Who knew yuca could be so versatile? This root veggie is a staple in Central and South American cuisine, and for good reason.
If you are looking for some new ways to enjoy yuca, I have compiled a list of the 10 most interesting yuca recipes you can try right now.
1. Yuca Fries
I think we all know French fries, but have you ever heard of Yuca fries? They can be made with yuca rather than the usual potato.
Frying is my absolute favorite method. I know that baking would be a healthier option, but these are fries after all!
The most amazing results are obtained by deep frying, and be sure to offer them with garlic or avocado dips for the best flavor. If you want, you may also add garlic salt, parmesan, or any other seasonings. The preparation is the same.
2. Yuca Hash Browns
An amazing way to use yuca is to make yuca hash browns. This particular recipe resembles a breakfast scramble more than it does standard hash browns.
In addition to the yuca, it has bacon, onions, and lime-cilantro mayo. This simple dish is sure to get anybody’s day off to a good start, and any cook can easily create it, although it may take around 45 minutes to prepare.
I know that some people mix up yuca and yucca. So be sure you are using yuca!
3. Yuca Bread
It’s difficult to believe how wonderful Colombian yuca bread is until you’ve had it. Although its taste is subtle, its texture is amazing.
And there’s nothing moderate about the queso blanco filling! The tops bake to a stunning golden brown, and no rise time is required.
The cheese, on the other hand, is incredibly gooey, cheesy, and wonderful. You know how amazing cheese dip tastes at your favorite Mexican restaurant, right?
Imagine that delectable dip nestled inside a warm, soft roll. Isn’t your mouth watering right now? You bet it is!
4. Yuca Fritters
While having a similar texture to empanadas, yuca fritters have a distinctly different flavor profile. These are incredibly soft with the perfect bit of crunch.
They are similar to the dough on a corndog, but with a more subtle flavor. You can load your fritters up with your favorite fillings.
This recipe calls for a seasoned beef filling that is packed with flavor. It is an absolute taste of heaven with meat and tomatoes in every bite.
I also recommend utilizing pig, chicken, or your favorite veggies. There are also some really tasty sweet yuca fritters available!
5. Garlic Mashed Yuca Root
There are few side dishes more comforting than garlic mashed potatoes. This version of the dish made with yuca is similarly soothing and wonderful.
Buttery, pillowy, and fluffy describe this mashed yuca side dish well. Every mouthful is infused with a strong garlic flavor, making for an exceptionally wonderful side dish.
You can also top with gravy to really make it something special. Ghee is used in place of butter in this recipe.
6. Yuca with Garlic Sauce
When preparing the yuca for this recipe, you’ll be boiling, peeling, and chopping it just like potatoes. Nothing could be easier.
The most involved part of this recipe will be making the garlic sauce known as mojo. Luckily, that’s a pretty straightforward process, as well.
In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this great side dish. Boiled yuca and red onions make up this dish.
As a finishing touch, it’s all drenched in a citrus, herb, and garlic sauce. The best part is that it’s healthy, gluten-free, and even vegan.
7. Fried Yuca With Mojo
This recipe is very similar to the previous one, but you’ll be frying the yuca rather than boiling it. The delicious lemon garlic sauce remains the same.
It’s all about the crunchy texture of the yuca. While the flavors are nearly identical, the texture of these makes all the difference.
There is just something so delightful about biting into a crispy exterior to get to that tender interior. Yum!
8. Yuca Waffles
These aren’t the type of waffles you just pop in your toaster. These yuca waffles are as cheesy and savory as it gets.
You’ll need yuca flour, cheese, eggs, butter, salt, and milk to make them. The process for whipping them up isn’t all that different from making regular waffle batter.
These are also really cheesy, light, and airy with a nice crunch. Feel free to adjust the toppings to suit what you are in the mood for.
You could do more traditional breakfast toppings, or offer something more ethnic like hot sauce, guacamole, or smoked salmon.
9. Yuca Empanadas
These yuca empanadas are just as amazing, featuring a soft, pillowy crust and a scrumptious, hearty filling. I would suggest filling these with whatever your heart desires.
This recipe is phenomenal if you can’t make up your mind. It features juicy ground pork, a ton of strong spices and seasonings, and salty olives.
They may take close to an hour to prepare, but they will be worth every second of your time!