Description
Crispy Yuca Fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional potato fries. These fries are boiled until tender, then baked to golden crispiness and perfectly seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Served with a vibrant cilantro lime sauce made from fresh cilantro, light mayo, lime juice, and garlic, this dish offers a flavorful and satisfying snack or side that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fries:
- 3 pounds yuca root
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup light mayo
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil on the stovetop, which will be used to cook the yuca.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for baking the fries.
- Prepare Yuca: Cut off the ends of the yuca root, then peel the tough skin off using a vegetable peeler. You may need to peel twice to remove all the thick skin.
- Cut Yuca: If the yuca root is long, cut it in half, then slice into fry or wedge shapes as desired for fries.
- Boil Yuca: Place the yuca pieces into the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes until fork-tender but not too soft to hold shape.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the cooked yuca thoroughly and pat dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture for crispiness.
- Season Fries: Toss the dried yuca fries in a bowl with avocado oil, salt, paprika, and garlic powder to coat evenly.
- Bake Fries: Arrange the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway if desired for even cooking.
- Prepare Sauce: While fries bake, combine fresh cilantro, light mayo, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small blender. Blend until smooth, then adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: When the fries are done, serve them hot alongside the cilantro lime sauce for dipping and enjoy your crispy yuca fries.
Notes
- Boiling the yuca before baking ensures it cooks through while still crisping up in the oven.
- Make sure to pat the yuca dry after boiling to get the crispiest texture in the oven.
- The cilantro lime sauce adds a fresh and tangy flavor that complements the savory spices on the fries perfectly.
- You can store leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer extra crispiness, flip the fries halfway through baking.
- Avocado oil is preferred for its high smoke point and subtle flavor, but you can substitute with olive oil if needed.
Keywords: yuca fries, crispy yuca, baked fries, Latin American side, cilantro lime sauce, healthy fries, root vegetable fries