Yucas Fritas (Fried Yuca): Crispy Peruvian Side Dish

Yucas Fritas are crispy, golden-brown pieces of fried yuca (also known as cassava), commonly served in Peru as a side dish or appetizer. Similar to French fries, but with a denser, creamier interior, they’re often paired with Huancaína sauce — a spicy, cheesy, creamy dip made from ají amarillo and queso fresco.

🥔 What Is Yuca?

Yuca (cassava) is a starchy root vegetable native to South America. It's long and brown on the outside, with a tough, waxy skin and a white, fibrous flesh on the inside. In Peru, yuca is used boiled, mashed, or fried — and Yucas Fritas are one of the most popular forms.

When properly cooked and fried, yuca becomes crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. It’s more filling than a potato and has a subtle, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with Peruvian sauces.

💡 Yuca vs. Potato: What's the Difference?

• Texture: Yuca is denser and less fluffy than potatoes.
• Flavor: Slightly sweeter and nuttier than white potatoes.
• Nutrition: Higher in carbs and calories, but more fiber.

🛒 How to Choose the Right Yuca

Fresh yuca can be tricky to pick if you're new to it. Follow these tips:

• Firm and heavy: Pick yuca roots that feel dense and firm to the touch.
• No cracks: Avoid yuca with visible splits or dry edges.
• White inside: If buying pre-cut yuca, make sure the inside is bright white — no gray or black lines (those are signs it’s old or fibrous).

🥶 Tip: You can also buy frozen yuca in Latin markets. It’s already peeled and parboiled, which makes frying faster and easier.

🍳 Can You Fry Yuca in Butter?

Yes — and it’s delicious! While most recipes call for oil (vegetable or canola), you can fry boiled yuca in butter for extra flavor. Just finish the final fry in a hot skillet with a bit of butter for a crisp, golden crust and a rich, nutty finish.

🥣 What Sauce Goes with Yucas Fritas?

The most classic pairing in Peru is Salsa Huancaína. It’s a creamy, spicy sauce made from ají amarillo peppers, cheese, milk, and crackers or bread — blended into a thick dip. Other options include:

• Ají verde (Peruvian green sauce)
• Rocoto sauce (for heat lovers)
• Garlic mayo or ketchup-mayo mix

🍽️ Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish next to Pollo a la Brasa or Lomo Saltado, Yucas Fritas are a staple of Peruvian comfort food.

📋 Ingredients for Yucas Fritas

• 2 lbs fresh or frozen yuca (cassava)
• Salt, to taste
• Vegetable oil or butter, for frying
• Optional: Salsa Huancaína or dip of your choice

🧊 If using frozen yuca: make sure it's parboiled. If not, boil it for 20–25 minutes before frying.

🍽️ Yucas Fritas Recipe Card

⚖️ Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~290–350 kcal (depending on oil or butter used)
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Fat: ~12–16g
• Protein: ~1–2g
• Fiber: ~3g

🔍 Health Tip: Yuca is naturally gluten-free and rich in complex carbs, but it’s calorie-dense. If you’re watching your fat intake, consider air-frying or baking with a light oil spray instead of deep-frying.

👨‍🍳 How to Make Yucas Fritas (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

This is a foolproof method for getting crispy, golden yuca fries with a soft and creamy center. Whether you're using fresh or frozen yuca, follow these simple steps:

🔪 Step 1: Peel and Cut the Yuca

If you're using fresh yuca:

• Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends.
• Slice into 3–4 inch sections.
• Make a shallow cut along the side and use your fingers to peel away the thick skin. It should come off in chunks.
• Cut each piece into thick wedges or "steak fry" shapes.

Tip: Yuca skin is tough. Don’t use a regular vegetable peeler — a knife is faster and safer.

🔥 Step 2: Boil Until Just Tender

• Place yuca in a pot with enough salted water to cover.
• Boil for 20–25 minutes, or until you can easily insert a fork without the yuca breaking apart.
• Drain and let cool for 5–10 minutes.
• Remove the woody core in the center of each piece (it looks like a string).

Don't skip this step! Boiling first ensures the inside cooks through before frying.

🌬️ Step 3: Let It Dry Completely

Spread the boiled yuca on a tray and let it air-dry for at least 10 minutes. This prevents splattering and helps the surface crisp up.

Optional: Place in the fridge or freezer for 10–15 minutes for extra-firm results (great for batch cooking).

🍳 Step 4: Fry Until Crispy

• Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F / 175°C.
• Fry yuca in small batches, flipping as needed, until golden brown (about 5–7 minutes).
• Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt while hot.

🥄 Alternative: For extra flavor, sauté in butter with chopped garlic instead of deep-frying. It's less crispy but more flavorful.

😋 Step 5: Serve Immediately

Yucas Fritas are best enjoyed hot and crispy. Serve with:

• Salsa Huancaína (classic pairing)
• Aji verde (spicy green Peruvian sauce)
• Garlic mayo or mustard dip

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze parboiled (but unfried) yuca for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Re-fry in oil or reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 min. Avoid the microwave — it makes them soggy!

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the boil: Raw yuca won’t fry evenly and may stay hard inside.
• Not drying the pieces: Water causes oil to splatter and prevents crispiness.
• Overcrowding the pan: This drops the oil temperature and causes soggy fries.

🥗 Is Yuca Healthy?

Yes — but it depends how you cook it. Yuca (cassava) is a naturally gluten-free, high-carb root vegetable rich in calories, fiber, and essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Here’s what 100g (about 3.5 oz) of boiled yuca (no oil) provides:

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1.8g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

However, once fried, the calorie and fat content increases significantly — up to 280–350 calories per serving, depending on the oil or butter used.

💚 Health Benefits of Yuca:

• High in resistant starch — supports gut health and digestion
• Filling and satisfying — keeps you full longer than regular fries
• Naturally gluten-free — perfect for celiacs or gluten-sensitive diets

Downside? It’s high in carbs, so portion control matters — especially if you’re watching blood sugar or weight.

💡 Healthier Ways to Cook Yuca

1. 🌀 Air Fryer Method

• Boil yuca as usual, cut into fries, let cool and dry
• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
• Toss yuca in 1–2 tsp olive oil and air fry for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway

Result: Crispy outside, creamy inside — with 50% less oil

2. 🔥 Oven-Baked Yuca Fries

• Boil and prep yuca as above
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Spread on a parchment-lined tray, drizzle with oil, and bake 20–25 min (flip halfway)

Tip: Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cumin before baking for extra flavor.

3. 🧈 Pan-Fried in Butter (Less Oil)

• Use a nonstick pan with 1 tbsp butter or ghee
• Brown boiled yuca on medium heat until golden

Flavor Boost: Add crushed garlic and chopped parsley in the final 2 minutes.

🧠 Smart Tips for Health-Conscious Cooks

• Use avocado or olive oil instead of vegetable oil for better fats
• Pair with a protein-rich dish like grilled chicken or tofu to balance your plate
• Serve with aji verde or a Greek yogurt–based dip instead of mayo

🙌 You don’t need to give up comfort food to eat healthy. Yucas Fritas can fit into your diet — just adjust the prep to match your lifestyle.