Yuca Frita (Fried Yuca)

5 from 1 vote

Yuca Frita (Fried Yuca) chunks is a delicious and simple recipe that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack or side dish. Serve with a garlic cilantro mojo sauce on the side for an even more amazing and yummy dish!

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Servings:

Calories: 405kcal

Author: Catherine Arena

Ingredients

Yuca Frita (Fried Yuca)

2 lbs fresh or frozen yuca
canola or vegetable oil
salt
oregano (optional) sprinkled on top

Garlic Cilantro Mojo Sauce

½ cup olive oil finely minced or crushed in a mortar and pestle
5-6 garlic cloves peeled
3-4 tablespoon fresh cilantro rinsed and finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Garlic Cilantro Mojo Sauce

Using a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic or use a knife to finely chop the garlic. Set aside.
Rinse the cilantro under cool water and finely chop. Set aside.
Add salt and pepper to the olive oil mixture and whisk together until well combined. Set the Garlic Cilantro Mojo Sauce aside until ready to use.

How to Make Yuca Frita (Fried Yuca) with Frozen Yuca

Add 3-4 quarts of water to a large pot and bring water to a boil.
Remove frozen yuca from the bag and rinse under cool water.
Carefully add the yuca to the pot and then add one teaspoon of salt to the water.
Lower heat to medium and cook the yuca for about 25 minutes.
Once yuca is cooked through, carefully drain into a colander and allow the excess water to fully drain.
Allow the yuca to cool for a few minutes, long enough to be able to handle.
Using your fingers or a knife, break or cut apart the yuca into large chunks.
Remove the woody membrane from the center and discard.
Add enough oil to a saucepan or deep skillet to cover the bottom about 1 inch.
Heat the oil to medium heat and then carefully add the yuca chunks.
Cook until golden brown on one side and then flip over.
Allow to brown on the other side.
Once crispy and golden, using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove chunks unto a plate lined with paper towels.
Immediately season the chunks with salt and sprinkle oregano specks on top (oregano is optional).
Serve immediately with the garlic cilantro mojo sauce.

How to Make Yuca Frita (Fried Yuca) with Fresh Yuca

Cut the ends off of the yuca, about an inch or two off and discard the ends.
Then cut the yuca in half and use a paring knife to score the skin lengthwise.
Cut through the bark into and past the pinkish skin under the bark.
Place the knife under the skin to loosen, then lift and pry the skin off still using the knife or use your fingers to get under skin. Discard skin.
Rinse the yuca pieces and proceed with the same instructions for frozen yuca above.

Nutrition