca chunks.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a Lunch/Snacks dish.
What size yucca root should I use?
One small or medium yucca root is sufficient for the proportions in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, its warm, buttery, and crispy nature makes it a quintessential Costa Rican comfort food.