7 Savory Yuca Dishes You Can Make With Ease (2024)

So what is yuca anyway and does it taste any good? Glad you asked!

Yuca is also known as Cassavabecause it is a root from the Cassava plant. The shape and size of the Yuca root resemble that of a sweet potato.

Its grainy texture and starchy qualities make for a sweet and nutty taste.

The Yuca goes amazingly as a side dish or as a main course. But this root isn’t only good for creating some awesome savory dishes, it’s also done its fair share in the restaurant business.

One chef was able to save his crashing business by serving Yuca bread and other dishes.

To learn how you can bring Yuca into your home, check out these 7 savory dishes that you can make with Yuca!

1. Yuca Empanadas

These Yuca empanadas aren’t filled with Yuca, rather the dough is made with Yuca.

The filling is made with vegetables and ground beef.

Here’s the recipe:

Dough Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup of Cassava Flour
• 1 cup of water
• 2 cups of vegetable oil (separated)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Beef Filling Ingredients Needed

• 1/2 pound of ground beef
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 cloves of crushed garlic
• 1 red onion
• 1/2 bell pepper (diced)
• 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
• 1 sprig of cilantro
• 3/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper

Cheese Filling Ingredients Needed

• 1/2 cup of cheddar (diced)

Instructions

1. Boil water, then let it simmer over low heat.
2. Mix oil, salt, and Cassava Flour. Pour in 1/4 cup of boiling water and mix. Add by tablespoon more water if the dough appears dry. The dough should be slightly dry when finished.
3. Knead the dough until it resembles regular flour dough.
4. Create 8 equal balls from the dough. Roll out balls to form thin disks on a lightly oiled surface.
5. Take 1 tablespoon of beef or a few dices of cheese in the center. Double the dough over to form a semi-circle. Press edges together with a fork.
6. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. You should have 2 inches of oil. Fry empanadas until golden brown. Then place on paper towel.
7. Serve.

Whether you use the beef filling or the cheese filling, this Yuca empanada recipe is sure to please everyone!

Don’t forget to serve immediately after frying these delicious empanadas for the best results!

2. Yuca Fritters

Yuca Fritters aren’t tied down by one recipe. The recipe can be changed by switching out an ingredient here or there.

But, nevertheless, they’re always delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of Cassava
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic (mashed)
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of anise

Instructions

1. Peel the Cassava and grate it.Squeeze until starch water is released. Then, mix together.
2. Take a spoon and create fritters in the shape of ovals, but not too thick. Place into the oil.
3. Fry 4-6 at a time and until golden brown.
4. Serve.

If you don’t need as many, you can cut the recipe in half.

It’s also good to note that you can prepare them the day before and store in the refrigerator before frying the next day.

Don’t forget to get creative and switch up an ingredient here or there!

3. Cassava Cheese Bread Waffles

These savory waffles are a great addition to any breakfast.

Top them off with fresh fruit, a fried egg and tomato or just simply pile on the syrup.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups of Cassava Flour
• 1 stick of butter (softened)
• 4 cups of mozzarella cheese (grated)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup of water or milk
• Your preferred fresh fruit

Instructions

1. Add cheese, Cassava Flour, butter, salt, eggs, and water (or milk) in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix with hands until the dough is smooth. Add water by the tablespoon if the dough is too dry.
3. Form the dough into large patties.
4. Heat waffle maker as if making regular waffles. Place patty on the center, close maker, and let it cook about 5 minutes or until crispy.
5. Remove waffles, top off with fruit and serve.

Don’t forget to serve the waffles immediately after removing from the waffle maker.

And top it off with any toppings that you’d like!

4. Creamed Yuca (Cassava) with Roasted Garlic

Creamed Yuca with roasted garlic is the perfect alternative to mashed potatoes.

It’s a great comfort-food dish, and you won’t regret trying it.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 pounds of Yuca (cubed and peeled)
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1 head of roasted garlic
• 1 cup of half and half (warm)
• salt and pepper to taste
• pinch of nutmeg (grated)

Garlic Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Peel garlic and cut 1/2 inch from the top.
3. Put garlic on tinfoil and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap tightly in foil. Bake garlic for 1 hour.
4. Remove garlic from the oven, and let it cool.
5. Squeeze garlic out of the husk.

Creamed Yuca Instructions

1. Peel and cube Yuca while garlic is roasting.
2. Put Yuca in a pan and cover with water and salt.
3. Bring it to a boil. Then, reduce heat to medium. Cover it and simmer until Yuca is cooked thoroughly (20 minutes). Yuca should be tender.
4. Remove the Yuca from heat and allow water to drain.
5. Put Yuca, half and half, butter, and roasted garlic in a bowl. Mash it all together or whip together.
6. Season Yuca with nutmeg, pepper, and salt.
7. Serve.

Other than half and half, you can also use whole milk, soy milk, skim milk, or 2% milk as well.

This recipe takes around 75 minutes total, but it’s definitely worth the wait!

However, if you’d rather not wait, ready to eat yuca will put you on the fast track.

5. Yuca Chips

Like potato chips? Then you’ll love yuca chips.

Be warned, these baked snacks are extremely addictive, especially when seasoned with cilantro lime and dipped in guacamole.

Ingredients

• 1 large yucca, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thin
• 1 chopped bunch of cilantro (coriander)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 diced medium avocados
• Juice of 3 limes squeezed, separated

Instructions for Yuca Chips

1. Toss the yuca slices, olive oil, juice of one lime andhalf of the cilantro in a large bowl
2. Season the yuca slices with salt & pepper
3. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray
4. Place the yuca slices flat on a baking sheet
5. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Instructions for Guacamole

1. Mix diced avocado in a medium bowl with remaining cilantro and lime juice
2. Season diced avocados with salt and pepper and mash until a little chunky

Tip* To add to your yucca chips and guacamole presentation you can save the avocado shells and use them as serving bowls for your guacamole.

6. Yuca Fries (Yuca Frita)

I know what you are thinking. How can something that looks like that produce something as tasty as a french fry?

Your gonna have to trust me on this one. Yuca fries or yuca frita is delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs of yuca
• 2tablespoons sugar
• Canola oil
• Pinch of salt
• Garlic powder to taste
• Parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cut of both ends of the yuca and then cut them in 2 or 3 depending on the length

2. Work your knife under the outer layer of the yuca to remove the skin

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3. Cut them into French fry shape, rinse and place in a pot with salt, sugar and water, just enough to barely engulf the yuca fries

4. Bring to a boil and cook on medium heat until fork tender. Do not overcook. Drain the water from the pot

5. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place the yuca fries in a single layer.

6. Sprinkle with garlic and parsley and coat the yuca fries with cooking spray or oil

7. Bake in a 425-degree oven for minutes for 20 minutes or until slightly brown, turning only once

You can enjoy your yuca fries with ketchup, mojo, garlic aioli, crema de aji or your favorite dipping sauce.

7. Pan de Yuca (Yuca Bread)

Looking for something different to enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee or hot chocolate? Well then pan de yuca might be for you. Pan de yuca is a popular Colombian food made from yuca flour and cheese. Here’s how to make pan de yuca and what you’ll need.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of yuca flour
• 2 cups of queso fresco Colombian cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon sugar

Instructions

1. Pre-heat your oven to 450°F.
2. Mix in a food processor, the yuca flour, cheese, sugar and baking powder. Process until well combine. Add the eggs slowly while food processor is running.
3. Divide the processed mixture into 12 equal portions and shape into a ball.
4. Place balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden on top. Serve while warm.

These Savory Dishes Made With Yuca Are Sure to Please!

Whether you’re looking for savory dishes to entertain a party with, or are simply looking for a delicious side dish for your breakfast or dinner, these Yuca recipes are your new go-to’s.

Oh and by the way, Yuca has many health benefits too!

Once you’ve devoured your plate, you’ll want to indulge in some amazing latin desserts.

Check out these 9 Peruvian desserts that you’ll die for! Or visit our online store and shop for other freshly imported !